PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Middle East war: No distress calls yet from Nigerians in Iran- FG The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, says it is yet to receive any distress call from Nigerians residing in Iran, following ongoing hostilities between Iran and the United States and its ally, Israel. In a chat with Vanguard, the Director of Media and Public Relations of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said although there might be Nigerians in Iran, none had officially reached out to the commission for assistance. “I’m not saying there are no Nigerians there, I’m only saying nobody has sent any distress call,” he clarified. When asked to provide an estimate of Nigerians currently affected, Balogun said NiDCOM doesn’t have such data and advised that inquiries be directed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We don’t have embassies there. The only person controlling embassies is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. They will be able to tell you’’ he said On whether NiDCOM is collaborating with airlines or foreign a...

  Senator Iyabo Obasanjo joins Ogun Governorship race, seeks ticket on the platform of the All Progressives Congress  The aspirant pledges to mobilize support of Ogun women and youth to return the state to a more viable and prosperous commercial hub, she says this during a briefing at the APC Media Centre

FG Stops NNPC Deductions; Orders Direct Oil Payments To Federation Account The Federal Government has taken steps to tighten control over the country's petroleum revenues, following the inaugural meeting of the Implementation Committee for Executive Order 9, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Key decisions reached include stopping NNPC Limited from collecting the 30% management fee and 30% frontier exploration fund deductions from profit oil and gas under Production Sharing Contracts with immediate effect. Gas flare penalties remittances into the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund have also been suspended. Contractors will now make direct payments of profit oil, royalty oil, and tax oil into the Federation Account, but with a transition period to respect existing contracts and maintain investor confidence, while a Technical Subcommittee has been set up to develop guidelines for the transition and review the Petroleum Industry Act to address revenue weaknesses. The...

 DSS arrests suspect over attack on Peter Obi, others in Edo The Department of State Services have arrested a suspect named Udeme Sunday Stephen, believed to be linked to the attack on the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and some chieftains of the African Democratic Congress in Benin, the Edo State capital. The secret agency arrested the suspect after a thorough investigation. Obi and some party chieftains were attacked at the residence of a chieftain of the ADC, John Odigie-Oyegun, last Tuesday. According to the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, the incident occurred shortly after they returned from the ADC secretariat, where they formally welcomed the 2023 LP governorship candidate for Edo, Olumide Akpata, into the party

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE NIGERIA POLICE COUNCIL ENDORSES APPOINTMENT OF TUNJI DISU AS INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE, SWEARING-IN ON WEDNESDAY   The Nigeria Police Council on Monday unanimously ratified the appointment of Olatunji Rilwan Disu as the Inspector-General of Police, paving the way for his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.   The ceremony will take place during the Federal Executive Council meeting, scheduled for the same day.   The Council’s meeting, which took place at the State House, was presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, in accordance with the constitution.   Others in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senato...

 Zimbabwe frees nearly 4,000 prisoners under presidential pardon Zimbabwe has begun releasing nearly 4,000 inmates who were granted presidential amnesty in a bid to ease overcrowding in prisons. The cabinet announced the amnesty in February on the same day it approved sweeping changes to the constitution to allow an extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term until 2030. "The nation should note that the release of the 3,978 beneficiaries begins today," Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said at a press conference in the capital Harare on Monday. Zimbabwe's prisons held over 24,000 inmates in the second quarter of 2025, according to recent available national data. Vulnerable groups, rehabilitation A total of 4,305 – including 223 women – will eventually be released, Ziyambi said, with the scheme "focusing on vulnerable groups and those who have demonstrated significant progress in their rehabilitation." Among those freed was 23‑year‑old Tendai Chitsika, wh...

 Middle East tensions force global shipping to reroute around Africa The escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has disrupted one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, forcing major shipping companies to reroute vessels around Africa, TRT Afrika reported. Global carriers, including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM, have suspended transits through the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and heightened security risks around the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait, a narrow channel between Iran and Oman, is a key gateway for oil, gas, and cargo shipments from the Gulf. “Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East region following the escalating military conflict, we have decided to pause future Trans-Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the time being,” Maersk said in a statement. Under normal conditions, ships travelling from Asia and the Middle East to Europe pass through the Strait of ...

 Congo's Kisangani airport attacked by suspected rebel drones, authorities say Drones have attacked the airport serving Kisangani, a strategic city in northeast Democratic Republic of Congo far from active front lines in the east, local officials said on Monday, blaming the AFC/M23 rebel group and neighbouring Rwanda. AFC/M23, which U.N. experts say is backed by Rwanda, launched drones at the airport in early February, saying it had been used to attack AFC/M23 positions and civilians in areas under its control. AFC/M23 controls swathes of eastern Congo after a rapid offensive last year in which it seized the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. Rwanda denies backing the rebels. The government of Tshopo province, where Kisangani is located, said four kamikaze drones were intercepted and shot down near the airport between Sunday afternoon and early evening, some as a passenger aircraft was preparing to land. It did not report any damage or casualties. It was not clear whether any oth...

 According to Wike: “As it is today, my party seems to have not learned, and I am also going to support the President for a second term in office. “I didn’t beat around the bush when I said that as a minister, my party never asked me about the candidates they were planning to put forward, and I made it clear that I would only support candidates who backed the president. “I never said I would support that particular party, but I did say I would support candidates who are in favor of the Mr President, regardless of which party they are from. “That’s where I’m going to focus my support. So the problem of me being part of a group that’s working for another group doesn’t come up.”

 JAMB begins 2026 Direct Entry registration The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has announced the commencement of the 2026 Direct Entry (DE) registration. In a statement posted on its official X account on Monday, the board said the sale of application documents began on Monday, March 2, 2026, and will end on Saturday, April 25, 2026. JAMB advised prospective Direct Entry applicants that the registration service can only be accessed at its offices nationwide. It wrote: “2026 Direct Entry Registration: This is to inform the prospective DE applicants that sale of application document has commenced today Monday, 2nd March 2026 and will end by Saturday, 25th April 2026. “Please, note that this service can be accessed only at our offices nationwide.”

 NELFund extends student loan application deadline as demands surge  The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) has extended the deadline for its student loan application portal following a surge in nationwide demand. A statement on Monday by Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFund’s director of strategic communications, said the decision followed feedback from students and key stakeholders across the country, as well as a spike in applications and inquiries. The Fund had earlier issued a reminder notice that the portal would close on February 27, 2026.

 Joke Silva Reveals Surprising Perk of Marrying an Older Man: “They Let You Get Away with a Lot” Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has opened up about one of the unexpected advantages of being married to an older partner, sharing candid insights during a recent appearance on TVC’s popular morning talk show, *Your View*. The 64-year-old screen icon, who tied the knot with legendary actor Olu Jacobs in 1985, reflected on their enduring 40-year marriage and the 20-year age difference between them. Jacobs was 44 at the time of their wedding, while Silva was 24. The couple’s union has produced two children and remains one of the most admired partnerships in Nigerian entertainment. Speaking about how their relationship began, Silva explained that they first crossed paths on stage before reconnecting on a movie set. “Everybody knew it was the great Olu Jacobs who was coming, except me,” she recalled with a smile. “When he came, we got on very well and it was after we started dating tha...

 The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commenced the implementation of Executive Order 9 of 2026, mandating the direct remittance of all oil and gas revenues to the Federation Account in a bid to promote transparency and protect public funds. Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who also chairs the Implementation Committee for the Executive Order, made the announcement on Monday. The committee held its inaugural meeting on February 26, 2026, to establish the framework for the reforms directed by President Bola Tinubu. “President Tinubu has made it clear that all revenues accruing to the Federation must be handled transparently and in a way that protects public funds,” Edun said. “Our committee is committed to ensuring these directives are fully implemented while maintaining investor confidence.” Under the new measures, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been directed to immediately stop collecting the 30 percent m...

IDOMA YOUTHS CONDEMN VANDALISM OF GOVERNOR ALIA'S BANNER IN OKPOKWU, CALL FOR CALM.  Idoma youths have condemned the destruction of a campaign banner belonging to Hyacinth Iormem Alia in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu Local Government Area, describing the act as unacceptable and capable of heightening political tension. In a statement issued by Francis Egahi, Benue South Coordinator of the I Stand With Benue 4 Alia Movement, the group said the incident does not reflect the values and political maturity of the Idoma people. According to the statement, political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and issue-based engagement, rather than acts of vandalism or destruction of property. “The destruction of Governor Alia’s banner is barbaric and does not represent the collective will of the peace-loving people of Idoma land,” the statement read. The youths called on their counterparts across Benue South to remain calm and law-abiding, urging security agencies to investigate the incident a...

 Scream 7 debuts with franchise-record $64.1 million box office haul for Paramount   Thirty years after the original slasher film first terrified audiences, “Scream 7” delivered the biggest opening weekend in franchise history, debuting with $64.1 million domestically. The stronger-than-expected launch marked a major win for Paramount during what has otherwise been a sluggish 2026 at the box office. The seventh installment easily claimed the year’s best debut so far and knocked last weekend’s top film, the Stephen Curry-produced animated movie “GOAT,” out of first place. Made for approximately $45 million, “Scream 7” benefited from the return of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott. Campbell, who did not appear in 2023’s “Scream VI,” reportedly came back for a $7 million payday. Original cast members Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Matthew Lillard also reprised their roles, bringing a heavy dose of nostalgia to longtime fans. “Scream VI” had previously set a franchise open...

 Colorado QB Dominiq Ponder killed in single-vehicle crash at 23, police say    Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder died early Sunday in a single-car crash in Boulder County, authorities said. He was 23. According to investigators, Ponder was driving a 2023 Tesla when he lost control while navigating a curve. The vehicle struck a guardrail, hit an electrical line pole, and then rolled down an embankment. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation indicates that speed is believed to have been a contributing factor. Ponder, a 6-foot-5 sophomore from Opa Locka, Florida, appeared in two games for the Buffaloes last season. He completed no passes in one attempt and carried the ball twice for a loss of four yards. He began his college career at Bethune-Cookman before transferring to Colorado. The team was scheduled to begin spring practice on Monday. Head coach Deion Sanders shared a heartfelt message, calling Ponder one of his favorites and describing him...

 Catherine O'Hara honored with posthumous SAG-AFTRA acting award for The Studio  Catherine O’Hara was posthumously recognized at the Actor Awards on Sunday, winning best female actor in a comedy series for her role in "The Studio." The Apple TV series, co-created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, is a satirical take on modern Hollywood. O’Hara played Patty Leigh, a former studio chief, alongside Seth Rogen’s character, aspiring mogul Matt Remnick. O’Hara, celebrated for her roles in “Home Alone,” “Best in Show,” and “Schitt’s Creek,” passed away in January at 71 from a blood clot in her lungs related to rectal cancer. Rogen accepted the award on her behalf, reflecting on her generosity and humor on set. “She knew she could destroy, and she wanted to destroy every day on set,” he said, recalling how O’Hara often rewrote scenes overnight, improving both her performance and the show as a whole. Kathryn Hahn, O’Hara’s co-star on the show, appeared visibly moved as Rogen spoke....

 Iran’s spot in summer World Cup at risk as first two games scheduled in Los Angeles  Iran’s participation in this summer’s World Cup, where it is scheduled to play its first two matches in Los Angeles, is now uncertain amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s football federation, told local media that recent attacks by the United States make it “unlikely that we can look forward to the World Cup,” though he said the final decision rests with sports authorities. Talks are ongoing, and FIFA is monitoring the situation, with officials privately expecting Iran to compete. Iran is set to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before moving to Seattle for a match against Egypt. If Iran withdraws, Iraq could take its place as the next team in line from the Asian Football Confederation. The discussions occur as violence escalates in the region. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in a U.S.-backed Israeli strike at his Tehran compound, alo...

 Top Iranian security official labels Trump’s war goals ‘delusional’ Iran’s top security official sharply criticized President Trump on Monday, calling his goals in the escalating Middle East conflict “delusional fantasies” and dismissing reports that Tehran is seeking negotiations with Washington. Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s National Security Council, wrote on social media that Trump’s actions had plunged the region into chaos and put U.S. troops at risk, while serving Israeli interests. Larijani accused the former president of abandoning “America First” in favor of “Israel First,” claiming that American lives and resources were being sacrificed to advance Israeli expansionist ambitions. He emphasized that Iran, unlike the U.S., is prepared for a prolonged conflict, and reaffirmed that the country will not negotiate with Washington despite speculation to the contrary. Since the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and targeted tho...

 CIA intelligence helped guide strike that killed Khamenei in Iran  Intelligence gathered over several months by the CIA and shared with Israeli officials played a key role in the missile strike that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials on Saturday, a source familiar with the matter confirmed. The CIA had been monitoring Khamenei’s movements for months, building detailed insight into his routines and locations. The agency learned of a Saturday morning meeting of senior Iranian officials at a Tehran compound that Khamenei was expected to attend. This information, passed to Israeli counterparts, accelerated the timing of the strike to take advantage of the opportunity, the source said. During an interview, GOP Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio said he had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that the U.S. did not target Khamenei or the Iranian leadership directly. Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly 40 years as both its top relig...

Cher’s son, Elijah Blue Allman, faces charges after incident at New Hampshire private school Police in New Hampshire arrested Cher’s son, Elijah Allman, 49, on Friday after he allegedly caused a disturbance at a private boarding school where he has no formal connection. Allman, whose father was the late musician Gregg Allman, was charged with two counts of simple assault, criminal trespass, and criminal threatening, along with a violation of the state’s disorderly conduct law, which is not classified as a crime. Authorities said the incident occurred around 7 p.m. in the dining hall of St. Paul’s School in Concord. He was released on bail following his arrest as the case proceeds through the courts. Court records did not list an attorney for Allman, and representatives for Cher did not comment. St. Paul’s School also declined to provide a statement, and the police did not release a booking photo. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. St. Paul’s School is one of the few fully r...

Paramount to merge HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single streaming service following WBD deal Paramount CEO David Ellison said Monday that if regulators approve Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the company plans to merge Paramount+ and HBO Max into a single streaming service. Ellison told investors on a conference call that the combined platform would have around 200 million subscribers, based on current totals. Last week, Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery reached an agreement to sell WBD for $31 per share after Netflix withdrew from the extended bidding process. The company did not provide details on pricing or a new name for the service, but Ellison emphasized that the HBO brand would remain intact. “HBO should stay HBO,” he said, highlighting its long-standing reputation for quality programming. According to someone familiar with the plans, HBO is expected to function as a sub-brand within the combined platform. HBO is currently led by Casey Bloys, whose...

 Rev. Jesse Jackson to lie in honor in South Carolina  Civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson will lie in state Monday at the South Carolina state capitol in Columbia. His body will be placed in the Capitol Rotunda, with a private service at 10 a.m. and a public service at 10:30 a.m. EST. The events will feature remarks from local, state, and federal officials, performances by the Allen University and Benedict College choirs, and a wreath-laying ceremony. A separate service will take place at 6 p.m. at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, S.C. Jackson’s widow, Jacqueline Jackson, 81, will not attend the South Carolina ceremonies due to illness, her son, former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., said. She is in Nashville and plans to join the family in Chicago as soon as possible. A public service in Chicago is scheduled for 11 a.m. CST Friday at the House of Hope. A service in Washington, D.C., has been postponed, according to Jackson’s representatives. “The Jackson Fami...

 Tyler Reddick wins third consecutive race to start NASCAR season, setting record at COTA   Tyler Reddick made NASCAR history Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas, becoming the first Cup Series driver to win the first three races of a season. Reddick held off Shane van Gisbergen over the final 20 laps, driving a Toyota co-owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan, to secure his 11th career victory and second at COTA. Jordan celebrated with Reddick and the 23XI Racing pit crew as Reddick crossed the finish line. “It’s so fitting to get three in a row and make history,” Reddick said. The win follows his victories at the Daytona 500 and Atlanta earlier in the season, giving him a commanding 70-point lead in the drivers' championship. Jordan praised co-owner Denny Hamlin for building the team’s success, calling him the “mastermind” behind the winning streak. Van Gisbergen, who dominated road courses in 2025, finished second, acknowledging Reddick’s performance. Other storyli...

 Gaza faces fuel shortages as Israel shuts borders amid Iran conflict Gaza is facing a critical shortage of fuel and may soon see dwindling stocks of food and other essentials after Israel closed all border crossings, citing the ongoing conflict with Iran. The shutdown, which began Saturday following joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, has left officials warning that hospitals, water systems, and sanitation services could be at risk if supplies are not restored quickly. Israeli authorities have not indicated how long the closures will last. Local and UN officials say Gaza relies almost entirely on fuel imports from Israel and Egypt, and current reserves are expected to last only a few days. Karuna Herrmann, a UN official overseeing fuel distribution, said the enclave may have just a couple of days of fuel remaining, while aid coordinator Amjad Al-Shawa estimated supplies could last three to four days. Stocks of vegetables, flour, and other necessities could also run out if cross...

 Concerned Citizen Calls For Government Intervention In Case Of Kaduna Teacher Facing Severe Hardship After Tragic Accident A public appeal has been made to key government officials in Kaduna State, urging urgent intervention in the case of a primary school teacher facing severe hardship following a tragic accident. The appeal, written by Comrade Yusuf Yakubu Aboro, is addressed to the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani; Senator Sunday Marshall Katung; Hon. Daniel Amos, who represents the Jema'a/Sanga Federal Constituency; Hon. Anto Usman, Executive Chairman of Sanga Local Government; and the Kaduna State Teachers Service Board. According to the statement, Mrs. Linda Hosea, a long-serving primary school teacher in the state, has dedicated decades of her life to educating young pupils, many of whom have gone on to serve in various government roles at the local, state, and federal levels. Nearly two years ago, Mrs. Hosea was reportedly involved in a road accident while on her way to ...

 El-Rufai Family Denies ICPC Phone-Tapping Allegations, Challenges Agency To Prosecute The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has dismissed allegations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) concerning the recovery of alleged phone-tapping equipment from his property, describing the claims as false and politically motivated. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, the family accused the anti-corruption agency of conducting what it called a “media trial” and attempting to criminalize El-Rufai’s decision to remain silent during investigations. The statement asserted that the former governor exercised his constitutional right to silence and challenged the ICPC to formally charge him if it had sufficient evidence.  According to the family, El-Rufai had maintained in previous interactions with l...

 ‎ ‎NAF DECIMATES TERRORIST STRONGHOLDS IN SAMBISA,  ELIMINATES SEVERAL COMMANDERS ‎The Nigerian Air Force, under the Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai, eliminated several terrorists in airstrike operations. The precision strikes followed intelligence-driven Air Interdiction (AI) mission against terrorist elements in the Yuwe general area of the Sambisa axis on 28 February 2026.  ‎ ‎The early morning operation followed confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) which identified structures serving as terrorist commanders’ hideouts and logistics warehouses.  ‎ ‎A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame indicates that with overwhelming force, NAF strike effectively dismantled critical terrorist infrastructure. ‎Post-strike assessments, corroborated by credible intelligence sources, confirm the elimination of several high-value terrorist operatives, including senior commanders and fighters act...

 Edo Court Convicts Business Woman for N20 million Mortgage Fraud The Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC has secured the conviction of Ifeoma Joy Bogamhe, a business woman for property fraud. Ifeoma was arraigned on a two count amended charge of fraudulent disposition of mortgage property in June 2025  before Justice W.I. Aziegbemhin of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City. 

 When does Kendall Jenner see herself having kids? She says... Kendall Jenner says she’s in no rush to start a family, even though all of her siblings are already parents.  In a new interview with Vogue France, the 30‑year‑old supermodel explained that while she “of course” wants children someday, she’s too busy right now to dedicate the time she feels they deserve.  Instead, her focus for 2026 is on staying true to herself and enjoying life as she enters her thirties. Jenner also revealed she has a baby name list ready, but unlike her siblings, she prefers simple, traditional names over unique monikers like North or Stormi.  She admitted she’s “so over” the trend of unconventional names and wants something “beautiful” and “normal” for her future children. She added that when she does become a mom, she plans to raise her family outside of Los Angeles. For now, Jenner is embracing her independence and career while enjoying her role as an aunt to 13 nieces and nephews....

 Robert De Niro bursts into tears over Trump dividing the U.S.: 'We have to save the country' Robert De Niro recently delivered an impassioned message to Americans, urging unity and resilience in the face of political division. Speaking with Nicolle Wallace on the MS NOW podcast The Best People, the actor described former President Donald Trump as a destructive force, insisting that citizens must come together to protect the nation.  He emphasized that differences among people are secondary compared to the larger challenge of safeguarding democracy, stressing that division cannot lead to victory. Reflecting on his career and past moments of gratitude, De Niro grew emotional as he reiterated the importance of lifting people up rather than tearing them apart. He rejected the idea of humanizing Trump’s political era, instead framing the current situation as a matter of survival for the country.  While acknowledging the bleakness of the moment, he also suggested that this cri...

 America Will Avenge Their Deaths - Trump Vows After Three U.S. Troops Killed President Donald Trump delivered a stark message Sunday night, promising retaliation after three American service members were k!lled in action amid escalating tensions involving Iran. Speaking in a video posted to Truth Social, Trump addressed the nation with a somber tone.  “As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” he said.  He also offered prayers for those wounded and expressed “immense love and eternal gratitude” to the families of the fallen. The president cautioned that the conflict may not be nearing its end. “Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends,” he said, before pledging decisive action. “America will avenge their d!aths and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war. Our resolve and likewise that of Israel has never been stronger.” The remarks marked Trump’s first public comments ...

 OPERATION WHIRL STROKE CLAP DOWN   TERRORIST INTENT TO DISRUPT PEACE IN AMAFU IWER OF BENUE STATE, NEUTRALIZED TWO AND RECOVER AUTOMATIC FIREARM Troops of Sector 1 under Operation WHIRL STROKE have recorded another significant operational success in their sustained efforts to rid Benue State of criminal and terrorist elements. The troops achieved the feat during a combined confidence-building and fighting patrol along the Katsina-Ala–Zaki Biam Road. Acting on credible intelligence provided by the locals, the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene in conjunction with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard. Upon arrival at the identified location, troops made contact with the suspected bandits. In the ensuing engagement, two of the terrorists were neutralised, while others fled into the surrounding bush with possible gunshot wounds. The troops exploited the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a...

 6 Worshippers Abducted During Taraweeh Prayers In Kaduna Six Muslim worshippers have been abducted by suspected bandits during Taraweeh prayers in Azara community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The incident occurred on Thursday night while residents were observing the voluntary Ramadan prayers inside a mosque. According to a resident, Tanimu Ibrahim, the assailants stormed the community, firing sporadically into the air before abducting six adults, four men and two women. Ibrahim disclosed that the attackers also raided another residence while fleeing the area and abducted two additional persons.  However, the two victims reportedly escaped while being taken into the bush. “Two other victims were abducted, but as God would have it, they narrowly escaped on their way into the forest,” he said. A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the abduction and identified the victims as Saifullahi Harisu, Yakubu Yunusa, Abba Minkailu, Yusha’u Sa...

 Lindsay Lohan on relocating to Dubai: 'I wasn't having fun in the business' Lindsay Lohan has opened up about her decision to leave Hollywood behind and permanently settle in Dubai. The actress, now 39, told Vogue Arabia that she relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 2014 after realizing she was no longer enjoying life in the entertainment industry.  She described the move as following her instincts, saying she wanted a more grounded and authentic lifestyle away from the pressures of Los Angeles. Since moving abroad, Lohan’s life has taken on a new rhythm centered around family. She married financier Bader Shammas in 2022, and the couple welcomed their son, Luai, the following year.  Lohan explained that living in Dubai allows her to focus on what matters most without constantly worrying about public scrutiny. She called the city “a big breath of fresh air,” adding that it gives her peace of mind and the freedom to enjoy everyday life with her loved ones. Although she...

 Miranda McKeon reveals why she continues to drink alcohol despite cancer recurrence risks Miranda McKeon, a 24-year-old New York City influencer, recently marked four years cancer-free while continuing to share candid reflections about her health journey.  Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at 19 during her freshman year of college, McKeon underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatments, and medically induced menopause.  Since 2022, she has been cancer-free and has built a career as a content creator focused on breast cancer awareness. In a recent video series where she speaks openly while taking medication, McKeon addressed questions from followers about her decision to keep drinking alcohol despite its known cancer risks.  She acknowledged the anxiety this choice brings, admitting she often exceeds recommended limits, but explained that she values enjoying her youth and social life in New York.  While she recognizes alcohol as a carcinogen...

 The Wedding Has Already Happened - Zendaya and Tom Holland Are Married, Stylist Law Roach Claims The internet barely had time to catch its breath before another twist landed. This time, it came straight from someone in Zendaya’s inner circle. Law Roach, the actress’ longtime stylist and close friend, set social media ablaze Sunday night when he casually claimed that Zendaya and Tom Holland are already married. Speaking to Access Hollywood on the red carpet at the 2026 Actor Awards on March 1, Roach did not hedge his words.  “The wedding has already happened,” he said with a playful grin, adding, “You missed it.” When pressed on whether he was serious, Roach doubled down. “It’s very true!” he replied, laughing. Representatives for both Zendaya and Holland have been contacted for comment. The couple, both 29, have kept much of their relationship deliberately private, which has only fueled public curiosity.  Engagement speculation first intensified at the 2025 Golden Globe ...

 Amended Electoral Act has given us hope — Ex-INEC ICT Director A former Director of Information and Communication Technology at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chidi Nwafor, says recent amendments to Nigeria’s electoral framework provide renewed confidence in the country’s capacity to deliver more transparent elections. Nwafor spoke on Sunday at the Citizens’ Townhall on the Electoral Act 2026 held in Abuja, where electoral stakeholders assessed the readiness of institutions ahead of the 2027 polls. “Technologically speaking, for me, the new Electoral Act has given us hope. In the new Electoral Act, you now have IReV in there. Whether we like it or not, we don’t have a 100 per cent network, we know that,” he said. Providing context on infrastructure realities, Nwafor added, “At the time we did that design, we had about 93 to 94 per cent 2G coverage. “As of today, we are talking about roughly 86 to 89 per cent in terms of 3G. You can compress your data and use...

Foremost Nigerian media personality, Daddy Freeze has sparked an interesting debate by issuing a strong warning to married Nigerians over the age of 40 who are considering relocating abroad. Speaking on The Honest Bunch Podcast, Daddy Freeze advised couples of that age to “avoid any type of abroad” for the time being, particularly countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. According to him, relocation should only be considered under two conditions: “one is, if the suffering in Nigeria is unbearable or the enjoyment promised abroad is much more than anything you can have here.” Outside of these reasons, he warned married couples to stay put. He specifically cautioned, “Avoid America and avoid the UK for now. If you are married avoid relocating for now.” Explaining his stance, Daddy Freeze pointed to immigration challenges, noting that couples may give birth to children abroad yet struggle with citizenship issues due to evolving immigration policies. He also alleged that...

 Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly  known as Shiites, took to the streets of Northern States on Sunday to protest over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Shiites in Nigeria led by leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky had a protest on Sunday shortly after it was reported that Khamenei has been killed in an airstrikes operation carried out on Iran by the United States and Israel military.  The members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) were seen in social media video on Sunday, chatting freedom to Iran , death  to America. The mass protest occurred in Some northern States, with protesters marching through some parts of the states chanting solidarity slogans and waving Iranian flags and placards bearing inscriptions “We Stand With Iran.”