NEWS

Pakistan’s foreign minister said Monday that the country remains committed to “eradicating the menace of terrorism”, as the clock ticked down to the end of a temporary ceasefire with Afghanistan. Both countries announced a halt to weeks of hostilities last Wednesday for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, marking the end of Ramadan, agreeing to a temporary ceasefire until midnight Monday. But in a message to mark Pakistan Day, a national holiday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar indicated that the country’s approach to the conflict had not changed. “Pakistan remains firmly committed to eradicating the menace of terrorism,” he said in a statement. “Pakistan’s actions inside Afghanistan… are directed towards this goal.” On Sunday, the Taliban government and a medical source said one perso...

The US Department of State has issued a worldwide security alert, urging Americans across the globe to be wary of threats from Iran-linked groups. “The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” the State Department said in a statement. “Periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted,” the warning continued. “Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world.” The alert comes after Iranian military spo...

A popular event planner, Mina Orupabo was shot by unknown gunmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It was gathered that Mina, the CEO of Special Bensington Ushers was attacked by the assailants on Thursday evening, March 19, 2026 around 8pm around Total Gospel Road off Peter Odili Road. Reports say she was going to an event hall for a pre-event check when the gunmen opened fire.  Her driver and another individual with her managed to escape. Mina was rushed to the hospital where she passed away on Saturday.

Nigeria’s security situation worsened significantly in 2025, with new data showing a sharp rise in terrorist attacks and fatalities, according to the Global Terrorism Index 2026. The report states that Nigeria climbed two places to rank fourth globally, reflecting a surge in terrorist activity. Attacks increased by 43 percent, rising from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025. Deaths linked to terrorism also rose sharply, increasing by 46 percent to 750 fatalities, the highest level recorded since 2020. Much of the violence continues to be driven by extremist groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram, which together accounted for around 80 percent of all terrorism-related deaths in the country. The impact remains heavily concentrated in northeastern Niger...

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has emphasised the importance of education in leadership, stating that traditional authority without knowledge holds little value. Speaking during the Hawan Nasarawa Durbar at the Government House in Kano as part of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, Sanusi clarified that his decision to pursue a law degree was not driven by court-related issues but by a desire to inspire others. He urged critics to understand that education should come before kingship, noting that learning enhances both leadership capacity and societal respect. Sanusi also expressed appreciation to the Kano State Government for the recognition and honour extended to the emirate. Highlighting the role of education in traditional institutions, he stated that a well-educated...

Celebrity entrepreneur Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, popularly known as Chief Priest, has sparked debate online after sharing his opinion on the influence of social media in politics. He stated that strong popularity on social platforms does not necessarily guarantee success at the polls. According to him, politicians who enjoy massive support online often struggle during elections, while those frequently criticised on social media tend to emerge victorious. Chief Priest made the remarks via his Instagram story, stressing that online sentiment rarely reflects actual voting outcomes. Citing an example, he referenced Desmond Elliot, noting that despite facing intense backlash online in the past, he still secured electoral victory. In his words, individuals celebrated on social media...

Nigerian governors remain split on the issue of State Police as insecurity worsens across the nation. While many states are already laying structures for decentralised policing, critics insist Nigeria lacked the safeguards to prevent governors from turning such outfits into instruments of control. Governors of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Abba Yusuf of Kano State and those of Zamfara, Taraba, Kebbi, Adamawa, Nasarawa and Kwara states argued that state police was the way to go and had started putting measures in place to actualise community policing, Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum and his Sokoto State counterpart, among others, said Nigeria was not matured enough for state police. The development comes amid worsening insurgency, banditry, kidnapp...

A power outage has hit some Lagos communities following a gas tanker explosion that occurred on the Lekki-Epe Expressway on Saturday, March 21. The affected areas are Medallion Company, Sangotedo, Majek, Awoyaya, Eputu, Lakowe, Lasoro, Fidiso to Kolajo, and Elemoro Police Station. Properties worth thousands of naira while two people were reportedly burnt beyond recognition when a gas tanker and a tipper truck collided on the expressway, resulting in a massive explosion on Saturday. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said that the accident occurred at 02:36 a.m. after an oncoming speeding 20-tonne tipper truck from Epe end rammed from behind into a stationary 30-tonne gas truck that failed to pull over from the highway. It led to a fire spreading to three adjoining warehou...

The Edo State Police Command has announced that all suspects linked to the bullying incident at Igbinedion Education Centre have been apprehended. This comes a week after disturbing footage, which circulated widely on social media, showed the victim being flogged, punched, kicked in the stomach, and stamped on the head and ribs by fellow students. The management of the school has since expelled several students involved in the disturbing act. Authorities in Edo State have confirmed that all the suspects involved in the bullying at the Igbinedion Education Centre have been arrested. The state command, in a statement by its spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests were made after investigation, and the suspects would be charged to the family court in accordance with laws ...

Following the assault of several women and female students during a traditional festival in Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, panic has gripped the community, with many students reportedly fleeing over fears of possible fresh attacks. Sunday PUNCH gathered that the development comes in the aftermath of the controversial ‘Alue-Do’ festival, during which viral videos showed young women being chased, stripped and assaulted by groups of youths, sparking nationwide outrage. Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, a student leader in the community disclosed that many female students, still traumatised by the incident, had begun leaving to avoid being caught in further violence. “Most of the female students in the community are scared, especially when they...