Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

Manny Ita The United States has confirmed the deployment of a small military team to Nigeria as part of ongoing security cooperation aimed at countering terrorist and extremist groups, U.S. officials said. The deployment follows recent U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto State targeting militants affiliated with the Islamic State, carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities. General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, head of the U.S. Africa Command, stated that the deployment followed discussions with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu last year in Rome. “That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small U.S. team that brings some unique…

Manny Ita The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and the Joint Union Action Committee from proceeding with a planned protest in the Federal Capital Territory, pending the determination of a motion on notice before the court. The order was granted by Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Sibilim following an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/30/26, was argued on behalf of the claimants by Dr. Ogwu James Onoja (SAN).…

Manny Ita A third reported death from snake bite in the Federal Capital Territory has sparked growing concern among residents and renewed scrutiny of emergency medical response in Abuja. The latest victim, 26-year-old aspiring singer Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, reportedly died after being bitten by a venomous snake at her residence in the Lugbe area of the city. Nwangene was said to have been rushed to medical facilities after the incident, where efforts were made to manage her condition. Health officials disclosed that she developed severe complications following the bite and later died, despite receiving emergency care. The incident has…

Manny Ita The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to deport at least 79 Nigerian nationals following their arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in a nationwide enforcement operation targeting non-citizens with serious criminal records. In a statement released by the department, the affected individuals were described as the “worst of the worst criminal aliens,” with DHS confirming that those listed have already been convicted of various offences under U.S. law. The crimes cited include fraud, drug-related offences, assault, robbery, manslaughter and other serious criminal acts. The department said the arrests were carried out by…

Manny Ita Nigeria has emerged as the leading naval power in Africa following the release of the 2026 Global Firepower Index, which ranks the Nigerian Navy first on the continent and 22nd globally in terms of naval fleet strength. The ranking places Nigeria ahead of other major African maritime forces, including Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and South Africa. The Global Firepower Index, which assesses 145 countries worldwide, attributes Nigeria’s top position primarily to the size and operational scope of its naval fleet. According to the report, Nigeria currently operates a total of 152 active naval vessels, giving it the largest…

Manny Ita ​The World Bank has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its economic reform agenda, describing Nigeria as a frequent global reference point for reform implementation and results. During a high-level delegation visit to the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, noted that the outcomes achieved by Nigeria over the past two years have become a central topic of discussion among global leaders and investors. “Nigeria is a frequent example in my discussions around the world because the results achieved in two years are really commendable,”…

Lagos Assembly puts stop to Makoko demolition Elegbede Abiodun House declared all ministries and agencies responsible for demolition to suspend the exercise. The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday ordered an immediate halt to the demolition of structures in Makoko and adjoining waterfront communities in the Yaba Local Government Area of the state. The directive followed a meeting with representatives of the affected communities held at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium in the Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja. The Chairman of the ad hoc committee set up by the Speaker of the House, Noheem Adams, announced the decision while…

American Gospel Singer Ron Kenoly Passes on at 81 Elegbede Abiodun Kenoly greatly influenced Christian worshippers to spiritual upliftment through his music globally. American Christian worship leader, singer and songwriter Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81. The globally renowned gospel musician reportedly passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with his death confirmed by several artistes across social media platforms. Reacting to the news, Nigerian gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey paid tribute to Kenoly, describing him as a generational inspiration. “Dr Ron Kenoly crosses to yonder side. Thank you for inspiring generations of psalmists like me. I…

U.S. fighter jet intercepts Iranian drone Elegbede Abiodun U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters from the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla. perform an aerial refueling mission with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 336th Air Refueling Squadron from March ARB, Calif., May 14, 2013 off the coast of Northwest Florida. The 33rd Fighter Wing is a joint graduate flying and maintenance training wing that trains Air Force, Marine, Navy and international partner operators and maintainers of the F-35 Lightning II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen/Released) United States’ fighter…

UBA Group Declares Loknath Mishra as CEO UBA UK Elegbede Abiodun Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), has made public the appointment of Loknath Mishra as Chief Executive Officer of UBA UK. The appointment which takes effect from February 2nd, 2026, reinforces the Group’s commitment to strengthening its international footprint and enhancing its role as a key financial bridge between Africa and the world. As CEO of UBA UK, Mishra will focus on positioning the UK subsidiary as a centre of excellence for regulatory compliance and customer service, strengthening financial resilience through diversified liquidity and income sources,…