Iran’s elite military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has vowed to target Benjamin Netanyahu as hostilities continue between Iran, Israel and the United States.
In a statement published Sunday on its official website, Sepah News, the Guards issued a direct warning against the Israeli prime minister amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
“If this child-killing criminal is alive, we will continue to pursue and kill him with full force,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have intensified security operations across the country, arresting dozens of individuals suspected of cooperating with Israel.
Local media reported that at least 20 people were detained in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province during raids targeting alleged espionage networks.
According to the Fars News Agency, the suspects were accused of sending sensitive information about military, law enforcement and security locations to Israel.
The arrests were carried out following operations led by the province’s prosecutor, Hossein Majidi.
Authorities said the suspects were linked to what they described as networks working with the “Zionist enemy”.
Reports indicate that Iranian security forces have conducted sweeping raids in recent days, arresting hundreds of people across the country over alleged collaboration with Israel and the United States.
The crackdown comes more than two weeks after the start of the latest conflict in the Middle East..
The current confrontation began on February 28 after joint strikes by the United States and Israel killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
The killing triggered retaliatory attacks by Iran and escalated tensions across the region, raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Since the outbreak of the war, military exchanges and threats between the sides have intensified, with both Iran and Israel accusing each other of escalating hostilities.
(DDM) – Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is scheduled to embark on an official state visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between both countries.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the visit is expected to involve meetings with senior British officials, investors, and members of the Nigerian diaspora community in Britain.
Below are five key things to know about the visit.
1. Strengthening diplomatic relations
One of the primary objectives of the visit is to deepen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Both countries have maintained strong political and historical ties dating back to the colonial period before Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
Analysts say the visit provides an opportunity for discussions on governance cooperation, regional security, and global diplomatic issues affecting both nations.
2. Economic and investment talks
A major focus of the trip will be economic engagement and investment promotion.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to meet with British investors and business leaders to promote investment opportunities in Nigeria.
Key sectors likely to be discussed include energy, infrastructure, technology, and financial services.
The Nigerian government hopes such engagements will attract new foreign investments to support economic growth and development.
3. Engagement with Nigerian diaspora community
The Nigerian president is also expected to meet members of the Nigerian diaspora living in the United Kingdom.
The Nigerian diaspora in Britain represents one of the largest African communities in Europe.
Diaspora engagement has become an important component of Nigeria’s foreign policy because remittances from Nigerians abroad contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
4. Security and strategic cooperation
Security cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom is another key issue expected to feature in discussions.
Both governments have previously collaborated on intelligence sharing, military training, and counterterrorism efforts.
Officials say strengthening security partnerships could help address threats such as terrorism, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and organised crime.
5. Trade and cultural partnership
The visit will also highlight cultural and trade relations between the two countries.
The United Kingdom remains one of Nigeria’s major trade partners and a key destination for Nigerian students and professionals.
Observers say cultural exchanges, education partnerships, and bilateral trade agreements may form part of the discussions during the visit.
Broader context of the visit
Nigeria and the United Kingdom maintain strong diplomatic ties shaped by shared history, economic cooperation, and people-to-people relationships.
Experts believe the state visit by Bola Ahmed Tinubu could help strengthen strategic cooperation and open new opportunities for economic collaboration between both nations.
(DDM) – An alleged robbery suspect narrowly escaped death after an angry mob attacked him at a busy market in Enugu following accusations that he was involved in armed robbery.
The incident occurred when traders and residents reportedly discovered the suspect in possession of a stolen pump-action gun at the market.
How the incident happened
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect was apprehended by members of the public at a popular market area in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State.
Traders reportedly raised an alarm after noticing suspicious behaviour and allegedly discovering a pump-action firearm believed to have been stolen.
The discovery quickly triggered anger among people in the market, leading to a mob attack on the suspect.
Several individuals reportedly beat the man while accusing him of being involved in robbery operations in the area.
Police intervention
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force later arrived at the scene and rescued the suspect from the mob.
Police sources indicated that the suspect was taken into custody for further investigation.
Authorities also recovered the firearm believed to have been found in his possession.
The suspect is expected to face questioning as investigators determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged robbery activities.
Mob justice concerns
Incidents of mob attacks on suspected criminals have become a recurring concern in several parts of Nigeria.
Security experts warn that such actions, often described as “jungle justice,” can lead to wrongful punishment and undermine the rule of law.
Human rights advocates have repeatedly urged citizens to hand suspects over to security agencies rather than taking justice into their own hands.
Security situation in Enugu
Like many urban centres in southeastern Nigeria, Enugu has experienced periodic security challenges, including robbery incidents and violent crime.
Authorities have increased patrols and security operations in markets and other crowded public areas to prevent criminal activities.
Police officials have also encouraged residents to report suspicious persons or activities promptly.
Ongoing investigation
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations into the case are ongoing to determine whether the suspect is linked to previous robbery incidents in the area.
Law enforcement officials reiterated that suspects must be allowed to face due process in court rather than being subjected to mob violence.
Community leaders have also called for calm, urging residents and traders in Enugu to cooperate with security agencies in maintaining safety and order in local markets.
(DDM) – A fatal road accident along the Lekki–Epe Expressway has left four people dead and several others seriously injured after a collision involving a truck and a commercial minibus.
The crash reportedly occurred during busy traffic hours along the major highway in Lagos, one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial cities.
What happened
Witnesses said the accident involved a heavy-duty truck and a commercial passenger minibus, commonly known as a “danfo”.
The vehicles reportedly collided on the Lekki–Epe Expressway, a key transport corridor connecting central Lagos with rapidly growing suburbs in the Lekki axis.
The impact of the crash caused severe damage to the minibus, trapping several passengers inside.
Emergency responders and bystanders reportedly rushed to the scene to assist victims and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Casualties and injuries
Authorities confirmed that four people lost their lives in the accident.
Several other passengers sustained serious injuries and were taken to medical facilities for urgent treatment.
Officials said the exact circumstances leading to the crash are still being investigated.
Traffic challenges on the Lekki–Epe corridor
The Lekki–Epe Expressway is one of the fastest-developing road corridors in Lagos.
It serves as a major route for commuters travelling between central Lagos and the rapidly expanding Lekki peninsula.
However, the highway has frequently been the site of traffic congestion and accidents due to heavy vehicle movement, speeding, and increasing population growth in the area.
Road safety concerns in Lagos
Road traffic accidents remain a significant public safety concern in Nigeria, particularly in densely populated cities such as Lagos.
Transportation experts often cite reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and overcrowded roads as major causes of highway crashes.
Commercial transport vehicles operating within the city are also frequently involved in accidents due to long working hours and intense competition for passengers.
Emergency response and investigation
Following the crash, emergency responders reportedly cleared wreckage from the road to restore traffic movement along the busy expressway.
Authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the accident and determine whether negligence, mechanical failure, or road conditions played a role.
Officials have also urged drivers using the Lekki–Epe Expressway to exercise caution, obey traffic regulations, and avoid speeding.
A recurring challenge
Fatal crashes such as the latest incident highlight ongoing road safety challenges in Lagos and other major urban centres across Nigeria.
Safety advocates continue to call for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, better driver training, and improved road infrastructure to reduce the number of deadly accidents on Nigerian highways.
(DDM) – The Nigerian Navy has intensified its campaign against crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, destroying an illegal refinery in Rivers State and intercepting thousands of litres of suspected stolen fuel in Cross River State.
The latest operation forms part of ongoing security efforts aimed at protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and reducing the environmental damage caused by illicit refining activities.
What the Navy discovered in Rivers
According to security officials, naval operatives uncovered and dismantled an illegal refining site during a patrol operation in Rivers State.
Illegal refineries in the Niger Delta typically consist of makeshift facilities where stolen crude oil is processed into diesel, kerosene, or other petroleum products using rudimentary equipment.
These sites are often hidden within creeks and forested areas to avoid detection by authorities.
After discovering the facility, personnel of the Nigerian Navy destroyed the equipment and materials used in the refining process to prevent further operations.
Fuel interception in Cross River
In a separate operation, naval operatives also intercepted approximately 3,950 litres of suspected stolen fuel in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.
Authorities said the petroleum products were being transported illegally and were believed to have originated from illicit bunkering operations.
The confiscated fuel was seized as part of the Navy’s broader strategy to disrupt the illegal fuel supply chain in the region.
The wider problem of illegal refining
Illegal oil refining remains one of the most persistent security and environmental challenges in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Criminal networks tap directly into oil pipelines to siphon crude oil, which is then processed in makeshift refineries.
Experts say these operations cause massive environmental pollution, including oil spills and the destruction of mangrove forests.
The smoke produced by crude-burning refining equipment also contributes to severe air pollution in surrounding communities.
Economic impact on Nigeria
Oil theft and illegal refining have long been blamed for major revenue losses in Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer.
Government authorities have repeatedly warned that billions of dollars in potential revenue are lost annually due to pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
Because petroleum exports account for a large portion of Nigeria’s national income, such activities can significantly affect government finances and economic stability.
Military crackdown and security operations
In response to the problem, the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies have intensified patrols across oil-producing states in the Niger Delta.
Operations often involve the destruction of illegal refining facilities, the seizure of stolen petroleum products, and the arrest of suspects involved in oil theft.
Security analysts say these operations are designed to discourage criminal networks and protect the country’s energy infrastructure.
Ongoing enforcement efforts
Authorities say the crackdown on illegal refining will continue across key oil-producing regions including Rivers State and Cross River State.
Officials have also urged communities to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities related to oil theft or illegal refining.
As the Nigerian Navy continues its enforcement operations, the government hopes that stronger surveillance and community support will help reduce illegal oil activities and protect the environment in the Niger Delta.
(DDM) – The Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has hosted members of the Muslim community in the state for an Iftar gathering, calling for stronger unity and peaceful coexistence among residents.
The event, held during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, brought together Muslim leaders, community representatives, and government officials in a symbolic gesture of religious harmony.
What happened at the gathering
During the Iftar event, Chukwuma Soludo joined Muslim faithful in breaking their daily fast, a tradition observed by Muslims worldwide throughout Ramadan.
Iftar refers to the meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their fast after a day of abstaining from food and drink.
The governor used the occasion to emphasise the importance of mutual respect among different religious and ethnic groups living in Anambra State.
Message of unity and inclusion
Speaking during the event, Chukwuma Soludo stressed that the diversity of the state should be viewed as a source of strength rather than division.
He urged residents to continue promoting peace, tolerance, and cooperation regardless of religious affiliation.
According to him, a stable and united society is necessary for sustainable development and progress.
Muslim community reaction
Leaders of the Muslim community in Anambra State reportedly welcomed the governor’s gesture.
They described the invitation as a sign of inclusivity and a demonstration of the government’s willingness to engage with all communities.
Some community representatives said the event helped strengthen trust and collaboration between the government and minority religious groups in the state.
Religious diversity in Anambra
Although Anambra State is predominantly Christian, it is also home to smaller Muslim communities involved in commerce, education, and public service.
Interfaith gatherings such as Iftar meetings have increasingly been used by political and community leaders to encourage peaceful coexistence.
Analysts say such gestures can help reduce tensions and foster understanding between different religious groups.
Broader significance
Across Nigeria, religious harmony remains an important issue in national discussions about unity and stability.
Political leaders often use religious and cultural events to promote dialogue and strengthen community relationships.
Observers say the Iftar hosted by Chukwuma Soludo reflects a broader effort by leaders to emphasise inclusiveness and unity within their states.
As the fasting period of Ramadan continues, the governor encouraged residents of Anambra State to remain committed to peace, solidarity, and cooperation across religious lines.
(DDM) – Supporters of Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore gathered at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to welcome him following his return from a rally in Aba calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
The reception took place after Sowore travelled to the commercial city of Aba in Abia State where activists and supporters organised a protest demanding justice and freedom for the detained separatist leader.
What happened at the airport
Eyewitness accounts indicated that dozens of supporters gathered at the airport terminal in Abuja chanting solidarity slogans as Sowore arrived.
Many of the supporters waved mobile phones, sang songs, and shouted “Leader! Leader!” while welcoming the activist.
The enthusiastic reception reflected the support he continues to receive from followers of the #FreeNnamdiKanu campaign and other civil rights movements.
The rally in Aba
During the rally held in Aba, Omoyele Sowore joined activists advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Participants in the gathering argued that the continued detention of Kanu raises questions about the rule of law and due process in Nigeria.
The rally forms part of a broader advocacy effort known as the #FreeNnamdiKanu movement, which has organised demonstrations and campaigns across different cities.
Who is Nnamdi Kanu?
Nnamdi Kanu is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, a separatist movement seeking the creation of an independent state for the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria.
His abduction and detention have generated intense political debate, with supporters calling for his release while authorities maintain that legal proceedings must continue.
The case has also drawn attention from human rights groups and political commentators who view it as a major issue in Nigeria’s ongoing discussions about civil liberties and national unity.
Sowore’s role in activism
Omoyele Sowore has been widely known for his activism through movements such as #RevolutionNow, which campaigns for governance reforms and accountability.
He has frequently organised protests and spoken out on issues relating to democracy, human rights, and government transparency.
Supporters say his participation in the Aba rally demonstrates solidarity with groups advocating for civil liberties and constitutional rights.
Message to supporters
Speaking after his arrival in Abuja, Sowore reportedly thanked those who gathered at the airport for their support.
He urged Nigerians not to remain silent in the face of what he described as injustice and encouraged continued civic engagement.
Growing momentum of the campaign
Supporters at the airport said the rally in Aba represented a growing wave of solidarity around the demand for Kanu’s freedom.
They argued that the campaign is gaining momentum in different regions of the country as activists push for legal and political solutions to the issue.
For now, the return of Omoyele Sowore to Abuja after the Aba rally has become another moment highlighting the continuing national debate surrounding the detention of Nnamdi Kanu and broader concerns about civil liberties in Nigeria.
(DDM) – The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Moses Adeyemo, has directed newly elected local government leaders of the party to immediately inaugurate ward executives across the state.
The directive is part of efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures and ensure that its political machinery remains active at the community level.
What the directive means
According to party officials, the instruction requires local government leaders of the All Progressives Congress to complete the inauguration of ward executives without delay.
Ward executives represent the lowest but most critical level of party organisation in Nigeria’s political structure.
They are responsible for mobilising members, coordinating grassroots political activities, and maintaining the party’s presence within communities.
Strengthening grassroots operations
Moses Adeyemo reportedly urged the new local government leaders to begin work immediately after assuming office.
He emphasised that the inauguration of ward executives is essential for ensuring that the party remains organised ahead of future political engagements.
Political analysts say strong ward structures often determine how effectively parties mobilise voters during elections.
Why ward executives matter
In Nigeria’s party system, ward executives serve as the foundation of political organisation.
They help register members, coordinate meetings, and implement party decisions at the local level.
Their activities also influence the selection of delegates who participate in larger party congresses and conventions.
Because of this role, ward leadership positions are often highly contested during party congresses.
Political context in Oyo
Oyo State remains one of the politically competitive states in southwestern Nigeria.
Major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, continue to invest heavily in grassroots mobilisation to strengthen their chances in future elections.
Party restructuring at the ward level is therefore seen as a strategic step in maintaining relevance and building political momentum.
Next steps for party leaders
With the directive now in place, local government leaders are expected to complete the inauguration process and begin coordinating party activities at the ward level.
Observers say the move signals an attempt by the All Progressives Congress leadership in Oyo State to reinforce internal structures and prepare the party for upcoming political contests.
As grassroots mobilisation continues, ward executives are expected to play a central role in strengthening the party’s organisational network across the state.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has scheduled April 14, 2026 for its national convention as part of preparations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The party also announced that ward congresses will begin on April 7, followed by local government and state congresses, in a nationwide process aimed at renewing its leadership structures across all levels.
According to the party, the congresses form part of its constitutional responsibility to reorganise its leadership from the grassroots to the national level.
The exercise will begin at polling units and ward levels, move through local government and state structures, and culminate in the national convention.
In a statement jointly signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinwdu Idigo, and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC released its official timetable for the internal party activities.
Congress Timetable
The party outlined the schedule as follows:
Polling Unit and Ward Congresses: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Local Government Area Congresses: Thursday, April 9, 2026
State Congresses: Saturday, April 11, 2026
National Convention: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
The party urged members interested in contesting positions at the ward, local government, or state levels to obtain and submit nomination or expression-of-interest forms through its official platform.
According to the statement, the forms and further information are available on the party’s official website.
The ADC also called on members across the country to actively participate in the process while adhering to the party’s constitution, guidelines, and democratic principles.
The leadership noted that the congresses and convention are expected to strengthen the party’s internal structure and prepare it for participation in upcoming electoral contests.
(DDM) – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans to conduct nationwide congresses as part of preparations for its next national convention scheduled for April 14, 2026.
The development was disclosed in an official schedule of activities released by the party, outlining steps aimed at renewing its leadership structures across the country.
What the announcement says
According to a public notice jointly signed by the National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, and the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the exercise will involve party members at every level of the organisation.
The congresses are expected to begin at the polling unit and ward levels, where grassroots members will participate in selecting or reaffirming party officials.
From there, the process will progress to local government congresses before advancing to state congresses.
The sequence will eventually culminate in the National Convention, where top party leadership positions are expected to be reviewed or renewed.
Why the congresses are important
Political parties in Nigeria are required by their constitutions and electoral guidelines to periodically conduct congresses and conventions to maintain internal democracy.
These processes allow party members to elect officials, review leadership performance, and shape the party’s strategic direction.
For the African Democratic Congress, the upcoming congresses represent an opportunity to strengthen internal structures and prepare for future electoral contests.
The structure of the process
The ADC explained that the congresses will follow a bottom-up structure, beginning with grassroots party units.
Party officials say this approach ensures wider participation and reflects the party’s commitment to internal democratic practices.
Grassroots delegates chosen at lower levels will typically move forward to represent their constituencies at higher congress levels.
By the time the National Convention is held, representatives from across the country are expected to participate in decisions affecting the party’s national leadership.
Political context
The African Democratic Congress is one of Nigeria’s opposition political parties seeking to expand its influence ahead of future elections.
Analysts note that strong internal structures and transparent leadership selection processes can play a major role in determining a party’s political credibility.
Internal party congresses have historically been sensitive moments for Nigerian political parties, as leadership contests sometimes trigger disputes or court cases.
What comes next
ADC leaders say the scheduled congresses are part of the party’s constitutional responsibility to periodically renew leadership across all levels.
The party maintains that the process will start at the polling unit and ward levels, move through local government and state congresses, and conclude with the National Convention on April 14, 2026.
Officials say the exercise is intended to ensure that the party’s leadership structure reflects the participation and mandate of members nationwide.
(DDM) – Fresh criticism has emerged against the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with some Nigerians accusing the government of relying on food distribution, particularly rice, as a response to growing economic hardship.
The criticism reflects broader frustrations over rising living costs, limited infrastructure improvements, and persistent security concerns across Nigeria.
Why rice distribution became controversial
In recent months, government agencies and political groups have distributed bags of rice in several states as part of relief programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens.
Supporters of the policy say the food aid is meant to cushion the effects of economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and currency adjustments.
However, critics argue that distributing rice does not address deeper structural problems affecting citizens.
They say issues such as electricity shortages, poor road infrastructure, and healthcare challenges require long-term policy solutions rather than temporary relief.
Rising economic pressures
Nigeria has experienced significant economic pressure since major policy changes were introduced by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Fuel subsidy removal led to a sharp increase in petrol prices, which also raised transportation and food costs.
Inflation has continued to affect households, with many Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities.
Economic analysts say the rising cost of living has increased public dissatisfaction with government policies.
Critics introduce the term “riceocracy”
Some commentators have begun using the term “riceocracy” to describe what they see as a pattern of responding to public complaints with food handouts.
The phrase is intended as satire, suggesting that rice distribution has become the government’s default response to social and economic grievances.
Critics argue that while food support may help temporarily, it cannot replace investments in infrastructure, employment creation, and security.
Government’s perspective
Officials within the administration maintain that food distribution programmes are part of broader social intervention policies.
They argue that such measures are necessary to provide immediate relief while longer-term economic reforms take effect.
Government representatives have also highlighted ongoing projects in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy aimed at improving national productivity.
Supporters of the administration say these reforms may take time before their benefits become fully visible.
The broader political debate
The debate over rice distribution reflects a larger conversation about governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Opposition voices and civil society groups have called for more transparent policies addressing unemployment, security challenges, and economic growth.
At the same time, supporters of the government urge patience, arguing that economic restructuring often produces short-term hardship before delivering long-term gains.
As economic pressures continue to affect households across the country, the conversation about government priorities and effective policy responses is likely to remain central in Nigeria’s political discourse.
The glittering skyline of Dubai, long celebrated as one of the world’s most glamorous and secure global cities, is now facing one of the most dramatic crises in its modern history as thousands of expatriates begin to flee the emirate amid continuing missile and drone attacks linked to the widening Middle East conflict. Once promoted as a tax-free haven for international entrepreneurs, investors, influencers, and professionals seeking economic opportunity and luxury living, the city’s reputation for stability has been severely shaken by weeks of aerial bombardments believed to be launched by Iran against allies of the United States in the region.
For decades, Dubai cultivated a powerful global image: futuristic skyscrapers, luxury resorts, ultra-modern infrastructure, and a crime rate among the lowest anywhere in the world. It attracted millions of visitors annually and became home to expatriates from every continent. But the ongoing conflict has forced many residents to reconsider their future in the city as missiles and drones continue to cross the skies above the United Arab Emirates.
DDM News gathered that the emirate has been among the primary targets of Iranian strikes during the escalating confrontation across the Middle East. Analysts estimate that roughly two-thirds of the projectiles fired toward the United Arab Emirates in recent weeks have been directed toward Dubai, raising serious concerns about safety and the long-term viability of the city’s tourism-driven economy.
Residents described scenes that were once unimaginable in the normally tranquil metropolis. Massive explosions shook the city early Wednesday morning when multiple projectiles struck near strategic infrastructure. Among the facilities reportedly damaged was Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world. Authorities confirmed that at least two drones struck parts of the airport complex, injuring four people and forcing emergency response teams to secure the affected areas.
The attacks triggered widespread disruption across the aviation sector. Several major international airlines quickly suspended flights to Dubai and other airports in the United Arab Emirates, citing safety concerns and the unpredictable security environment. The sudden halt in flights has compounded the difficulties facing businesses that depend heavily on tourism and international travel.
The missile strikes have not been limited to transport infrastructure. Luxury properties and commercial facilities have also been affected. One of the most symbolic incidents occurred when a projectile reportedly struck the famous Fairmont The Palm located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. The palm-shaped island is known globally for its luxury hotels, private villas, and high-end tourism industry, making the attack particularly alarming for residents and investors.
The impact on the expatriate community has been profound. Dubai’s population is unique in that foreigners make up nearly 90 percent of the city’s residents. The emirate’s economic success has depended heavily on this international workforce, which includes business executives, teachers, construction workers, financial professionals, and hospitality staff.
Among the large expatriate communities in Dubai are tens of thousands of British nationals. Public figures and celebrities such as Rio Ferdinand and Kate Ferdinand, entrepreneur Luisa Zissman, and socialite Petra Ecclestone have all previously been associated with the city’s thriving expatriate culture.
However, the ongoing security crisis has begun to erode the sense of safety that once attracted so many foreigners to the emirate. Reports indicate that tens of thousands of residents and tourists have already left the country since the conflict escalated several weeks ago. Many departing expatriates say they are unlikely to return if the instability continues.
Some residents describe living under constant anxiety as air-raid alerts sound on their mobile phones, warning them to avoid windows and seek shelter whenever incoming missiles are detected. Even though the United Arab Emirates has one of the region’s most advanced air defense systems, the psychological impact of repeated attacks has taken a toll on the population.
Authorities claim that approximately 90 percent of the nearly 1,700 missiles and drones launched toward the country in the past two weeks have been intercepted before reaching their targets. Nevertheless, the remaining attacks have caused casualties and infrastructure damage, reinforcing fears that the city could face more serious destruction if the conflict intensifies.
DDM News learned that residents are also facing strict government controls on information related to the attacks. Authorities have reportedly warned people that sharing videos of missiles or explosions on social media could lead to prosecution. Officials say the restriction is necessary to prevent panic and stop the spread of sensitive security information.
In an effort to reassure the public, government communication campaigns have attempted to frame the loud explosions heard across the city as evidence of successful air defense interceptions. Officials have described the booming sounds as “the sound of safety,” referring to the defensive systems destroying incoming threats before they reach populated areas. However, many residents say such messaging has done little to calm their fears.
Longtime expatriates say the city they once knew feels fundamentally changed. John Trudinger, a British educator who has lived in Dubai for more than 16 years, explained that many teachers at his school are deeply shaken by the experience. He said numerous staff members have already left the country and have indicated they may never return, describing the emotional toll of the conflict as overwhelming.
The economic consequences are also becoming visible. Taxi drivers, restaurant owners, hotel workers, and tourism operators say business has collapsed as visitors cancel travel plans and companies relocate staff to safer locations.
One taxi driver, Zain Anwar, said his vehicle was destroyed during one of the missile attacks and that his family in Pakistan is urging him to abandon the city entirely. According to him, the once-bustling streets of Dubai have become quieter as tourism declines and expatriates pack up their lives.
Even as many residents depart, the attacks have not completely stopped. A video circulating online reportedly captured a drone explosion near the airport area, sending a large plume of smoke into the sky and reigniting fears of further strikes.
For a city built on global confidence, investment, and the promise of stability, the ongoing security crisis presents an unprecedented challenge. Whether Dubai can restore its image as a safe international hub will depend largely on how quickly the regional conflict is resolved and whether the emirate can reassure its expatriate population that the dangers they now face will not become the new normal.
For now, many residents who once viewed Dubai as the perfect place to live are reconsidering their future, leaving behind a city that, for the first time in decades, finds its reputation for security under serious threat.
United States President Donald Trump has called on several major countries to deploy warships to help keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open following threats by Iran to restrict access to the strategic shipping route.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, the U.S. president said countries heavily affected by any disruption in the waterway would work with the United States to ensure safe passage for ships.
Trump said nations whose economies rely on the route could join the effort, mentioning China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom among those he hoped would deploy naval forces to the region.
It could be recalled that DDM reported that the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, carrying a significant portion of global oil shipments from the Gulf to international markets.
Any disruption in the narrow waterway could have serious consequences for global energy supplies and international trade.
Trump said countries affected by Iran’s attempt to restrict the route would likely contribute naval vessels to ensure the strait remains open.
However, he did not confirm which nations had formally agreed to join the proposed operation, and there was no immediate confirmation from the governments mentioned.
The U.S. president also warned that despite what he described as heavy damage inflicted on Iran’s military capabilities, Tehran could still threaten ships in the area.
He said Iran might attempt to disrupt traffic using drones, sea mines or short-range missiles along the waterway.
Trump added that the United States would continue military operations in the region to guarantee security in the strait.
Earlier in the week, Iranian officials declared that they would not allow “a single litre of oil” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of the United States, Israel and their allies.
The situation has raised fears that the confrontation could disrupt global shipping routes and push oil prices higher if the strait becomes unsafe for commercial vessels.
The Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State has arrested a man identified as Johnson Daniel for allegedly stabbing his friend, 18-year-old Ariyo Timilehin, to death in Owo, Owo Local Government Area.
The spokesperson of the state police command, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Akure, the state capital.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was allegedly stabbed during an argument with the suspect.
“The command has confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the alleged murder of Ariyo Amos Timilehin following a violent altercation in Owo on March 6, 2026,” Jimoh said.
He explained that the victim was rushed to Federal Medical Centre Owo, where a doctor confirmed him dead on arrival.
Police detectives who visited the scene of the incident recovered the knife suspected to have been used in the attack. The suspect was later apprehended and taken into custody.
Jimoh added that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The police command also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged members of the public to avoid violence while resolving disputes.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the victim and the suspect were known to be close friends and were often seen together around their neighbourhood before the incident.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said United States forces carried out a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island in Iran, hitting more than 90 military targets during overnight operations on Friday.
In a statement released on Saturday, CENTCOM said the strikes targeted a range of Iranian military facilities while deliberately avoiding the island’s vital oil infrastructure.
“U.S. forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island while preserving the oil infrastructure,” the command said.
According to the U.S. military, the operation destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and several other military sites believed to be linked to Iran’s defense operations.
Kharg Island is Iran’s main oil export hub and plays a critical role in the country’s energy sector.
The island lies near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime routes for global oil shipments.
Earlier on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington could target the island’s oil infrastructure if Tehran continued attacks on vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
The strikes mark one of the largest U.S. military operations against Iranian targets since tensions between the two countries sharply escalated in recent weeks.
The United States has taken a dramatic step to secure one of the world’s most strategically important oil routes by deploying thousands of Marines to the Middle East in a move aimed at reopening the vital shipping corridor of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has threatened to shut amid intensifying military confrontation with Western powers. The decision, reportedly authorized by U.S. President Donald Trump, signals a major escalation in the ongoing crisis and raises fears of a broader conflict that could disrupt global energy supplies and trigger a worldwide economic shock.
According to U.S. defence officials, the deployment involves roughly 5,000 American sailors and Marines aboard a powerful amphibious naval task force that includes the warship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) along with elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The forces departed from Okinawa, Japan, where they are normally stationed as part of the U.S. military’s forward presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Their mission is to move toward the Middle East and prepare for operations that could involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz by force if necessary.
The move follows growing international alarm after Iran declared the narrow maritime corridor closed shortly after hostilities intensified between Tehran and its adversaries in late February. Iranian leaders have argued that the closure is a defensive response to military attacks on the country and have warned that the waterway will remain blocked until those strikes stop. However, the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz carries enormous global implications, as the route handles nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments, making it one of the most critical energy chokepoints on the planet.
DDM News gathered that several commercial oil tankers navigating the region have already come under attack in recent days, allegedly by Iranian forces or affiliated naval units. These incidents have sent oil prices climbing sharply on global markets and raised fears that prolonged disruption of shipping traffic could spark a worldwide recession by driving energy costs dramatically higher.
Speaking to reporters, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that American military planners were actively addressing the situation and were determined to ensure freedom of navigation in the critical waterway. While he sought to reassure markets and allies by stating that there was no immediate cause for panic, he acknowledged that the U.S. military was preparing for a range of possible responses to the crisis.
The deployment of the amphibious force is widely seen by military analysts as a clear signal that Washington is prepared to escalate if diplomatic efforts fail to reopen the strait. Amphibious ready groups such as the one accompanying the USS Tripoli are specifically designed to project military power close to shorelines. They carry landing craft, helicopters, fighter aircraft, and thousands of Marines capable of conducting rapid assaults, evacuations, or security operations along coastal areas.
Experts say the presence of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit means the United States now has a force in transit that could conduct amphibious landings, special operations raids, or maritime security missions if ordered to do so. Such units are typically used in crisis zones because of their ability to respond quickly and operate independently without relying heavily on local infrastructure.
Reports indicate that the USS Tripoli was recently observed moving through the Bashi Channel as it began its long voyage toward the Middle East. The journey is expected to take roughly two weeks before the task force reaches operational waters near the Gulf region. Once in place, the Marines could join other U.S. naval forces already stationed nearby under the command of United States Central Command.
Meanwhile, intelligence reports suggest that Iran may be preparing to further reinforce its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials have reportedly detected activity consistent with the laying of naval mines in parts of the Gulf channel, a move that could make navigation extremely dangerous for civilian shipping vessels. Mines are considered one of the most effective ways to deny access to narrow maritime routes, and clearing them can require extensive and time-consuming naval operations.
DDM News understands that the escalating standoff comes amid broader hostilities between Iran and a coalition of countries aligned against Tehran. Since late February, several rounds of military strikes and retaliatory attacks have been reported across the region, raising fears that the conflict could spiral into a full-scale regional war.
President Trump has adopted a particularly aggressive tone regarding the crisis, reportedly warning that U.S. forces would strike the Iranian regime “very hard” if Tehran continues to threaten international shipping. In remarks cited by American media outlets, the president indicated that the confrontation with Iran could continue until he personally feels confident that the threat has been neutralized.
The Strait of Hormuz itself has long been viewed as one of the most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints in the world. The narrow waterway separates Iran from the Arabian Peninsula and serves as the primary export route for oil produced by Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. Any disruption to traffic through the strait can immediately ripple across global energy markets.
Over the years, tensions in the region have frequently led to threats by Iran to close the strait, particularly during periods of heightened confrontation with the United States and its allies. However, an actual sustained closure would represent one of the most serious disruptions to global trade in modern history.
Military strategists warn that attempting to reopen the strait by force could carry significant risks, as Iran possesses a range of asymmetric capabilities designed to challenge larger naval powers. These include fast attack boats, coastal missile batteries, underwater mines, and drone systems capable of targeting shipping vessels.
Despite these risks, Washington appears determined to ensure that the strategic waterway remains open. Analysts say the deployment of thousands of Marines and advanced amphibious warships signals that the United States is preparing for a prolonged military presence in the region as tensions continue to escalate.
As the USS Tripoli and its accompanying Marine forces move closer to the Middle East, the world will be watching closely to see whether the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz can be resolved through diplomacy or whether it will escalate into a larger military confrontation that could reshape the global security landscape and energy markets for years to come.
Terror bandits have attacked the Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi metropolis in Kebbi State, killing a businessman, Sufiyanu Garba, and kidnapping his pregnant wife.
Shehu Mohammed Yauri, an elder brother of the abducted woman, said the criminal elements broke into the residence in the wee hours of Friday, shot Sufiyanu dead and whisked away his wife, Zainab, to an unknown destination.
Yauri said Zainab, who is pregnant, was taken away by the attackers after they killed her husband.
The spokesman of the command, Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident in a statement.
He said the attack resulted in the death of Sufiyanu, a 35 year old man, and the abduction of his wife.
Usman said police detectives had visited the scene and commenced investigation into the incident.
“It was observed that a police checkpoint is situated close to where the incident occurred. Residents could have informed the police for prompt response,” he said.
He added that the victim was rushed to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital where a medical doctor confirmed him dead.
His remains had since been deposited at the hospital mortuary.
The police image maker said the Commissioner of Police had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case and ensure a thorough investigation aimed at rescuing the abducted woman and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
A fire incident aboard the powerful United States aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) has raised fresh concerns over safety and operational challenges facing naval forces currently deployed in the volatile Middle East region. The fire, which occurred on Thursday, was confirmed by multiple U.S. naval sources, although officials emphasized that the blaze has since been successfully contained and that the vessel remains fully operational despite the scare.
According to early reports released by American naval authorities, the fire broke out in one of the ship’s internal sections known as the main laundry spaces, an area used for onboard maintenance and logistical support for the thousands of sailors stationed aboard the massive warship. The aircraft carrier, which is one of the most technologically advanced naval vessels in the world, was conducting operations in the northern part of the Red Sea at the time of the incident.
Officials disclosed that the crew of the aircraft carrier responded immediately after the fire alarm was triggered, launching a coordinated onboard firefighting response designed to prevent the blaze from spreading to other parts of the vessel. These emergency procedures are part of routine naval safety drills conducted regularly by U.S. sailors to ensure readiness for unexpected incidents at sea.
Fortunately, the fire was quickly brought under control, preventing what could have escalated into a major disaster aboard the multi-billion-dollar warship. However, two sailors sustained injuries during the incident and were immediately taken for medical evaluation and treatment by onboard medical personnel. U.S. officials confirmed that the injured sailors are currently receiving medical care and are reported to be in stable condition.
A statement released through United States Central Command clarified that the cause of the fire was not related to combat activity or hostile action. Authorities stressed that the incident was purely accidental and originated from within the ship’s laundry facilities. Investigations are expected to determine the precise cause of the blaze once safety inspections are completed.
Despite the incident, officials assured that the ship’s propulsion systems, nuclear power infrastructure, and critical combat operations equipment were not affected. This means the aircraft carrier retains its full operational capability and can continue carrying out its mission in the region without interruption.
DDM News gathered that the USS Gerald R. Ford was operating in the northern section of the Red Sea near the Saudi Arabian coastal city of Al Wajh when the fire occurred. The area has become increasingly important to U.S. naval operations due to the growing security challenges across the Middle East, particularly those linked to the ongoing confrontation involving Iran and its regional adversaries.
Naval observers tracking ship movements reported that the Ford Carrier Strike Group had recently entered the Red Sea after transiting through the strategic Suez Canal last week. The movement marked a significant repositioning of American naval power into the region amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
The USS Gerald R. Ford is currently accompanied by several escort warships that form part of its carrier strike group. These include guided-missile destroyers such as USS Mahan (DDG-72), USS Bainbridge (DDG-96), and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81). Together, these vessels form a powerful naval formation capable of projecting military force across vast regions of ocean and coastline.
The carrier strike group has been actively participating in a major military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, which is part of the broader operations involving the United States and Israel against Iranian military capabilities. The operation has drawn global attention as tensions between Iran and Western-allied forces continue to intensify across the Middle East.
DDM News understands that the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Middle East was initially planned as part of routine global naval rotations. However, the mission was extended multiple times by the Pentagon as regional security conditions deteriorated and the risk of a broader conflict increased.
The aircraft carrier itself is a symbol of American naval dominance and represents the newest generation of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers built for the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 2017, the vessel features advanced technologies designed to enhance aircraft launch efficiency, radar capabilities, and overall combat readiness.
Unlike older carriers, the Gerald R. Ford class was built with a new electromagnetic aircraft launch system capable of launching fighter jets more efficiently than traditional steam catapults. The vessel can carry dozens of fighter aircraft, surveillance planes, and helicopters, making it one of the most formidable floating military bases ever constructed.
Military analysts say the presence of such a vessel in the Red Sea reflects Washington’s determination to maintain a strong military posture in the region as tensions with Iran continue to unfold. Aircraft carriers provide unmatched flexibility during military crises because they allow air operations to be conducted without relying on foreign land bases.
Although the fire incident has drawn attention, experts say such occurrences, while rare, are not entirely unusual aboard large naval vessels that operate complex mechanical systems and house thousands of personnel in confined environments. Ships of this scale maintain extensive safety protocols precisely to manage such emergencies quickly and effectively.
The swift response of the USS Gerald R. Ford crew is being praised as an example of the rigorous training and preparedness expected of U.S. naval personnel. Their rapid action ensured that the fire was contained before it could threaten critical systems or compromise the mission of the carrier strike group.
As investigations continue, the U.S. Navy is expected to release further details about the incident and any safety measures that may be introduced to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
For now, the aircraft carrier remains deployed in the Red Sea, continuing its role as a central component of American naval operations in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive regions. With tensions still simmering across the Middle East, the USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group remain on high alert as they carry out their mission to maintain security and stability across the vital maritime corridor.
The diminution of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reached a symbolic pinnacle this week when a wave of defections swept through the National Assembly. Several PDP senators, including former Sokoto State governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, formally dumped the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while multiple members of the House of Representatives also abandoned it for the ADC or the ruling APC.
Not every PDP legislator has left yet, but at this point it’s only a matter of time. With only two term-limited, lame-duck governors in Bauchi and Oyo states (whose continued membership in the PDP can’t even be guaranteed until 2027), I think it’s safe to say the PDP is officially dead.
For people of my generation who followed Nigerian politics closely in the early years of the Fourth Republic, the extinction of the PDP feels surreal. There was a time when the party seemed as permanent as the Nigerian state itself. It governed Nigeria for 16 uninterrupted years and so completely dominated the political landscape that opposition parties looked like pitiful ornamental appendages to the system.
At its height, the PDP controlled 31 of Nigeria’s 36 states, similar to today’s APC. Governors, senators, representatives, ministers, retired generals and career political jobbers all gravitated toward it. It was the ultimate receptacle of power and influence. In those days, joining the PDP was the closest thing Nigeria had to acquiring political insurance.
The arrogance that flowed from that dominance was legendary. In April 2008, the party’s then national chairman, Vincent Ogbulafor, boasted that the PDP would rule Nigeria for 60 years. He added, with startling candor, that he didn’t care if Nigeria became a one-party state. At the time, the statement sounded like the confident exaggeration of a man who believed he was speaking from the center of history.
It turns out he was speaking from the edge of a cliff. Today, the PDP that proclaimed itself, with egotistical airs, to be Africa’s largest political party is a shell of its former self.
The previously expansive PDP umbrella now effectively shelters only two governors and a sprinkling of legislators (about seven senators and 17 representatives) who are plotting exit strategies from it.
That is a dramatic, never-before-seen political evaporation in Nigeria. But the PDP did not die suddenly. Its collapse has been a long, drawn-out process of self-sabotage punctuated by opportunistic defections, personal vendettas and spectacular displays of elite treachery.
The first decisive blow to the party came in 2015 when the party lost the presidency to the newly assembled All Progressives Congress (APC). For 16 years, the PDP had been the gravitational center of Nigerian politics because it controlled the federal government. Once that power vanished, the coalition that sustained it began to unravel.
Many Nigerian politicians do not join parties because of ideological affinity or programmatic conviction. They join because of proximity to power. When the PDP ceased to be the custodial party of federal authority, it also ceased to be the natural home of political opportunists.
The defections began almost immediately. Ogbulafor, who had said PDP would rule for 60 years, was one of the first PDP politicians to visit the APC secretariat in April 2015, a month before the inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari as president.
Politicians who had sworn eternal loyalty to the party discovered overnight that their political convictions had changed. Governors defected. Legislators defected. Party chieftains switched allegiances with a speed that would impress Jamaica’s Usain Bolt.
Nothing captures the PDP’s institutional collapse more vividly than the fate of its own former leaders. At least four former national chairmen of the party eventually ended up in the APC: Barnabas Gemade, Audu Ogbeh, Ali Modu Sheriff, and Adamu Mu’azu. In other words, men who led the PDP at the highest level later abandoned it for its main rival.
What remained after 2015 was a wounded party that still had a chance to recover if it had managed its internal conflicts with maturity and discipline. Instead, it chose fratricide. No individual embodies the party’s self-destructive impulses more distinctly than Nyesom Wike.
Wike’s quarrel with the PDP became especially bitter after he lost out in the struggle for the party’s presidential ticket. What followed was a prolonged campaign of internal destabilization that culminated in the notorious rebellion of the so-called G-5 governors, who are now at odds with each other.
During the 2023 election cycle, these governors effectively turned their backs on their own party’s presidential candidate and openly fraternized with Bola Tinubu of the APC. It was one of the most extraordinary acts of partisan self-immolation in Nigeria’s democratic history.
A ruling party undermining itself from within is not unheard of. But a major opposition party actively assisting the ruling party to defeat itself is an entirely different category of political absurdity.
The strange part was that the PDP never summoned the courage to discipline the rebellion. Instead, it spent months pleading for reconciliation with politicians who had already crossed the psychological Rubicon separating loyalty from hostility.
The party leadership appeared incapable of recognizing that the rebellion was not a temporary disagreement but a permanent structural rupture.
In Nigerian politics, when a politician begins to work openly against his own party’s presidential candidate, reconciliation meetings are unlikely to restore trust.
The result was predictable. The PDP entered the 2023 elections deeply fractured and emerged from them even weaker.
Since then, the party has existed in a state of perpetual crisis. Leadership disputes, court cases and factional rivalries have turned the party into a theater of endless internal conflict. Instead of projecting the image of a credible national alternative to the APC, the PDP has appeared increasingly like a quarrelsome family fighting over inheritance while the house burns.
Nothing illustrates this political dysfunction more vividly than recent events in Abuja’s local government elections. A candidate who won a chairmanship seat on the PDP platform reportedly wasted no time switching allegiance to the APC. That act captured the party’s predicament more eloquently than any formal political analysis.
Winning an election under the PDP banner now appears to create immediate anxiety about political survival.
It also reflects the ambiguous political posture of figures like Nyesom Wike, who continues to claim PDP membership while acting in ways that frequently align with the interests of the ruling APC.
The cumulative effect of these developments has been the gradual hollowing out of the party. The PDP still exists as a legal entity. It still has offices and officials. But its actual institutional authority has vanished. What remains is largely the disguised extension of the APC.
There is an irony in all this. The PDP helped normalize the culture of defections that is now destroying it. For years, it enthusiastically welcomed defectors from rival parties, rewarding them with positions and privileges. Party loyalty was never a particularly prized virtue in its political culture.
The party’s strategy was simple: absorb everyone and expand the coalition of power. That strategy worked for as long as the PDP controlled the federal government. Once it lost that advantage, the logic of opportunism that benefited it began to operate against it.
Politicians who previously defected into the PDP now defect out of it. In other words, the PDP became a victim of the political habits it cultivated.
The party’s decline also illustrates a larger truth about Nigerian politics. Political dominance should never be confused with institutional strength. APC will do well to learn this elemental truth.
For 16 years, the PDP looked invincible. It won elections easily, controlled most state governments, and occupied the commanding heights of the federal state. But it never built a durable institutional structure capable of surviving the loss of power.
It was essentially a coalition of powerful individuals held together by access to the resources of the federal government. Once those resources disappeared, the coalition gradually disintegrated.
What we are witnessing today is the final stage of that disintegration. For a political organization that had proclaimed it would rule Nigeria for 60 years, this is a remarkably brief lifespan.
Five US Air Force refueling planes were damaged in an Iranian missile strike at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal.
The attack, which occurred in recent days, left the planes damaged but not completely destroyed, and they’re currently being repaired.
The Wall Street Journal added that no casualties were recorded as a result of the strike.
The latest development means that at least seven US Air Force refueling planes have been damaged or destroyed since the launch of Operation Epic Fury.
The figure comes after a separate incident on Thursday involving two KC-135 refueling aircraft that collided midair.
One of the planes crashed following the collision, killing all six crew members on board. The Pentagon confirmed the fatalities on Friday.
CBS News, citing an Iraqi intelligence source, reported that the collision occurred near Turaibil along the Iraqi-Jordanian border.
The second KC-135 involved in the incident declared an emergency and managed to land safely in Israel.
In the wake of the crash, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq — an umbrella group made up of Iran-backed armed factions — claimed responsibility for downing the US aircraft.
The group stated they shot down the KC-135 “in defense of our country’s sovereignty and airspace.”
Separately, last week Kuwait’s air defenses mistakenly shot down three US F-15 fighter jets during active combat. US Central Command (CENTCOM) described the incident as apparent friendly fire.
All six crew members ejected safely from the aircraft and were later recovered in stable condition.
(DDM) – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria does not alter the current leadership structure of the party.
The clarification followed reports suggesting that the appellate court ruling could affect the positions of key national officers within the party.
What the party said about the ruling
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party explained that the appeal was dismissed on procedural grounds.
According to the party, the court did not make any determination on the substantive leadership dispute currently pending before the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
The ADC therefore insisted that the ruling does not affect the positions of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
Status of the leadership dispute
The party confirmed that the legal case challenging the emergence of the current leadership remains before the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
According to the statement, the case has not yet been heard or decided on its merits.
Party officials stressed that the appellate court ruling did not grant any relief in favour of the plaintiff in the dispute.
They also noted that no directive was issued that could alter the leadership structure currently in place.
Court order on maintaining status quo
The party said the Court of Appeal of Nigeria ordered all parties involved in the matter to maintain the status quo.
In legal terms, maintaining the status quo means that the existing situation remains unchanged until the court reaches a final decision.
ADC leaders therefore interpret the order as confirmation that the present leadership arrangement should remain in place pending the outcome of the substantive case.
Advice to party members
The party urged its members across the country not to panic or be influenced by what it described as misleading interpretations of the judgment.
The statement emphasized that the appellate ruling was strictly procedural and did not question the legitimacy or tenure of the current national leadership.
Party officials also reiterated that the organization remains united despite the ongoing legal challenge.
Wider political context
The African Democratic Congress is one of Nigeria’s opposition political parties and has been involved in internal leadership disagreements in recent months.
Political analysts say leadership disputes within parties often end up in court due to disagreements over internal processes and appointments.
Such cases sometimes take months or years to be fully resolved, especially when they move through different levels of the judicial system.
For now, ADC leaders maintain that the recent decision of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria leaves the party’s leadership unchanged until the Federal High Court of Nigeria delivers a final ruling on the matter.
The Court of Appeal in Akure has sentenced Shittu Isiaka, a lecturer at the College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti, to death by hanging for armed robbery.
The court found Isiaka guilty of conspiracy and armed robbery, with Justice Omolara Adejumo delivering the verdict.
John Joshua, the prosecution counsel, told the court that the incident occurred on July 5, 2017, along Ibuji on the Akure-Ilesha expressway.
Joshua said Isiaka and other accomplices – who are still at large – robbed Olatunji Olowoyeye, a commercial driver, of his Nissan Cabstar vehicle with registration number XJ 214 KTU at gunpoint.
While testifying, Olowoyeye told the court that he knew the defendant before the incident.
He said Isiaka and two other men had hired him in Ilesa to transport cocoa beans from Igbara-Oke for N20,000.
According to him, the men paid N8,000 upfront and promised to pay the balance after the trip.
Olowoyeye said he became suspicious when the passengers asked him to drive the vehicle into the bush near a primary school at Ibuji.
He told the court that one of the men sitting beside him suddenly brought out a gun while Isiaka sat in the front seat.
The victim said the attackers dragged him out of the vehicle, collected the key, his phone and cash, tied his hands and legs and abandoned him in the bush.
Olowoyeye further alleged that the defendant injected him with a substance before tying him to a tree.
According to him, he later rolled through the bush and reached the highway, where police patrol officers rescued him and took him to a hospital.
Olowoyeye told the court that he passed bloody urine for several days and spent about 15 days receiving medical treatment.
Kehinde Omotosho, an inspector and police witness, told the court that highway patrol officers brought the victim to the Igbara-Oke police station, where he made a statement implicating Isiaka.
During the trial, Isiaka denied the allegations.
The suspect told the court that he was not involved in the robbery and also denied injecting the victim with any substance.
The defendant argued that he was not a medical practitioner and had no licence to administer injections.
He further told the court that investigators failed to present any syringe or item allegedly used in the crime, adding that no medical report was tendered to support the victim’s claim.
In the judgement, the judge held that the prosecution failed to establish the offence of endangering life as required under section 135(1) of the Evidence Act.
The judge also noted that there were no eyewitness accounts of the alleged injection and no medical report to support the victim’s claim.
She said it would be unsafe to rely solely on the testimonies of the victim and another witness without any supporting medical evidence.
The judge consequently acquitted Isiaka on the third count but held that the prosecution established sufficient evidence linking the defendant to the robbery.
Adejumo convicted Isiaka of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery, sentencing him to life imprisonment for conspiracy and death by hanging for armed robbery.
“The sentence of the court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead,” the judge said.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Henry Nwosu has passed away at 62.
The news was shared by his former teammate Segun Odegbami, who played alongside with him at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Henry Nwosu passes on!
“After five days in hospital battling for his life, the one I call ‘Youngest Millionaire’ passed on at 4:00 am this morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, where he had been in intensive care since Wednesday.
“It is with deep pain in my heart that I have to be the conveyor of the news of the death of Henry Nwosu MON. May he rest peacefully with our Creator in Heaven,” Odegbami wrote.
Nwosu became the youngest member of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations squad and played a significant role in the country’s historic victory at the tournament.
The Green Eagles clinched their first continental title on home soil during the competition.
Renowned for his vision, creativity and technical skill in midfield, Nwosu later became an influential figure in Nigeria’s domestic football scene.
After retiring from professional football, the former international remained active in the game, working as a coach and mentor to help develop emerging talents.
His death comes only days after Nigerian football mourned another respected figure. Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who guided Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, died on March 9 at the age of 88.
Both Nwosu and Onigbinde were notable members of the Green Eagles set-up during the 1980s, with Onigbinde serving as the team’s coach between 1982 and 1984.
Popular Nigerian content creator and streamer Kolu has been hospitalised after suffering a health scare that left many of his fans worried.
Photos and short videos circulating online show the entertainer lying on a hospital bed in Lagos, appearing weak while receiving medical care. In the clips shared on social media, Kolu is seen connected to an IV drip and using nasal oxygen as doctors monitor his condition.
Kolu, who became widely known for his humorous skits and online streams alongside comedian and singer Carter Efe, has built a strong following for his energetic personality and comedic collaborations. News of his hospitalisation quickly spread across social media, prompting an outpouring of concern from fans and fellow entertainers.
Reports about his health have also drawn attention to the challenges he has faced since birth. It is believed that Kolu was born prematurely at seven months, a condition that has contributed to ongoing health complications throughout his life. Supporters say he has remained resilient despite those challenges, continuing to entertain audiences with his creative content.
As news of his condition circulated online, several celebrities and fans began sharing prayers and messages of support for his recovery. Among those who reacted was Nigerian rapper Olamide, who joined others in wishing the streamer strength and a quick recovery.
Many supporters flooded social media platforms with encouraging comments, expressing hope that Kolu will soon regain his health and return to creating content. Some fans described him as a hardworking entertainer who has brought laughter to many people through his collaborations and online performances.
However, the discussion around his condition has also sparked mixed reactions online. While most people focused on sending prayers and support, a few social media users questioned the attention given to a single celebrity story in a country dealing with multiple social and economic challenges.
Despite the different reactions, the general mood among fans remains one of concern and support as they wait for updates about his health. As of now, the exact cause of his current medical condition has not been officially confirmed.
Supporters across Nigeria continue to hope that the young streamer will recover quickly and return to doing what he is best known for entertaining his audience with humor and creativity.
Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake has drawn attention online after traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah during the final days of Ramadan.
The 27 year old singer, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, reportedly arrived in the kingdom on March 11 and was seen participating in prayers at Masjid al-Haram, the sacred mosque that surrounds the Kaaba.
Videos circulating on social media show the award winning artist deeply focused in worship among thousands of other pilgrims. In some clips, he is seen moving with the crowd around the Kaaba while observing the rituals associated with Umrah. Another moment captured him trying to reach the Black Stone, a revered part of the Kaaba that many pilgrims hope to touch or pray near during the pilgrimage.
Before arriving in Mecca, the singer was also spotted in Medina, where he visited Masjid an-Nabawi to offer prayers. The mosque is one of the most important spiritual sites in Islam and is visited by millions of Muslims every year.
Fans quickly reacted to the viral clips of Asake performing the pilgrimage. Many praised the singer for showing humility and devotion despite his fame and success in the music industry. Supporters noted that seeing a global music star quietly blending in with other worshippers was inspiring.
Others responded with lighthearted jokes, referencing the singer’s recent success and wealth. Some social media users humorously asked what more the artist could still be praying for, considering his chart topping albums, sold out concerts, and reports that he recently gifted cars to members of his family.
However, several fans also pointed out that prayer and spirituality often remain important to people regardless of their achievements. They noted that many successful individuals continue to seek guidance, gratitude, and protection through faith.
Asake has become one of the most influential figures in Afrobeats over the past few years, gaining international recognition through hit songs and successful projects released under YBNL Nation. His decision to perform Umrah during Ramadan has further sparked conversations among fans about balancing fame, success, and personal faith.
