Author: gqSbgCfmna

Not fewer than 38 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters were killed in a coordinated operation involving ground troops and the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, a military offensive against terrorists in North-East Nigeria.

The fighters were neutralised in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, while attempting to attack the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mandaragirau, Sector 2.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Military Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement.

Uba explained that the troops engaged the terrorists through well-coordinated ambushes and a deliberate offensive-defensive response, forcing them into a disorderly withdrawal.

The military spokesperson added that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided close air support, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) feedback to enhance targeted kinetic operations.

He said, ‘Subsequent exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes inflicted further heavy losses.

‘A total of about 38 terrorists were neutralized with 8 bodies recovered so far within the immediate engagement area and human intelligence from locals confirming over 30 additional terrorists’ bodies and weapons strewn along Garin Mallum-Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle.

‘This was evidenced by blood trails and abandoned equipment.’

According to him, troops recovered seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four RPG bombs and assorted ammunition after the engagement.

Uba said the military recorded no fatalities, but one personnel was injured, and one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was hit by Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) fired by enemy forces.

He said, ‘The scale of enemy losses has triggered widespread jubilation among local communities and highlights the sustained dominance of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action.’

Uba said the troops have continued exploitation operations along the Garin Mallum and Garin Gajere axis, at the fringes of the Timbuktu Triangle, to ‘recover the terrorists’ corpses left behind and consolidate gains.’

At least six health workers were abducted in the early hours of Saturday when suspected gunmen attacked a Primary Healthcare Centre in Akure, Ondo State.

The assailants reportedly stormed the facility in the Oke Ijebu area of the state capital at about 2:00 a.m., catching medical personnel and patients unprepared.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived in a vehicle, forced their way into the premises, and rounded up health workers on night duty.

Those taken included nurses, other essential medical staff, and interns assisting at the centre at the time of the incident.

A patient who escaped the attack said some of the interns on duty were also abducted. She described the operation as swift and coordinated, leaving little room for resistance.

‘The incident happened around 2:00 a.m. They came in and forced people into a vehicle,’ she said.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said security operatives responded promptly after receiving a distress call.

He disclosed that the victims have been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible.

‘We were able to rescue the victims and we are on the trail of the perpetrators. I will give more details soon,’ he said.

The incident caused panic at the facility, with patients and nearby residents fleeing for safety.

The attack has heightened concerns in Akure, as residents expressed fears over insecurity and the vulnerability of public institutions, including healthcare facilities.

The development added to a series of kidnapping incidents in parts of Ondo State, raising fresh concerns about the safety of health workers and the need for strengthened security across critical sectors.

Again, gunmen on Sunday, last week, rudely broke the peace and serenity of hitherto little known Omugo, a community in Oro-Ago, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The invaders did not only disrupt the peace of the predominantly agrarian people, they also desecrated the cathedral of a branch of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) while service was ongoing.

In the process, the dare-devil gunmen abducted eight parishioners, three of whom managed to escape from their custody.

The goons did not come stealthily like a thief in the night; they advanced into the hapless community with audacity, shooting sporadically to scare the villagers away before pouncing on their preys.

Confirming the ugly incident, the Commissioner for Communications in the state, Bolanle Olukoju, tasked security forces and local vigilantes to ensure that the bandits are apprehended.

He said: ‘The government commends the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes for the proactive response to the incident and the rescue of three of the eight victims of the abduction.

‘The government condemns the cowardly targeting of religious places under any guise. The state government urges the security forces, forest guards, local vigilantes and community members to continue to work together to end the menace.

‘While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, we task them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and arrest of the perpetrators.’

The government also commended the security forces, forest guards, and vigilantes for ‘the appreciable progress made in their combing of the forests, which has largely curtailed the activities of the criminals in the areas.’

‘The government again assured the people of its continuous commitment to work with security forces and community stakeholders to protect lives and property,’ Olukoju added. Prior to the incident, a group known as Joint Security Watch in Kwara South had raised the alarm over impending security threats in the area.

The group, in a letter to the state police command signed by its Coordinator, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubari, said: ‘We are bringing to your attention reports of potential security threats targeting Kwara on March 23 and possible attacks on Yorubaland from March 28th post-Ramadan.

‘We urge immediate action and heightened vigilance to protect citizens.

‘The people are anxious and need reassurance of their safety.

‘Awaiting your prompt response and action.’

Already, abductors of the worshippers have demanded a ransom of one billion naira from the community’s members.

A source revealed that the sum of one million naira offered by the community was turned down by the abductors, who insisted that all the communities in Oro- Ago axis should contribute the one billion naira they demanded.

The church’s Pastor Omole Timothy, whose wife was among the abductees, confirmed that the abductors had contacted the church, demanding N1 billion ransom. He said the abductors warned them against trying to beat down the sum and wasting time.

Omole said he was allowed to speak briefly with his wife.

The community described the attack as barbaric and as an assault on peace in the area.

In a statement, the President and Secretary, Omugo Development Union, Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thompson and Elder Felix Oloyede Afariogun, ‘expressed deep sorrow and strong condemnation of the abduction of eight innocent worshippers by gunmen during the church service on Sunday, March 22, 2026.’

The statement reads: ‘This barbaric act is a direct assault on the peace, unity and religious freedom that our community has long upheld.

‘It is unacceptable that law-abiding citizens, gathered in worship, could be subjected to such violence and terror.

‘In view of this distressing development, the Omugo Development Union makes a passionate appeal to the Federal Government, the State Government, and all relevant security agencies to urgently intensify efforts towards the safe and unconditional release of the abducted worshippers.

‘We call for immediate deployment of adequate security resources and intelligence to rescue the victims and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

‘We also urge security agencies to strengthen surveillance and protection within Omugo and surrounding communities to prevent any reoccurrence of such incidents.

‘Safety of lives and property must be treated as a matter of utmost priority.

‘To the families of the victims, we extend our heartfelt sympathy and assure you that the entire Omugo community stands with you in these trying times.

‘We remain hopeful and prayerful for the safe return of our brothers and sisters.

‘The union further calls on all residents of Omugo to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding.

‘We understand the fear and anxiety this incident has caused. However, we strongly advise against any form of panic or unlawful actions.

‘Be assured that efforts are ongoing in collaboration with security agencies and relevant authorities to secure the release of our people.

‘We encourage members of the community to stay vigilant, cooperate with security operatives, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

‘Omugo remains a community founded on peace, unity, and mutual respect, and we must continue to uphold these values even in the face of adversity.

‘The Omugo Development Union will continue to engage with all stakeholders and provide updates as the situation unfolds.’

As if the incident was not bad enough, another tragedy struck in far Kaiama, Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara North the following Monday morning.

Early in February this year, terrorists attacked Woro community after calling the community members out to embrace their strange Islamic doctrines.

During the bloody encounter, over 100 people were despatched into their early graves. Scores of people predominantly women and children are still being held captive by the terrorists.

A version attributed the Monday incident to a car explosion at Nuku, a settlement near Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The explosion, it was gathered killed occupants of the vehicle, with only one survivor reported.

Eyewitnesses said the explosion occurred just about 200 metres from Woro, a community still reeling from the February 3rd attack by suspected terrorists.

Local sources indicated that the vehicle was moving towards the community when it suddenly detonated, causing a loud blast that sent jitters across nearby settlements.

The exact number of casualties from the latest incident was yet to be officially confirmed, but residents say the impact was devastating.

Residents have expressed fears over suspected renewed attacks, calling for increased security presence to prevent a reoccurrence.

Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo however debunked the earlier reports indicating that scores of people died in the incident.

Ojo said that the incident involved a driver of a commercial Toyota vehicle and the female passenger; a nursing mother with her young baby.

He said the driver died on the spot after stepping on the IED, adding that the woman sustained serious injuries.

He, however, said that the baby was unscathed.

The police chief said that the security situation in the area had been brought under control.

A resident, Dr. Abdul Woro, said the device was planted along the road leading into the community and detonated as the vehicle approached.

‘They planted the explosive on the road. As soon as the vehicle passed, it went off. The driver died instantly and the woman was badly injured,’ he said.

The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Abubakar Abdullahi, said the attack happened shortly after 7am, describing it as a calculated act of retaliation by criminal elements.

‘The vehicle was carrying two passengers including the driver when the explosion occurred. Sadly, the driver lost his life on the spot due to the impact,’ he said.

He disclosed that the injured victim sustained severe wounds, including fractures and a deep head injury, and had been referred to Ilorin for advanced medical care following initial treatment.

Abdullahi linked the incident to recent security operations targeting the logistics network of bandits in the area, particularly the arrest of suspected collaborators and disruption of motorcycle supply chains used by the criminals.

‘This is clearly a reaction. We recently arrested one of their major motorcycle suppliers and some of their members and they are not happy about it,’ he said.

He said there were two IEDs but only one detonated.

Abdullahi assured that security agencies have secured the area and restored calm, while maintaining heightened surveillance to forestall further attacks.

‘The area has been secured, and the police have completed their operation there,’ he said.

He, however, raised the alarm over the role of informants in aiding criminal activities, calling on residents to support ongoing efforts to flush out bandits.

‘We are calling on residents to support security agencies with credible information,’ he added.

Fresh signs of renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial system have emerged, with about 28 per cent of ongoing bank recapitalisation investments sourced from foreign investors, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed.

The development, unveiled during the CBN Special Day at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair, highlights a growing international vote of confidence in Nigeria’s reform-driven financial sector.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at the apex bank, Mrs. Sidi Ali Hakama, said the recapitalisation exercise due to close March 31, 2026, is progressing steadily, with 34 banks already meeting the new capital thresholds.

She stressed that the level of foreign participation is a strong endorsement of ongoing reforms. ‘About 28 per cent of recapitalisation investments are coming from foreign sources, reflecting renewed confidence in Nigeria’s financial system,’ she said.

Hakama attributed the renewed confidence to sweeping reforms under the leadership of Olayemi Cardoso, particularly in the foreign exchange market.

According to her, ‘the reforms have increased transparency and liquidity in the FX market, with a new FX manual removing many restrictive capital controls and simplifying trade and investment procedures.’

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, on his re-election at the party’s 8th National Convention.

The convention, which took place at the Eagle Square in Abuja, was attended by over 8,000 delegates and was described as peaceful and credible.

Governor Abiodun also extended his congratulations to other newly elected members of the National Working Committee (NWC), including Ali Dalori, Benjamin Nwoye, Ajibola Basiru, and AbdulKarim Kana.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the governor praised the conduct of the convention, noting that it demonstrated the party’s unity and democratic strength. He described Professor Yilwatda’s emergence as a reflection of his effective leadership since assuming office in July 2025.

Abiodun expressed confidence that the newly constituted NWC would lead the party to greater achievements, particularly as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.

He added that the transparent process that produced the party’s leadership reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to democracy and good governance.

A 33-year-old suya seller, Abubakar Isiaka, has appealed to security agencies to help rescue his three-year-old daughter who was abducted in Ogwashi-Uku area of the Delta State.

The child, identified as Sheripha, aged three years and eight months, was reportedly abducted on March 7, 2026, during a burial ceremony in the Hausa quarters of the community.

Narrating the incident, Isiaka said a woman dressed in a hijab arrived at their compound in broad daylight and, speaking Hausa, asked his wife for directions to the residence of a known woman in the area.

His wife then asked their older daughter to guide the visitor, while the younger child followed them.

According to him, the suspect later gave the older sibling N200 to buy biscuits. By the time the girl returned, the woman had disappeared with Sheripha.

The family immediately raised the alarm and reported the case to community leaders, vigilante groups, and the police.

Despite a search effort by residents and attendees of the burial ceremony, the child has not been found.

‘We have not slept since this happened. We are pleading with the police and the government to help us bring our child back,’ the distraught father said.

Confirming the incident, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said the command was currently tracking the suspect and possible syndicate members involved in the abduction.

He also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children to prevent similar incidents.

Music producer and entrepreneur, Mansa Jabulani, has taken a bold step towards reshaping the independent music landscape with the launch of his digital distribution company, Music Distro Entertainment Global Ltd (MDEG).

Jabulani, whose real name is Damilola G. Alonge, is widely recognised for his work as a mix and mastering engineer, as well as his growing influence behind the scenes in the Nigerian music industry. With over a decade of experience, he is now channeling his expertise into building a platform aimed at helping independent artists gain global visibility.

Speaking on the motivation behind the initiative, Jabulani noted that many artists struggle with navigating distribution channels, revenue structures and audience reach.

‘Music is universal, but reaching the right audience isn’t always simple. A lot of creators face fragmented platforms and unfair revenue systems. With MDEG, we are providing the tools and structure for artists to grow sustainably,’ he said.

The platform offers global distribution services across major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music, while also focusing on playlist curation, publishing administration and performance analytics.

Jabulani, who featured on Omo Ologo by Seyi Vibez, said his experience working on commercially successful projects exposed the challenges artistes face beyond music production.

‘It became clear that talent alone wasn’t enough. Many artistes spend more time trying to understand distribution and royalties than focusing on their craft. That gap is what inspired MDEG,’ he added.

According to him, the company adopts a ‘quality-driven distribution’ model that combines technology with human oversight, ensuring that songs are strategically positioned to reach the right audience.

Since its launch, MDEG has worked with a growing number of independent artistes, distributing music across international markets and curating playlists designed to boost engagement and discoverability.

Jabulani maintained that the platform is not structured like a traditional record label, as artistes retain full ownership of their work while benefiting from professional support systems.

‘We are not here to take ownership. We are here to empower creators with the infrastructure and transparency they need to succeed,’ he said.

Looking ahead, the music entrepreneur revealed plans to expand the platform’s capabilities with more advanced tools and global partnerships, positioning MDEG as a key player in the evolving digital music ecosystem.a

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) officially launched its sixth season at the SunBet Arena in South Africa, buoyed by a record-breaking roster of 15 marketing and merchandising partners and a global broadcast reach spanning over 200 countries.

The 2026 season opener in Pretoria marks a significant milestone for the league, which has expanded its commercial appeal by welcoming five new high-profile partners: Amazon Web Services (AWS), FLEXX, PUMA, Qatar Foundation, and South African Tourism.

The influx of new sponsors joins a stable of returning foundational and official partners, including the Rwanda Development Board, Wilson, and Afreximbank. BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall noted that the diverse partnership roster reflects the ‘sustained growth and momentum’ of the African sports industry.

‘We look forward to working with these amazing companies to engage BAL fans across the continent and around the world in new and creative ways,’ Fall said.

The partnerships extend beyond simple branding, focusing heavily on infrastructure and community development as PUMA assumes the role of Official Outfitter, supplying all team uniforms and referee apparel.

While AWS will serve as the Official Technology Provider, integrating cloud AI and machine learning into the league’s operations, Afreximbank continues its support of the ‘BAL4HER’ and ‘BAL Future Pros’ programs, aimed at developing young professional talent in the sports sector.

Wilson returns as a Foundational Partner and Official Game Ball Partner of the BAL

The 2026 season is set to be the league’s most accessible yet. Games will be broadcast across all 54 African countries via partners such as Canal+, RTS, and TV5 Monde. Internationally, fans can tune in through NBA TV, the NBA App, and various FAST channels in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The season structure for 2026 features a 42-game schedule. The Sahara Conference holds between April 24 and May 3 in Rabat, Morocco.

The Kalahari Conference group phase which started yesterday continues through April 5, featuring 12 club teams from 12 different African nations competing for a spot in the May playoffs. The Playoffs and Final is slated for May 22 to May 31 in Kigali, Rwanda.

Actress Adeola Yusuf Kafirat Omashalewa, popularly known as Basira Beere, has shared details of her experiences with pregnancy losses and challenges in her marital life.

Speaking in a recent interview on Oyinmomo TV, the actress said she was misinformed about marriage while growing up, noting that she had believed it revolved solely around sex due to what her parents told her.

Beere disclosed that she has suffered four pregnancy losses, including one she was initially unaware of, and recounted a difficult experience involving a man she said deceived her.

She also spoke about the emotional toll of these experiences, admitting she continues to grapple with the trauma.

She said, ‘My parents really misled me. How do I even begin to recount the number of times I’ve had sex? It’s not possible to have been married to these men without them having sex with me. I believed marriage was for sex, not for learning. To me, the ‘lesson’ in marriage was having sex morning and night.

‘I was once pregnant without knowing, because I was still having my period. I was deceived by flowers on the 14th of February. When I later discovered I was pregnant, they summoned the man responsible, and he admitted he already knew. His mother had even suspected it from observing my legs when I visited their house. I have lost four pregnancies’, she said.

Rising tensions in the Middle East are shaking oil markets, slowing renewable momentum, and exposing the fragile balance between energy security and climate goals

As conflict intensifies between Iran, the United States and Israel, global attention has focused on security risks and geopolitical tensions. But beyond the battlefield, another consequence is unfolding; one that could reshape the future of climate action: the disruption of the global energy transition. At the heart of the issue is oil. The Middle East remains one of the world’s most critical energy hubs, and any instability in the region sends shockwaves through global markets. With tensions threatening key supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes, fears of supply disruption have driven up crude prices and heightened uncertainty.

‘When war threatens oil supply, the world often retreats to fossil fuels instead of accelerating the shift away from them.’

This dynamic presents a major challenge to climate goals. As energy prices rise, governments often prioritise immediate energy security over long-term sustainability, leading to increased reliance on fossil fuels.

A Setback for Clean Energy Momentum: In recent years, there has been growing global momentum toward renewable energy. Solar and wind power have expanded rapidly, electric vehicles are gaining traction, and many countries have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions. However, conflicts like the current Iran crisis risk slowing this progress. When oil and gas supplies become uncertain, countries may respond by increasing domestic fossil fuel production or securing alternative sources of crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Such measures, while understandable in the short term, can delay investments in renewable energy. In Europe, for instance, previous energy shocks have led to temporary returns to coal and increased gas imports. Similar patterns could emerge globally if the Middle East crisis deepens.

Price Volatility and Its Ripple Effects: Rising oil prices affect more than just fuel costs. They influence electricity generation, transportation, food production and overall inflation. For developing countries like Nigeria, the impact is particularly complex. On one hand, higher oil prices can boost government revenues in oil-exporting economies. On the other hand, they increase the cost of imported goods, strain household incomes, and complicate economic planning. More importantly, price volatility creates uncertainty that can discourage long-term investment in clean energy. Investors may hesitate to commit resources to renewable projects if policy directions shift in response to short-term crises.

‘Energy instability does not just raise prices-it delays the decisions needed for a sustainable future.’

The Fragility of the Energy Transition: The current situation highlights a fundamental weakness in the global energy transition: its vulnerability to geopolitical shocks. While renewable energy is growing, the world remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels. This dependence means that any disruption, whether from war, sanctions, or political instability, can quickly derail progress toward cleaner energy systems. The transition to renewables requires stable policies, long-term investment and international cooperation. Yet conflict undermines all three, diverting attention and resources toward immediate security concerns.

Nigeria’s Dilemma: For Nigeria, the unfolding crisis presents both opportunity and risk. As an oil-producing nation, higher global prices may provide short-term fiscal relief. However, this reliance on oil revenue also exposes the economy to global volatility. At the same time, Nigeria faces pressing climate challenges, including flooding, desertification and rising temperatures. Transitioning to renewable energy is not just an environmental goal; it is an economic and developmental necessity. The current global situation raises a critical question: will countries use this moment to accelerate the shift to cleaner energy, or will they double down on fossil fuels?

Energy Security vs Climate Responsibility: One of the central tensions highlighted by the Iran conflict is the balance between energy security and climate responsibility. Governments must ensure reliable energy supply for their populations, but they must also reduce emissions to avoid long-term climate catastrophe. In times of crisis, short-term priorities often take precedence. However, experts warn that repeatedly delaying climate action will only increase future costs; both economic and environmental. The challenge, therefore, is to design energy policies that can withstand shocks. Diversifying energy sources, investing in renewables, and improving energy efficiency are key strategies for achieving both security and sustainability.

‘True energy security lies not in more fossil fuels, but in reducing dependence on them.’

A Turning Point or a Detour?: The Iran-U.S./Israel conflict could become a turning point in global energy policy, or a setback. Much depends on how governments respond. If countries interpret the crisis as a reason to accelerate renewable energy adoption, it could strengthen the global transition. Renewable energy, after all, offers greater stability by reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. However, if the response is to expand fossil fuel production and delay climate commitments, the world risks moving further away from its climate targets.

The Road Ahead: As the world navigates this complex moment, the need for clear, consistent climate policy is more important than ever. Governments must resist the temptation to sacrifice long-term sustainability for short-term stability. For Nigeria and other developing nations, the focus should be on building resilient energy systems that can support economic growth while reducing environmental impact. Investments in solar power, clean cooking solutions, and grid modernisation can help reduce dependence on imported fuels and improve energy access. The intersection of conflict and climate change presents a difficult but unavoidable reality. Wars may be temporary, but their impact on energy systems and climate progress can be long-lasting.

‘The true cost of war is not only measured in barrels of oil, but in the future of a planet struggling to transition.’

As tensions persist in the Middle East, the world faces a choice: allow conflict to derail climate action, or use the crisis as a catalyst for building a more resilient, sustainable energy future. The path chosen will shape not only global energy markets, but the trajectory of climate change itself.