Author: bibncollar

Finance leaders from the Group of Seven industrialised nations began a two-day meeting in Paris on Monday, seeking to present a united response to growing economic uncertainty caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict and rising global trade tensions. France, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the G7, is leading discussions focused on stabilising the global economy as disputes triggered by the tariff policies of Donald Trump continue to strain relations among allies. A major focus of the talks is reducing dependence on China’s dominance in rare earth minerals, which are vital for artificial intelligence technologies and global…

The Defence Headquarters on Monday announced that Nigerian troops, working in collaboration with United States Africa Command, carried out coordinated air strikes that killed more than 20 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Nigeria’s North-East. According to the military, the precision attacks targeted terrorist hideouts around Metele after intelligence reports revealed the movement and gathering of insurgents in the area. In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the military described the operation as part of an intensified campaign aimed at crippling terrorist networks, dismantling their operational bases, and preventing fighters from…

A Russian drone struck a Chinese cargo vessel in the Black Sea overnight, according to Ukraine, just a day before Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack occurred near the port city of Odesa, a key hub for Ukraine’s grain exports. He stated that one of the drones hit the Chinese-owned cargo ship, identified by Ukraine’s navy as the KSL Deyang. According to Ukrainian naval spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk, the vessel was preparing to load cargo when it was struck by a Shahed drone…

Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening food security across Africa through major investments in fertiliser production, saying the continent has the potential not only to feed itself but also to become a global agricultural exporter. Speaking in Gode, located in Ethiopia’s Somali region, during a visit hosted by Abiy Ahmed, Dangote said Africa’s persistent food insecurity is largely linked to inadequate access to fertiliser and other critical farming inputs. According to a statement from the Dangote Group, the Ethiopian Prime Minister personally welcomed Dangote and toured the site of…

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has revealed that foreign nationals arrested for illegal mining and suspected terrorism-related activities have been transferred to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for further investigation. Alake disclosed this on Friday while speaking to Channels Television during an event in Abuja. He was responding to concerns raised by some United States lawmakers alleging that illegal Chinese mining operations in Nigeria may be linked to the funding of terrorist activities. Although the minister did not state the exact number of foreign suspects handed over to the NSA, he said security agencies…

The World Health Organization has warned about the rapid global rise of nicotine pouch products, accusing tobacco companies of aggressively targeting young people with deceptive marketing strategies. In a new report, the WHO explained that nicotine pouches — small sachets placed between the gum and lip that release nicotine into the body — are quickly transforming the global nicotine market. According to the agency, the products are increasingly popular among teenagers and young adults. Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Promotion, said the products are being promoted in ways designed to attract youths and encourage addiction. He…

Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, billionaire businessman and founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, urged African leaders to accelerate reforms that promote regional integration, free trade, and easier movement across the continent. Rabiu shared a personal experience from February 2025 when he was denied entry into South Africa after arriving in Cape Town for the Mining Indaba because his visa had expired a day earlier. He explained that although he accepted responsibility for the oversight, he was disturbed by the fact that European travellers arriving on other international flights were granted entry without visas while…

The Katsina State Government has released more than ₦328 million to support 650 medical students enrolled in accredited universities across Nigeria and abroad under the first phase of its 2026 Medical Students’ Allowance Scheme. The General Manager of the Katsina State Hospital Services Management Board, Muhammad Nazir Shehu, made this known in a statement issued by the Board Secretary, Abu Usman. According to the statement, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda approved the disbursement of ₦328,123,392.35 as part of the administration’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector through human capital development. Shehu explained that the scheme benefits medical students studying in…

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed five inspectors and initiated legal proceedings against them over allegations of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, theft, and other misconduct in Rivers State. The police also revealed that three inspectors and a corporal attached to the Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, who are linked to similar crimes, are currently at large. According to the Force, the action reflects the zero-tolerance policy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, against corruption and criminal behaviour within the police system. In a statement issued on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, said the Force remains…

The National Human Rights Commission has called on the Nigerian Air Force to explain the recurring civilian casualties caused by military airstrikes in different parts of the country, describing the situation as alarming and unacceptable. Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, expressed concern over repeated bombings affecting communities, markets and vulnerable civilians during counter-insurgency operations. He stressed that while the government has a duty to fight terrorism, banditry and insurgency, all military actions must comply with constitutional provisions, international humanitarian law and human rights standards. Ojukwu noted that the continued deaths and injuries of innocent civilians, including women and…