PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

  In a significant move to combat arms trafficking, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 1,599 assorted arms and 2,298 live cartridges to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW). Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who oversaw the handover ceremony in Lagos, revealed that some importers of the assault weapons have been convicted, while others are still facing trial. Additionally, 11 suspects linked to the arms trafficking network were handed over for further investigation and possible prosecution. Adeniyi emphasized the NCS's commitment to protecting Nigeria's borders through targeted anti-smuggling operations and intelligence-driven interventions. He noted that the NCS has played a crucial role in maintaining national security by intercepting illegal arms and ammunition. National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, represented by NCCSALW Director General Johnson Kokumo, commended the collaborative efforts between ...

  Senate President Godswill Akpabio has slammed the single payment system, calling it a major roadblock to Nigeria's economic growth. During Thursday's plenary session, Akpabio expressed concerns that the system is hindering progress and urged for its immediate abolition. Akpabio emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the system to streamline economic operations and prevent further delays in the nation's growth. Lawmakers have criticized the centralized payment policy, which requires over 700 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to process payments through a single office. This policy has led to inefficiencies, delayed project completions, and diminished public trust, particularly in constituencies expecting critical infrastructure projects. The Senate's criticism highlights the need for a more efficient and effective payment system to support Nigeria's economic development.

 Do not neglect your duties toward children--ASUBEB Chairman urges teachers  By Chidimma Okoye  The Executive Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, has said that the essence of the second term teachers forum is to have a heart to heart discussion with teachers on the issues affecting teaching and learning in schools, the ills going on in the school system and to profer possible solutions which is aimed to yield to a better society. The ASUBEB Chaiman, represented by an Education Officer, Melvine Anamaleze enjoined guidance and counselors, teachers not to neglect their duties toward children where ever they may find themselves for their conscience sake. Mrs. Elizabeth Nwadozie, Head of Service, Department of Academic Services of the LG Education Authority in her remarks said that it is necessary for teachers through the forum to fashion out proper ways to teach and guide the children for the actualization of effective learn...

Rose Idibia, the mother of renowned singer Innocent "2face" Idibia, has made a public plea for assistance regarding her son's current situation. In a viral video released on Thursday evening, Mrs. Idibia appealed to Nigerians to help her beg Edo State lawmaker Natasha Osawuru to desist from allegedly harassing her son. According to Mrs. Idibia, 2face is currently undergoing a difficult time due to his ongoing divorce proceedings with his estranged wife, Annie. She expressed concern that her son is not in a stable mental state, and the alleged actions of Osawuru are exacerbating the situation. Mrs. Idibia's emotional appeal has sparked widespread concern among fans and well-wishers, who are calling for calm and respect for 2face's well-being during this challenging period. Watch video below. 

  Former Ondo State First Lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has expressed her concerns about the economic hardship facing Nigeria, stating that only those benefiting from President Bola Tinubu's administration are shielded from the challenges. In an exclusive interview, she emphasized that the economic realities are evident to all Nigerians, except those with direct ties to the government.¹ Betty reaffirmed her commitment to her senatorial ambition, underscoring her determination to pursue her political goals. She also shared her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor, highlighting the importance of medical intervention over faith-based healing. Betty credited early detection for her survival, emphasizing that cancer should be viewed as a medical issue rather than a spiritual attack. In a candid discussion about her late husband, former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu's battle with cancer, Betty criticized the reliance on spiritual interventions over medical treatment. She sugg...

 THE SMEAR CAMPAIGN AGAINST QUEEN MAY WAS WELL-PLANNED AND WELL-COORDINATED  We have since discovered that the attacks on Queen May was well-planned and coordinated almost on an industrial scale. It was not just a random outbursts of emotional people. Rather, people sat down and planned it with clear objectives in mind. It was mass campaign of disinformation calculated to completely undermine a person, discredit her totally and isolate her from every social network outside her bloor relatives. It even extended to plans to tarnish her teenage daughter. Uncle Baba probably did not even understand the full objective of what he was hired to do. The police have extensive WhatsApp chats and messages showing an elaborate evil plan to destroy May. Uncle Baba is not as literate as you may think. He is naive and uneducated, compared to the impressions he has of himself. Certain people were supplying him the words he wrote and uttered. Indeed, everything he said was well rehearsed. More ...

 Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Tems joins San Diego FC ownership group as part owner Another big name has been added to the ownership group of San Diego FC. On Wednesday, SDFC announced two-time Grammy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter Tems has joined the ownership group as a club partner. Tems received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her work on “Lift Me Up,” the lead single off the 2022 film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, co-written and performed by singer, entrepreneur and actress Rihanna. The R&B ballad was nominated for Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards and in the same category at the 80th Golden Globe Awards. Additionally, Tems won a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe” and another Grammy for her work on “Wait for U” by Future featuring Drake. “We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a Club Partner,” said SDFC Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour in a statement. “Tems is a globally signif...

 Alleged N12.3b Fraud: Otudeko to Know Fate on Application Challenging  Jurisdiction of Court, March 17   Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, February 13, 2025 adjourned till March 17, 2025 for ruling on the application filed by Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the multiple fraud charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commision, EFCC. Otudeko was to be arraigned alongside a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Olabisi Onasanya; a former board member of Honeywell, Soji Akintayo and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Limited on a 13-count charge, bordering on obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N12.3 billion, which the defendants seek to evade with preliminary objections, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to try them. At today's proceeding, prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution...

 Seven Convicts Forfeit Hotel, N230.3m, Others in Makurdi   Justice M.S.Abubakar of the Federal High Court, sitting in Makurdi, Benue State has ordered the forfeiture to the federal government, the sum of  N232,396,714.00 (Two Hundred and Thirty-two Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-six Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fourteen Naira), a hotel as well as the sum of $4,977 (Four Thousand Nine Hundred and Seventy-seven US Dollars) recovered from seven fraudsters.   The forfeiture followed the conviction and sentencing of the fraudsters,  prosecuted on separate one-count charges, bordering on criminal impersonation, money laundering, cybercrime and obtaining by false pretence by the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.   The convicts are:  Tamaraudeinyefa Shedrack Brakekebebe, Godday Conference Brakekebebe, Terhemba Josiah Asagh, Nyiter Avalumun Elijah, Ahmed Alabi Akindele, Kennedy Torbem Ayanger and Hwande Aondooun...

  U.S Navy EA-18G Fighter Jet Crashes Into San Diego Bay A US Navy electronic-warfare aircraft crashed into San Diego Bay near Naval Air Station North Island on Wednesday, sending two service members to the hospital. The US Navy confirmed there were two pilots onboard the Boeing EA-18G Growler, and both were rescued. The crash was reported near Shelter Island just after 10:16 a.m. local time, according to the San Diego Fire Department. The Coast Guard San Diego Office confirmed to Fox News that the pilots were rescued by a fishing vessel. They were then transferred to CBP Air and Marine Operations. The pilots were both taken to a local hospital and were said to be in stable condition, according to the Coast Guard. A navy official told Fox News Digital it is unclear if a distress signal was sent out prior to the crash, and the pilots have not yet been identified. Fire officials sent 60 personnel to the scene, including two fire trucks, a foam truck, five engines, a helicopter, two b...

 GOV. SANWO-OLU HOSTS THE SOUTH WEST GOVERNORS’ FORUM MEETING AT LAGOS HOUSE IKEJA, ON THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 2025 South West State Governors, Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); the chairman, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Engr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Mr. Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), addressing the Press shortly after their zonal meeting at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday, 13 February 2025. South West State Governors, Engr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); the chairman, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos);  Mr. Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun) during their zonal meeting at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday, 13 February 2025. South West State Governors, Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); the chairman, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Engr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Mr. Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) ...

 SANWO-OLU TO COMMISSION RECONSTRUCTED ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO ADMIRALTY CIRCLE PLAZA IN LEKKI  As part of the Lagos Public Infrastructure Improvement Project, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is set to hand over yet another set of roads to Lagosians, with the formal commissioning of Chief Yesufu Abiodun Oniru Road, Akiogun Road (Alternative Route To Admiralty Circle Plaza In Lekki) and Abudu Smith Street all in (Iru Victoria Island LCDA) Eti Osa Local Government Area. The projects will be inaugurated on Friday 14th, February, 2025.  As at the period the Eti-Osa/Lekki/Epe Expressway was concessioned by the State Government to Lekki Concession Company (LCC) Ltd. and the Admiralty Circle Toll Plaza became operational, Akiogun/Chief Yesufu Abiodun Oniru Roads were adopted as part of the network of roads to serve as the alternative route for commuters who were unwilling to pay the toll.  An outcome emanating from the strategic execution of the Alternative Route To Admiralty Circ...

 A 6-year-old Louisiana girl with a serious dairy allergy was forced to clean up her own "mess" as punishment after having an accident when her teacher refused a bathroom break. Jamisha Augustine recently shared a disturbing story of an incident that happened to her 6-year-old daughter at Rollins Place Elementary School.  Jamisha shared that her daughter suffers from a dairy allergy, a fact that she shared with the school in her daughter's paperwork during enrollment.  However, on the day in question, the girl consumed milk with her school breakfast and instantly began having serious stomach issues. The young girl made multiple trips to the restroom due to diarrhea. However eventually the teacher denied the child access to the restroom, because of her frequent trips. Soon after, the girl had an unfortunate accident in the classroom.  In addition to being humiliated for having the accident in front of her peers, the young girl was forced to clean up her own feces with...

 BENUE: KIDNAPPED VICTIMS ESCAPE, RESCUED BY UKUM LGA CHAIRMAN The Executive Chairman of Ukum Local Government, Hon. Jonathan Modi   Ta, has received victims who managed to escape from their abductors today in Zaki Biam. The victims, all from Ukum extraction, revealed that they were kidnapped on December 27th and endured severe hardships, including days without food. Addressing them shortly after a strategic security meeting with security heads, Hon. Modi expressed deep concern for their well-being. He immediately ordered their transfer to a hospital for urgent medical care, emphasizing that their fragile health conditions required professional attention. In a passionate appeal, the Chairman urged the people of Ukum to embrace peace, aligning with the initiatives of Benue State Governor and Most Rev. Fr. Isaac Bundepuun Dugu, Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese. "It is deeply condemnable that, despite ongoing peace efforts, some individuals continue to inflict pain on their own...

 Kebbi Police Arrest Suspected Ritualists, Armed Robbers in Separate Operations The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested suspected ritualists and armed robbers in two separate incidents, reinforcing its commitment to tackling crime across the state. In a statement on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, detailed how operatives in Koko town apprehended a group of suspected ritualists on February 4, 2025, at about 7:00 PM, following credible intelligence. The suspects—Bello Abubakar, Jamilu Bello, Safiyanu Bello, and Usman Inda—allegedly conspired with an accomplice currently at large, Idrisu Yauri, to defraud one Shamsu Adamu of ₦2,025,000 under the pretense of producing CFA currency worth thirty million. “When Adamu failed to provide additional funds, the suspects allegedly threatened him with dire consequences unless he offered a child for sacrifice. Out of fear, he handed over his 4-year-old daughter, Amina Shamsu,” the statement revealed. However, operati...

 NMDPRA Seals Seven Fuel Stations in Kogi for Under-Dispensing The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has shut down seven fuel stations in Kogi State for under-dispensing fuel and unauthorized branding. Kogi State NMDPRA Coordinator, Ogbe Godwin, announced the enforcement action at a press briefing in Lokoja on Thursday. He condemned the act, stating, “We are not stopping marketers from selling at their own price, but cheating consumers will not be tolerated. Under-dispensing fuel is a serious offense, and violators will face legal consequences.” Following inspections of 50 fuel stations in the state, seven were found guilty of under-dispensing and ordered to pay penalties to the federal government. The affected outlets include: -Solag Resources Limited (Ankpa) -Hismus Oil and Gas (Obajana) -Riyenic Global Limited (Oke-Ibukun, Kabba) -S.O.T Nigeria Limited (Omuo Kabba) -Marktot Oil and Gas (Kabba) - for unauthorized branding -NIPCO Filling Sta...

 Attorney says opposition figure detained in Uganda for alleged crimes against the state is unwell A prominent opposition figure jailed in Uganda for allegedly threatening state security is unwell and in need of urgent medical care, his attorney said Thursday, AP reported. Four-time presidential candidate Kizza Besigye, who has been in detention since his abduction from Kenya on Nov. 16, is infirm and experiences episodes of hypertension, said Erias Lukwago. A military tribunal in Kampala has charged Besigye, 68, and an assistant with offenses related to illegal possession of a firearm and threatening national security. Besigye also faces a separate charge of treachery, a crime under military law that carries the death penalty. Lukwago on Wednesday saw Besigye at the maximum-security prison in Kampala where the opposition figure is being detained. Besigye needs specialized care that health authorities in the prison system are not equipped to provide, Lukwago said. The military tria...

Residents of Ogale community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State are currently protesting an oil spill allegedly caused by Shell Nigeria. The protest is taking place at a Shell oil facility near the site of the spill, which occurred about two weeks ago. Protesters are carrying placards with messages such as "Shell Clean Up Your Mess" as they march around the area. The community is demanding that Shell takes immediate action to clean up the spill and restore their environment. According to Shell Nigeria, the oil spill occurred on February 5 when a saver pit overflowed during flushing operations. The company claims to have contained the spill and notified authorities, and is making arrangements for a joint visit to assess the cause and impact of the spill. However, the Ogale community is not satisfied with Shell's response and is seeking urgent action to address the environmental damage caused by the spill. The Niger Delta region has been plagued by decades of oi...

  A recent raid by the Ogun State Amotekun Corps has rescued 14 teenage girls from a sex trafficking camp in Ifo Local Government Area. The survivors, aged between 12 and 39, were forced into prostitution at a hotel along the old bank road in Ifo. The girls, mostly from Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta states, were coerced into taking an oath, which involved being stripped naked and having parts of their hair cut off for alleged ritual purposes. This traumatic experience was meant to scare them from running away or confessing. A 14-year-old survivor, who was trafficked into Ogun State on January 29, 2024, revealed that she was forced to sleep with 10 to 12 men daily. She was told she would work as a salesgirl but was instead forced into prostitution. The survivor, a JSS3 dropout, was given drugs to take before starting work and was paid between N1,000 to N2,000 per customer. Another survivor, a 17-year-old girl, was brought to Ogun State on November 7, 2024. She was forced to swea...

  The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Disciplinary Committee has shed light on why it hasn't summoned certain party chieftains, including Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to appear before it. According to Chairman Chief Tom Ikimi, the committee's mandate is limited to addressing petitions formally submitted against party members.¹ Ikimi emphasized that the committee doesn't act on allegations published in newspapers, but rather relies on official petitions. This means that unless a formal complaint is filed, the committee won't take action, regardless of when the alleged infractions occurred. This clarification comes amid calls for disciplinary action against Wike and others over their role in the 2023 presidential election. Wike faced criticism for leading the G5 governors who worked against PDP's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. In related news, the committee was set to hear petitions against former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom an...

 Three Air Peace Passengers Arrested for Unruly Conduct on London-Lagos Flight Security personnel at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, have arrested three passengers for disruptive behavior aboard an Air Peace flight from London. Reports indicate that Adedigba Adewale and Ashibogu Magnus, originally assigned to Economy Class, forcefully occupied Business Class seats and repeatedly ignored crew instructions to return to their designated spots. Despite efforts to resolve the situation, the passengers remained defiant. They also openly consumed a bottle of rum they had brought on board, with a third passenger, Iwonze Benjamin, joining them. Their actions raised security concerns, prompting the captain to issue multiple announcements and alert security officials in Nigeria. Upon arrival, the three individuals were taken into custody for further investigation, with legal action expected to follow.

 Court Sets April 15 for Hearing in Ganduje’s Bribery Case The Kano State High Court has scheduled April 15, 2025, to hear all pending preliminary objections in the bribery and misappropriation case involving APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, his wife, Hafsat Umar, and six others. The Kano State Government has filed an eight-count charge against the defendants, accusing them of bribery, fund misappropriation, and the diversion of public funds amounting to billions of naira. Other defendants in the case include Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lasage General Enterprises Ltd. During Thursday’s hearing, prosecution counsel Adeola Adedipe (SAN) informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed, having filed a motion on notice seeking an extension of time to regularize a preliminary objection. Similarly, defense counsel for Ganduje, his wife, and Umar, Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, indicated readiness fo...

 Ondo AG: State Not Criminalizing Free Speech Ondo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, has refuted claims that the state government is suppressing free speech. In a statement issued in Akure on Thursday, Ajulo clarified that the government is only upholding existing laws against cyber harassment, blackmail, and misinformation. He emphasized that while free speech is a fundamental right, it is not absolute and does not protect against defamation or false accusations. Ajulo cited the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, a federal law that addresses cyber-related offenses, including cyberstalking and harassment. Ajulo stressed that Ondo State is not enacting new laws but ensuring compliance with national regulations. He also highlighted the state's commitment to public legal education through initiatives like the Citizens’ Rights Advisory Bureau (CRAB). The attorney general warned against the misuse of digital platforms, stating th...

 Anyanwu Defies PDP Leadership, Insists He’s Still National Secretary Embattled PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, has defied the National Working Committee (NWC) by resuming duties at the party’s National Secretariat despite ongoing disputes over his position. Anyanwu left the role to contest the Imo governorship election, after which the PDP South-East caucus endorsed Sunday Ude-Okoye as his replacement. Following his electoral loss, Anyanwu attempted to reclaim the position, leading to a leadership tussle. The Appeal Court ruled in favor of Ude-Okoye on December 20, 2024, and the PDP Governors’ Forum, NWC, and National Legal Adviser also backed him. However, Anyanwu has continued to assert his authority, stating he remains in office. On Thursday, the NWC reaffirmed Ude-Okoye as the legitimate National Secretary, citing full compliance with the court ruling and confirming no existing legal challenge against the decision.

 COAS COMMENDS TROOPS, DIRECTS OPERATION WHIRL STROKE TO INTENSIFY OPERATIONS AGAINST SECURITY THREATS The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede NAM, has charged troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade to sustain their offensive operations against security threats in Benue and neighboring states. He commended their professionalism, dedication, and selfless service while reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to their welfare and operational effectiveness. Lieutenant General Oluyede gave these directives during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE and the 401 Special Forces Brigade at Joe Akahaan Cantonment, Makurdi, on February 12, 2025. Upon arrival, he was warmly received the Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Lewis Lepdung and  the Commander of the 401 Special Forces Brigade, Brigadier General AS Bugaje.  During a briefing, Majo...

 Enyimba Coach Eguma Speaks Out After Heartbreaking Defeat to Bendel Insurance Enyimba's technical adviser, Stanley Eguma, has attributed his team's 1-0 defeat to Bendel Insurance in Benin City to the red card issued to defender Innocent Gabriel. Gabriel was sent off in the first half for a reckless challenge on Bendel Insurance's Kayode Oke, leaving Enyimba to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match. Despite the setback, Eguma praised the quality of the game, saying, "It was a good game, but being a man down made things difficult for us." The defeat saw Enyimba drop to 10th position on the league table. Enyimba will now shift their focus to their next match against Rivers United on Saturday, as they seek to bounce back from the loss. Eguma will be hoping that his team can learn from the experience and come back stronger in their upcoming fixture.

  Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that 22-year-old Filip Jorgensen has taken over as the team's first-choice goalkeeper, replacing Robert Sanchez. The decision comes after Sanchez, 27, made several costly errors this season, including in the 3-1 loss to Manchester City last month. Jorgensen, Denmark's under-21 goalkeeper, started in Chelsea's 2-1 league win against West Ham earlier this month, but Sanchez returned to the lineup for the FA Cup defeat at Brighton last week. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday's rematch against Brighton, Maresca explained that he had given Sanchez time to recover mentally and physically, but has now decided to stick with Jorgensen. "The idea is not to change the keeper game by game," Maresca said. "In this moment, our keeper is Filip. He started in the last Premier League game against West Ham, which we won, and he will continue to be our first choice." The goalkeeping change is part of...

 Several Injured as Car Rams Into Crowd in Munich A car plowed into a crowd near Munich’s central train station on Thursday, injuring at least 15 people, according to police reports. The incident occurred just a day before the Munich Security Conference, where US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to arrive later today, German newspaper Bild reported. Authorities launched a large-scale police operation at the scene. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Munich police confirmed that the driver had been detained and was no longer a threat. According to local broadcaster BR, the victims appeared to be part of a demonstration linked to a strike organized by the Verdi trade union.

  Ribadu Criticizes Canada Over Visa Denial to Military Chiefs National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has condemned the Canadian government for denying visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers. Speaking on Thursday at the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies' annual lecture in Abuja, Ribadu described the move as “disrespectful”, asserting that Nigeria should not seek validation from foreign nations. His reaction followed General Musa’s revelation that he and his team had been invited to an event honoring war veterans but were left stranded after some members were denied entry by the Canadian embassy. “Yesterday, I was supposed to be in Canada for an event honoring our veterans. Some of us got visas, while others were denied. It was very disappointing,” Musa said. He emphasized that the incident serves as a wake-up call for Nigeria to strengthen its sovereignty and avoid being taken for granted...

 Somalia signs defence pact with Azerbaijan Somalia and Azerbaijan have signed a pact to bolster defense ties between the two countries, Anadolu Agency reported. Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and his Azerbaijani counterpart Zakir Hasanov signed the agreement on Wednesday in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku. The Somali Defense Ministry hailed the pact as a “key agreement in the fields of defense and defense industry cooperation.” “This paves the way for enhanced technical support and military knowledge-sharing to bolster Somalia’s defense capabilities,” the ministry said on X. Earlier on Wednesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held talks in Baku with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev on bilateral relations, cooperation in green energy, and defense cooperation, among other issues. After the talks, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Somalia counterpart Ahmed Moallim Fiqi also signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of education. So...