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Category: North America

  • US Congressional Committee Calls for Disarmament of Fulani Militias to Address Religious Violence in Nigeria, Other Measures

    US Congressional Committee Calls for Disarmament of Fulani Militias to Address Religious Violence in Nigeria, Other Measures

    WASHINGTON, U.S. (NPA): A United States congressional committee tasked by President Donald Trump to investigate allegations of widespread violence against Christians in Nigeria has submitted its recommendations to the White House.

    In a report released Monday by Congressman Riley Moore, the committee endorsed the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing what it described as systematic attacks on Christian communities.

    The committee, which included Chairman Tom Cole and members of the House Appropriations Committee, stated: “Nigeria is the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian. Christians face ongoing violent attacks from well-armed Fulani militias and terrorist groups, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, the destruction of churches and schools, and widespread kidnappings. Blasphemy laws in northern states are used to silence dissent, target minorities, and justify convictions without due process.”

    Key Recommendations

    The report outlined several measures aimed at curbing violence and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the United States and Nigeria:

    • Bilateral Agreement: Establish a binding accord to protect vulnerable Christian communities, counter jihadist activity, expand economic cooperation, and address regional influence from China and Russia.
    • Humanitarian Assistance: Co-fund donor-supported aid programs, including faith-based initiatives, prioritizing internally displaced persons (IDPs) and underserved communities.
    • Security in the Middle Belt: Deploy capable security forces to prevent attacks and kidnappings, ensure rapid response, and hold negligent officials accountable.
    • Land and Resettlement: Expel armed groups from confiscated farmland, enable displaced communities to return, and rebuild infrastructure to reduce reliance on aid and boost agricultural productivity.
    • Disarmament of Militias: Implement measures to reduce and eliminate violence by armed Fulani militias, including disarmament programs to curb illicit weapons while safeguarding legitimate self-defense for farmers.
    • Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Expand joint operations to combat foreign terrorist organizations, including the provision of defense equipment and intelligence-sharing.
    • Economic Safeguards: Address destabilizing practices such as illegal mining operations allegedly linked to foreign actors funding militias.
    • Visa Restrictions & Legal Reform: Maintain visa bans on perpetrators of religious violence, repeal blasphemy laws, and review sharia-based criminal codes in northern Nigeria.
    • Trade Measures: Consider restrictions on cattle exports to regional markets as leverage to compel disarmament of armed herdsmen.
  • Armed Intruder Shot Dead at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate: Motive Still Unclear

    Armed Intruder Shot Dead at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate: Motive Still Unclear

    Palm Beach, Florida (NPA) – U.S. authorities are continuing to investigate the motive of an armed man who was fatally shot after breaching security at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida.

    The suspect, armed with a shotgun and carrying a fuel container, attempted to enter the property through the north gate at approximately 1:30 a.m. He was confronted by Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy. The incident ended when the man crossed into a restricted zone and was shot.

    As of the time of filing this report, investigators have not established a definitive motive. Authorities are examining whether the breach was politically motivated, driven by personal grievances, or linked to mental instability. So far, only the circumstances of the intrusion and the weapons carried have been confirmed.

    The breach raises questions given Mar-a-Lago’s extensive security measures. The estate is protected by a layered system overseen by the U.S. Secret Service, including robotic patrol units equipped with cameras and sensors, multiple gated entry points monitored by armed agents and local law enforcement, high-definition surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and strict access controls with background checks for visitors and staff. A 24/7 rapid response protocol is also in place.

    Investigators now face the challenge of piecing together what the suspect intended before entering the restricted zone and being neutralized.

  • Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling

    Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that countries seeking to exploit the recent Supreme Court ruling against his tariff program could face even higher duties. His comments follow the Court’s February 20, 2026 decision, which struck down his sweeping tariff regime in a 6–3 ruling, declaring that existing law did not authorize the president to impose tariffs of unlimited scope, duration, or amount.

    In posts on his Truth Social account, Trump said: “Any country that wants to play games with the ridiculous Supreme Court decision, especially those that have ripped off the U.S.A. for years, will be met with a much higher tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to. Buyer beware!” He added that he does not need congressional approval for tariffs, insisting authority had already been granted “in many forms, a long time ago.”

    The Supreme Court’s ruling dealt a major blow to Trump’s economic agenda, which relied heavily on tariffs to reshape trade relations and protect U.S. industries. The decision is expected to have significant implications for businesses and consumers. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, arguing in favor of broader presidential authority. The outcome underscores limits on executive power in trade policy and represents a rare judicial rebuke of Trump’s approach.

  • U.S. Citizens in Mexico Receive Security Alert Amid Ongoing Operations

    U.S. Citizens in Mexico Receive Security Alert Amid Ongoing Operations

    MEXICO CITY (NPA): The United States Mission in Mexico issued a security alert on February 22, 2026, advising U.S. citizens to shelter in place due to ongoing security operations, road blockages, and related criminal activity. The mission stated: “U.S. citizens in the affected locations should shelter in place until further notice.”

    The alert directed all U.S. government staff at Consulate General Tijuana, as well as personnel in Guerrero, Michoacán, and Quintana Roo, to remain sheltered. Staff at Consulate General Monterrey were instructed to stay within the Monterrey metropolitan area. While airports remain open, roadblocks have disrupted airline operations, leading to cancellations of domestic and international flights in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Taxi and rideshare services in Puerto Vallarta have been suspended, and several businesses have temporarily closed.

    The mission urged U.S. nationals in Mexico to minimize movement, remain in residences or hotels, avoid areas of law enforcement activity, stay vigilant, monitor local media, and call 911 in case of emergencies.

    The alert follows the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military operation in Jalisco state. His death has triggered violent reprisals, including vehicle burnings, highway blockages, and unrest in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Authorities warn that further escalations are likely as Mexico confronts the power vacuum left by one of its most notorious cartel leaders.

  • Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Nigerian media organisation Newpost Africa Media Publishing® (Newpost Africa) has announced its return following a successful restructuring process. The relaunch underscores the company’s renewed commitment to delivering journalism of the highest standards—anchored in integrity, balance, and diversity.

    Positioning itself as “Nigeria’s independent, world-class media organisation”, Newpost Africa emphasized its founding principles of strict editorial neutrality, an uncompromising stance against propaganda, and reporting that informs without bias or distortion. The organisation stressed that credible journalism is indispensable to democratic societies and informed citizenship.

    In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, Newpost Africa encouraged stakeholders and readers to actively engage with its mission. “By sharing perspectives and experiences, you contribute to a platform that values truth, dialogue, and collective responsibility in shaping the public record,” the statement read.

    Driven by a team of seasoned professionals and supported by a global network of journalists and writers, Newpost Africa said it is well-positioned to deliver timely coverage of rapidly evolving stories with speed, clarity, and analytical depth—while maintaining accuracy and editorial discipline.

    Its editorial focus remains firmly on Nigeria and the African continent, ensuring accountability from policymakers, institutions, and power brokers. At the same time, the organisation pledged to continue reporting on international developments that shape Africa’s place in the global context.

    The relaunch, according to the statement, is not merely a return but a reaffirmation of purpose and a strategic commitment to excellence in journalism. “This relaunch is a reaffirmation of our mission to uphold the highest standards of journalism and to serve as a trusted voice in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond,” the organisation noted.

  • Leave Iran Immediately, Polish PM Donald Tusk Warns Citizens

    Leave Iran Immediately, Polish PM Donald Tusk Warns Citizens

    WARSAW, POLAND (NPA): Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has urged Polish nationals residing in Iran to leave the country without delay, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East.

    In a statement on Thursday, Tusk cautioned that evacuation could soon become impossible. “Leave immediately. It is possible that in a few hours there will be no option to evacuate from the country,” he said.

    The Prime Minister also advised against travelling to Iran under any circumstances, stressing that the situation could deteriorate rapidly. His warning comes amid heightened military activity in the region, with the United States deploying significant assets near Iran, fuelling fears of a confrontation.

    Iran, for its part, has vowed to retaliate against any U.S. attack and recently conducted military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.

    The developments have placed the Middle East at the centre of international attention, as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported READ HERE the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States met on Tuesday in Switzerland, with the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi saying the two sides had exchanged views and made progress.

  • Putin Meets Cuban Foreign Minister in Moscow, Says US Restrictions Unacceptable

    Putin Meets Cuban Foreign Minister in Moscow, Says US Restrictions Unacceptable

    Russian President Vladimir Putin met Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Wednesday in the Kremlin, where he said that new restrictions imposed on the communist-run island were “unacceptable”, Russian state news agencies reported.

    A senior Russian diplomat said last week that Moscow would provide aid to Havana, including material assistance, to help navigate a U.S. attempt to starve the island of oil.

    “Now is a special period, new sanctions. You know how we feel about this,” Putin told Rodriguez, according to the TASS news agency. “We do not accept anything like this.”

    The Kremlin chief said relations between Russia and Cuba were developing “on a positive track”, TASS reported.

    Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his Cuban counterpart in a separate meeting on Wednesday that Moscow was urging the U.S. not to impose a full naval blockade on the island and was advocating negotiations instead.

    Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, was quoted as saying by TASS on Wednesday that Moscow did not discuss the Cuba issue with Washington. Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. concluded trilateral peace talks in Geneva earlier on Wednesday.

  • Iran’s Foreign Minister Reports Progress After Nuclear Talks with U.S. in Geneva

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Reports Progress After Nuclear Talks with U.S. in Geneva

    GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: Following high-level discussions between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the two sides had exchanged views and made progress.

    Araqchi told Iranian media that “different ideas have been seriously discussed, and ultimately we have been able to reach a general agreement on some guiding principles.” He added that future negotiations would build on these principles as the parties move toward drafting the text of a potential agreement.

    Further rounds of talks are expected in the coming days and weeks.

    U.S. Demands

    Ahead of the latest meeting, Washington outlined several conditions for Iran to avoid military confrontation:

    • Nuclear Program: Scale back or halt uranium enrichment and return to compliance with nuclear deal terms.
    • Missile Development: Limit ballistic missile testing, which the U.S. views as destabilising.
    • Regional Activities: Reduce support for proxy groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other militias across the Middle East.
    • Human Rights: End violent repression of protests, which the U.S. has linked to its military buildup.

    President Donald Trump warned that if no deal is reached, the U.S. is prepared to take “something very tough” military action.

    Iran’s Response

    Iran has maintained a firm stance:

    • Scope of Talks: Insists negotiations should focus solely on its nuclear program, rejecting U.S. demands on missiles and regional influence.
    • Defiance of Threats: Officials argue U.S. military threats are provocative and accuse Washington of seeking regime change.
    • Sovereignty: Frames U.S. demands as interference in domestic affairs, particularly regarding protests.
    • Preparedness: Warns that it will respond strongly if attacked, raising the risk of regional escalation.

    The U.S. has deployed a “massive armada” of ships and aircraft near Iran, signalling readiness for strikes should diplomacy fail. With Israel also a factor in the regional equation, analysts warn that the risk of military escalation remains high as neither side shows willingness to compromise on core demands.

  • U.S. Sanctions Boko Haram Sponsors Amid Rising Violence in Nigeria

    U.S. Sanctions Boko Haram Sponsors Amid Rising Violence in Nigeria

    WASHINGTON, D.C. / ABUJA: The United States government has sanctioned eight individuals in Nigeria for alleged links to Boko Haram, the Islamist insurgent group responsible for widespread violence across Nigeria’s northeast, northwest, and north-central regions, as well as in the wider Lake Chad Basin covering Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Boko Haram, designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the U.S. in 2013, has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions since its insurgency began in 2009.

    The sanctions were announced in a publication by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which blocks the property and interests of designated persons. Among those listed is Salih Yusuf Adamu (a.k.a. Salihu Yusuf), born August 23, 1990, who was convicted in the United Arab Emirates in 2022 for establishing a Boko Haram cell to raise funds for insurgents in Nigeria. Others named include Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, Khaled Al-Barnawi, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, and Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki.

    The U.S. indictment alleges that all sanctioned individuals actively participated in Boko Haram’s operations in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

    This action follows the October 31, 2025, designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act, after reports that jihadist groups killed more than 7,000 Christians and abducted 7,800 others in the first seven months of 2025.

    On December 25, 2025 (Christmas Day), the U.S. military launched Tomahawk missile strikes against suspected Islamic State (ISIS) camps in Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria. The operation, coordinated with the Nigerian government, targeted militants linked to the Islamic State–Sahel Province and its affiliate, Lakurawa. The U.S. Africa Command confirmed the strikes, describing them as aimed at “ISIS terrorists in Nigeria.”

    In early 2026, the U.S. deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, marking the first official American military presence on the ground in support of counterterrorism operations.

  • Trump Says No Definitive Outcome with Netanyahu as Israeli Leader Concludes Washington Visit

    Trump Says No Definitive Outcome with Netanyahu as Israeli Leader Concludes Washington Visit

    WASHINGTON, D.C., US: President Donald Trump has wrapped up talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House amid heightened tensions in the Middle East over Iran’s uranium enrichment program, which continues despite pressure from both Washington and Tel Aviv.

    In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the meeting as “very good,” highlighting the “tremendous relationship” between the United States and Israel. He added, however, that “nothing definitive” was agreed upon, aside from his insistence that negotiations with Iran should continue to determine whether a deal can be reached. “If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be,” Trump wrote.

    The president’s cryptic remarks have left foreign policy analysts uncertain about the concrete results of the meeting, particularly as the US continues to deploy aircraft carriers and other military assets to the region.

    Trump, signalling a preference for diplomacy over direct confrontation, warned Tehran against repeating past mistakes: “Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer — that did not work well for them. Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible.”

    Meanwhile, tensions remain high across the Middle East, with speculation mounting over possible US military action in response to Iran’s human rights abuses. Recent protests in the Persian Gulf nation reportedly resulted in mass casualties, further fuelling uncertainty about Washington’s next steps.

    Photo credit: Facebook/The Prime Minister of Israel