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Category: Politics

  • Azerbaijan warns of retaliation after drone strike blamed on Iran

    Azerbaijan warns of retaliation after drone strike blamed on Iran

    Baku, Azerbaijan, March 5, 2026 (Agency Report) — Azerbaijan said Thursday it is preparing retaliatory measures after four Iranian drones allegedly crossed its border into the Nakhchivan exclave, injuring four people and striking civilian infrastructure. The incident has heightened fears that the Middle East war could spill further into the Caucasus.

    President Ilham Aliyev, addressing his Security Council, condemned the attack as “an unprovoked act of terror and aggression against Azerbaijan.” He ordered the armed forces to prepare a response, warning Tehran: “We are ready to demonstrate our strength against any hostile force — and they should not forget this in Iran.”

    Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected the accusation, telling local media: “We do not attack our neighbouring countries.” Azerbaijani officials said investigations are underway to identify the drones, noting that one struck the terminal at Nakhchivan International Airport, another landed near a school, a third was shot down by the army, and a fourth damaged civilian infrastructure.

    The Foreign Ministry has demanded clarification from Tehran and lodged a formal protest with Iran’s ambassador. Officials warned that any threat to Azerbaijan’s energy infrastructure — a major supplier to Turkey and Europe via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline — could further drive up global oil prices already rattled by the U.S.–Iran war.

    Relations between Baku and Tehran have long been strained, with Azerbaijan deepening ties to Turkey and Israel. There is a growing fear that the conflict risks igniting violence between the neighbours, particularly given the presence of nearly 20 million ethnic Azerbaijanis inside Iran, the country’s largest minority group.

  • U.S. assure of energy security amid Iran conflict

    U.S. assure of energy security amid Iran conflict

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — March 5, 2026 — The United States government has sought to calm fears of an energy crisis as military operations with Israel against Iran intensify. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that President Donald Trump’s administration has positioned the U.S. as the world’s largest producer of crude oil and natural gas, ensuring resilience against supply shocks.

    Leavitt noted that beyond domestic production, Washington is exploring opportunities to strengthen energy dominance by tapping newly discovered reserves in Venezuela. She added that the U.S. Development Finance Corporation will provide political risk insurance for crude carriers and cargo ships operating in the Gulf, while the U.S. Navy stands ready to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. “Rest assured — President Trump’s entire energy team has been preparing for this, and they are all over it,” she said.

    Global oil markets, however, have already reacted sharply to the conflict. Crude prices surged more than 8% in early March, with gas and LNG markets also spiking amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Analysts warn that higher energy costs could fuel inflation worldwide, while investors have shifted toward gold and defence stocks as safe havens. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has claimed to have shut the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil flows, raising concerns of sustained price volatility.

    In Nigeria, as the hostilities pushed global crude prices above $90 per barrel, petrol prices rose to ₦824–₦880 per litre, with regional variations based on transport and supply chain costs.

    Economic forecasters, including Oxford Economics, project that the war could last weeks or months, keeping energy markets unstable. Morgan Stanley cautioned that inflationary pressures may constrain central banks, limiting their ability to raise interest rates. The longer the conflict and Gulf disruption persist, the more severe the global economic fallout is expected to be.

  • Middle East War: Two coalitions emerge — Israel’s President

    Middle East War: Two coalitions emerge — Israel’s President

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 5, 2026 — Amid escalating military operations by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, declared on Thursday that the conflict has given rise to two opposing coalitions in the Middle East.

    In a video message monitored by our correspondents, Herzog stated: “Two coalitions have emerged in the Middle East. One of terror, with Tehran at its centre. And one of hope, with Muslims, Christians, and Jews living together in peace. This coalition of hope, coexistence, and peace will prevail.”

    Israel’s objectives in its current strikes on Iran are twofold: to cripple Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and to weaken or remove the ruling regime. Coordinated closely with the United States, these attacks represent the most direct attempt yet to reshape Iran’s political and military landscape. Targets have included nuclear facilities, missile sites, and command centres, intending to reduce Iran’s capacity to arm regional proxies such as Hezbollah and deter future assaults on Israeli territory.

    Beyond military deterrence, analysts suggest Israel’s broader strategic goal is regime change in Tehran. The killing of senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, underscores this ambition. By destabilising Iran’s leadership, Israel hopes to pave the way for a government less hostile to its existence and regional stability. This marks a dramatic escalation from defensive operations toward actively reshaping Iran’s political order.

    Iran has responded with avalanches of missiles and drone strikes across countries in the region, inflicting significant damage and deaths in the Gulf.

  • Nigeria Police Force Removes PRO Benjamin Hundeyin Amid Leadership Reshuffle

    Nigeria Police Force Removes PRO Benjamin Hundeyin Amid Leadership Reshuffle

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 5, 2026 — The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly removed its Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, following the appointment of Acting Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu.

    Hundeyin, who assumed the role barely six months ago, was relieved of his duties as part of an ongoing restructuring ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The official reason for his removal has not been disclosed, though sources suggest it is linked to the broader reorganisation within the force.

    A source quoted by The Whistler confirmed the development, stating: “The Force Public Relations Officer has been removed this morning. We don’t know who will take over from him, although we thought he would last longer, considering his expertise. However, when a new IGP is appointed, it is not unusual for some positions to be vacated. Unfortunately, he was affected.”

    President Tinubu formally decorated Disu as Acting Inspector General of Police on March 25, 2026, following the resignation of his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun. During the ceremony, the President charged Disu to restore peace, strengthen security nationwide, and rebuild public trust in the police.Expressing confidence in the new appointee, Tinubu urged him to lead firmly but fairly, uphold professionalism, and prioritise the protection of lives and property. “It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” Tinubu said.

  • FG Abuja–Kaduna highway reconstruction reaches 80% completion

    FG Abuja–Kaduna highway reconstruction reaches 80% completion

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 4, 2026 — The Federal Government of Nigeria announced Thursday that rehabilitation works on the Abuja–Kaduna highway have reached 80 per cent completion.

    Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Works, confirmed the milestone in a statement, noting that the project is on track for commissioning.

    Nwaze credited the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the oversight of Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for tightening accountability measures and closing loopholes that previously allowed public funds to be misused without tangible results.

    “The Abuja–Kaduna Road is now over 80 per cent completed and expected to be ready for commissioning by April,” the statement read. “The progress is visible, and the transformation of Nigeria’s road infrastructure is steady, real, and unstoppable.”

    Under Tinubu’s administration, Umahi has supervised several major road projects, including the reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesa dual carriageway, the completion of the Suleja–Minna road, the rehabilitation of the Kano–Kongolam highway, the reconstruction of the Onitsha-Awka-Enugu expressway, and the reconstruction of Lagos’ Carter Bridge, amongst others. These works form part of a broader portfolio of more than 2,000 inherited road contracts valued at ₦13 trillion, which the ministry has been restructuring and prioritising.

  • Boko Haram Attacks Military Base in Borno, Killing Soldiers and Civilians

    Boko Haram Attacks Military Base in Borno, Killing Soldiers and Civilians

    Maiduguri, Nigeria (NPA) — March 5, 2026 — Suspected Boko Haram fighters launched a deadly assault on a Nigerian Army base in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of Wednesday. The attack left several soldiers and civilians dead, with many others abducted.

    Eyewitnesses reported that the insurgents, armed with motorcycles and gun trucks, operated for hours. 

    ASP Nahum Daso, spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, confirmed the incident, noting that while the military repelled the attackers, casualties remain unconfirmed. “An unknown number of civilians were killed, and some survivors were abducted toward the Mandara Mountains,” Daso said.

    Local sources indicated that at least nine soldiers were killed, while residents fled to Pulka town for safety. Witnesses added that women were among those abducted during the raid.

    Boko Haram, notorious for bombings, kidnappings, and massacres—including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction—continues to destabilise Nigeria’s northeast despite sustained military offensives.

  • Middle East War: Israel Accuses South Africa of Backing Iran

    Middle East War: Israel Accuses South Africa of Backing Iran

    JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA) — March 5, 2026 — The Israeli Foreign Ministry has sharply criticised the South African government for allegedly backing Iran, following Pretoria’s co-chairing of the Hague Group’s March 4, 2026, meeting in The Hague. The gathering, attended by representatives from 40 states, focused on enforcing international law in Palestine.

    Israel condemned the landmark diplomatic event — the largest Hague Group meeting since its founding in January 2025 — accusing South Africa of aligning with Iran in its confrontation against Israel and the United States.

    In a statement issued on March 4, the Foreign Ministry declared: “South Africa, a close ally of the murderous regime in Tehran, which slaughtered thousands of its own citizens, has just organised another distorted anti-Israel meeting of the Hague Group. These two corrupt regimes, united by their hatred of Israel, recently held a joint naval exercise.”

    The statement further mocked the forum’s credibility, adding: “We can expect the outcome of the Hague meeting to be as successful as Iran’s navy, which is probably why Bolivia and Honduras had the sense to leave this forum.”

    The meeting’s agenda centred on strengthening coordinated state action to enforce international law in Palestine, discussing measures targeting Israeli settlements and arms transfers, promoting accountability mechanisms through international institutions, and highlighting South Africa’s role as a leading voice in global justice and solidarity with Palestine.

  • INEC presents certificates of return to AMAC chairman, others

    INEC presents certificates of return to AMAC chairman, others

    Abuja, Nigeria (Agency Report) — March 5, 2026 — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday presented certificates of return to the newly re-elected Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, and his Vice, Mohammed Nadabo.

    It also presented the certificates to other winners of the Feb. 21 Area Council elections.

    The FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Malam Aminu Idris, while presenting the certificates at the commission’s office, described the exercise as the formal conclusion of a successful and transparent electoral process.

    Idris noted that the presentation covered the six area council chairmen and their deputies, as well as 62 councillors who emerged winners across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “I wish, on behalf of the Commission, to congratulate all of you for your success at the polls. I urge you to see your mandates as a call to duty to the people.

    “Your election is a testament to the trust imposed on you by the people. I encourage you to embrace your mandate with a sense of duty, working tirelessly to solve the situation of your constituents,” the REC said.

    He also expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force and various political parties, for their roles in ensuring a conclusive election.

    Speaking to newsmen shortly after receiving his certificate, Maikalangu expressed gratitude to God and the electorate, describing the day as the “final bus stop” of the election cycle.

    The reelected chairman, who promised to sustain his developmental strides, said his administration would allocate 80 per cent of projects and programmes to rural communities.

    “Anytime you talk about local government, you are talking about local people. As usual, I am going to give the rural areas 80 per cent because most of my activities dwell there.

    “I want to thank them for giving me their votes, and I will give them back that dividend of democracy,” Maikalangu said.

    Addressing the diversity of needs within the council, the chairman explained that infrastructure would be spread based on the peculiarities of each ward, citing Kabusa and Garki as areas requiring specific governmental attention due to their sizes.

    He also extended a word of partnership to his political opponents, urging them to join hands with his administration to move the council forward.

    “We were not enemies from the beginning. I don’t insult my rivals; we are all political friends. Let them come and join us so that whatever ideas they have, we can move AMAC forward together,” he added.

    On his part, the Vice Chairman-elect, Mohammed Nadabo, assured residents of an “open-door policy,” stating that the administration would remain people-oriented.

    “In some wards, they may need water; in others, it is education or infrastructure. We understand the peculiarities, and we will operate in tandem with what is available at our disposal so that we do not create a questionable impression in the minds of our citizens,” Nadabo said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly elected officials are expected to be sworn in following the expiration of the current tenure. (NAN).

  • Reps threaten to arrest BOI MD over failure to appear before committee

    Reps threaten to arrest BOI MD over failure to appear before committee

    Abuja, Nigeria (Agency Report) — March 5, 2026 — An Ad hoc Committee of the House of Representatives has threatened to issue an arrest warrant on the Managing Director of Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr Olasupo Olusi, following his failure to appear before it to account for the performance of funds in the bank.

    The committee, which is investigating the operations, funding sources and performance of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), at a public hearing on Wednesday in Abuja, threatened to invoke its constitutional powers to compel the managing director’s appearance.

    In his ruling, Chairman of the committee, Rep. Mark Obetta (LP-Enugu), said that the hearing was to scrutinise programmes, funding frameworks, intervention strategies and performance records of relevant agencies from 2018 till date.

    According to him, the exercise forms part of the broader oversight responsibility to assess how development finance interventions have been implemented and to determine their measurable impacts on key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    He, however, frowned at the absence of the BOI Managing Director at the hearing, saying that disrespect for the parliament would not be tolerated.

    Obetta said that the bank not only failed to appear but also failed to submit the required documentation to the committee despite multiple communications and formal invitations.

    “It is the resolve of this committee to issue a firm directive compelling the bank to urgently submit the requested documents and appear at the next hearing.

    “Continued non-compliance could result in the issuance of a warrant of arrest to enforce attendance, in line with the constitutional oversight powers of the House of Representatives,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institutions represented at the hearing included: National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Nigerian Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) and Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL).

    The lawmakers requested comprehensive details of loans and interventions extended to farmers affected by the ginger blight disease outbreak, which significantly disrupted ginger production in parts of the country.

    The panel also asked NCGC to provide a more detailed documentation outlining its statutory mandate, governance structure, operational model, funding sources and emerging programmes.

    Similarly, the lawmakers directed NIRSAL to make fresh and more detailed submissions covering its interventions within the period under review, including beneficiaries’ data, funding volumes and performance metrics. (NAN).

  • Reza Pahlavi Urges Iranians Abroad to Sustain Global Support Against Islamic Republic  

    Reza Pahlavi Urges Iranians Abroad to Sustain Global Support Against Islamic Republic  

    Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 4, 2026 — Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince of Iran, has called on Iranians in the diaspora to maintain the momentum of their global protests amid ongoing military action against the Islamic Republic regime.  

    In an online broadcast on Wednesday, Pahlavi — the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, and Empress Farah Diba — praised the “tireless efforts and passionate presence” of Iranians abroad, noting that their activism, particularly during Global Action Day, has helped shift international opinion and compelled decision-makers to support the Iranian people.  

    He urged Iranians overseas to intensify their efforts by:  

    • Engaging policymakers: Contact representatives and decision-makers in host countries to ensure continued support for the Iranian people until the regime’s collapse.  
    • Defending sovereignty: Emphasise Iran’s territorial integrity and insist on full commitment to the people’s will in shaping the nation’s future system.  
    • Protecting civilians: Demand utmost care to prevent harm to non-combatants.  
    • Amplifying voices: Communicate the clear demands of Iranians through media outlets and civil society organisations.  
    • Mobilising visibly: Participate in grand marches to demonstrate solidarity and articulate the aspirations of the Iranian people.  

    “Fateful moments lie ahead of us — moments that will shape Iran’s future for decades and centuries to come. Redouble your efforts,” Pahlavi declared, invoking the legendary figure of Arash the Archer as a symbol of sacrifice and resilience.  

    Political observers note that Pahlavi is increasingly seen as a potential transitional leader for Iran, as military pressure from Israel and the United States has weakened the Islamic Republic, with several high-ranking officials reportedly assassinated in recent operations.  

    Pahlavi has outlined a political roadmap centred on democracy, secular governance, and human rights, encapsulated in his slogan “Make Iran Great Again (MIGA).”