NEWS

Pope Leo XIV has called for a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict as Israel and Iran continue to trade blows and the death toll across the region mounts. “On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: cease fire,” Leo said today, March 15 after the Sunday Angelus prayer in Vatican CityThe first American pontiff said people in the region have been “suffering the horrific violence of war” for the past two weeks since the conflict broke out.  “Thousands of innocent people have been killed and many more forced to flee their homes. I once again offer my prayers to all those who have lost loved ones in the attacks that have struck schools, hospitals and residential areas,” he said.Leo added that “violen...

Nigerians were among dozens of people injured after Iran launched another wave of missiles and drone attacks in the United Arab Emirates, leaving six people d3ad. The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted several ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles fired from Iran in what authorities described as a major escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.  In a statement, the ministry said its defence units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones launched during the latest assault on Saturday, March 14, 2026. According to the ministry, the attack k!lled six people and injured 141 others, including foreign nationals living and working in the Gulf country. “The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic miss...

Israel Defense Forces has said it plans to continue its military campaign against Iran for at least three more weeks, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate in the Middle East. The Israeli military said thousands of targets still remain as it intensifies operations aimed at weakening Iran’s military infrastructure and capabilities. Speaking to CNN on Sunday, IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin said the military has long-term operational plans already in place. “We have thousands of targets ahead,” Defrin said. “We are ready, in coordination with our US allies, with plans through at least the Jewish holiday of Passover, about three weeks from now. And we have deeper plans for even three weeks beyond that.” According to the IDF, since the start of the Iran campaign ...

"The government also reaffirmed its resolve to continue implementing policies that promote workers’ welfare and enhance productivity within the civil service." Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved early payment of March salaries to civil servants to enable them to celebrate the Eid el-Fitr. Governor Yusuf directed the immediate release and payment of the March 2026 salaries to all civil servants in the state. The Ag Head of Service, Hajia Bilkisu Shehu Maimota stated that: “The directive was given to enable workers to prepare adequately for the celebration of the forthcoming Eid el-Fitr (Sallah) in a convenient and dignified manner.” She further stated that the early payment, “reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare of civil serva...

Suspected political thugs on Friday night attacked the newly appointed media consultant to the Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bemgba Iortyom, in Makurdi, setting his car on fire during the assault. The incident reportedly occurred less than 24 hours after the Benue PDP Secretary, Dan Nyikwagh, announced Iortyom’s appointment in a statement issued to journalists in the state capital. Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Iortyom recounted how he narrowly escaped the attack, which took place along George Akume Way in the heart of Makurdi. He explained that the attackers ambushed him while he was attempting to pull over to make a phone call. According to him, the assailants—five in number—arrived on two motorcycles, blocked his vehicle, and advanced towa...

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that its air defence systems successfully intercepted several missiles and drones launched from Iran, as tensions in the Gulf region continue to intensify. In a statement shared on its official 𝕏 account on Saturday, the ministry revealed that multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles were neutralised during the latest round of attacks. “On March 14, UAE air defence systems engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated. Officials explained that the interceptions form part of a broader pattern of hostilities that has persisted since what the UAE described as the beginning of “blatant Iranian aggression.” According to the ministry, the country’s defence forces have rep...

A missile strike has hit the United States Embassy Baghdad in Baghdad, sending smoke rising from the diplomatic compound and raising further concerns about security amid the escalating regional conflict. According to an Iraqi security source cited by Al Jazeera, the attack damaged part of the embassy’s air defence system, although officials did not immediately provide detailed information about the extent of the destruction. Security officials told the Associated Press that a missile struck a helipad inside the embassy compound. The projectile reportedly landed within the embassy grounds after entering the heavily fortified Green Zone Baghdad, an area that contains Iraqi government institutions and several foreign diplomatic missions. There was no immediate statement from the ...

Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of thousands of U.S. Marines to the Strait of Hormuz as tensions from the war with Iran continue to disrupt global energy supplies. The deployment was approved by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who authorised the movement of an amphibious ready group consisting of warships and about 5,000 Marines. The group includes the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, along with the transport dock ships USS San Diego and USS New Orleans. The United States is also deploying the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a mobile crisis-response force based in Japan that specialises in rapid military operations and emergency deployments. The operation will bring advanced aircraft, including the F‑35 Lightning II, into the region as part of the enhanced ...

A senior Russian intelligence operative has been detained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation after an alleged operational mistake exposed a covert Kremlin alleged assassination unit believed to be linked to sensitive missions abroad. The operative, identified as Denis Alimov, was arrested upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Columbia. Investigators believe Alimov was connected to a secretive Russian intelligence structure known as Centre 795, a covert organisation reportedly created during the early months of the war in Ukraine. The unit is believed to bring together operatives from Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU, and the domestic security agency, the Federal Security Service. According to reports, the Kremlin established the structure a...

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria on Friday staged a rally in Abuja to mourn the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The demonstration marked the group’s first public gathering in the Federal Capital Territory since Khamenei was reportedly killed on February 26 during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. The rally coincided with the annual Quds Day and attracted thousands of Shiite Muslims who gathered around the National Mosque in Abuja. Participants carried banners, waved flags and chanted slogans condemning Israeli actions against Palestinians. Ahead of the rally, authorities heightened security in several parts of Abuja amid fears that demonstrations could disrupt activities in the city. The United States Embassy in Nigeri...