The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in Cross River State has raised serious concerns about the growing influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from neighboring Cameroon, into Calabar. Mrs. Arisha Ginika, who spoke on behalf of the state comptroller of immigration, Prisca Ogbodo, highlighted the increasing numbers of non-Nigerians entering the state through unrecognized routes, many without official documentation such as passports. The Immigration Service is actively working to address the situation by profiling and repatriating these illegal immigrants, especially those involved in criminal activities, including cybercrime, which has gained notoriety as “Hustling Kingdom.”

These individuals are reportedly occupying hotels, and the NIS is working closely with hotel owners to identify and report undocumented guests. Immigration authorities have also warned landlords and hoteliers against harboring illegal immigrants without proper authorization. Additionally, Ginika pointed out the difficulty in distinguishing between Nigerian nationals and Cameroonians due to shared language and ancestry among people from border communities such as Boki, Ikom, and Etung.

It’s worth noting that the illegal immigrants mentioned in this context differ from the refugees who fled the ongoing Ambazonian conflict in Cameroon, as they are officially registered and settled in camps in Ogoja and Akamkpa. The Immigration Service is focused on ensuring that the repatriation process is conducted according to legal procedures to maintain order and security in the state.

That’s a concerning situation near Munich’s central train station. It’s fortunate that the authorities were quick to respond and that the driver is in custody. With the Munich Security Conference about to start, the timing only adds to the gravity of the incident. The fact that many of the victims were part of a demonstration, tied to the Verdi trade union, gives it an added layer of complexity. It’s important to learn more about the circumstances leading up to the crash. Are there any updates on the victims’ conditions or motives behind the attack?

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Kuje will rule on Professor Usman Yusuf’s bail application on February 27. Yusuf, the former executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), is facing charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) related to corruption. The charges include alleged embezzlement, awarding contracts inappropriately, and conferring undue advantages upon himself and his associates.

The EFCC accuses Yusuf of approving an over-budget vehicle purchase in 2016, improperly awarding contracts, and acquiring private interests without due process. The prosecution also claims that Yusuf failed to comply with administrative bail terms and might abscond, citing his alleged boasting about political connections. In contrast, the defense argues that Yusuf should be granted bail, as the charges are typically bailable.

While Yusuf has pleaded not guilty to all charges, the court has ordered his remand in Kuje until the bail decision is made.

This attack in Kabul highlights the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan, even after the Taliban took control of the country in 2021. The fact that no group has claimed responsibility yet doesn’t make it any less concerning. While the Taliban promised to restore stability, incidents like this, as well as the persistence of groups like the Islamic State affiliate, show that violence and insecurity are still major issues. The presence of foreign embassies and government offices in the area further underscores the vulnerability of key locations in the capital.

Do you think the Taliban’s control is weakening security, or do these attacks stem from other groups pushing back against the Taliban’s rule?

The troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) in Kaduna State have effectively prevented two separate robbery attempts and rescued two victims in the Sanga Local Government Area.

The first incident took place on February 11, around 7:45 p.m. on the Wasa–Ankwa road, where armed robbers had blocked the road. Upon seeing the security forces approach, the robbers fled into the bush, abandoning their victim, Mr. Benjamin Yakubu. The troops cleared the area, restored normal movement, and evacuated Yakubu to General Hospital, Gwantu, for medical care.

The second incident occurred an hour later at about 8:45 p.m. on the Unguwan Mallam–Aboro road. The troops stationed at Unguwan Mallam responded quickly to an ambush targeting Malam Bashir Ibrahim, who was returning home. The assailants fled when the security personnel arrived, and Ibrahim was safely rescued and taken to the Unguwan Mallam Primary Health Care Hospital for treatment. A knife was recovered at the scene of the attack.

Both operations highlight the swift and efficient response of OPSH personnel in safeguarding lives and ensuring public safety in the region.

The incident involving the two nurses in Sydney has caused significant public outcry, especially given their positions as healthcare professionals. The nurses made threatening remarks about Israeli patients, which have been condemned by Australian officials, including the Prime Minister and Health Minister. The nurses have since attempted to retract their statements, claiming they were made in jest, but the severity of the remarks has triggered an investigation by both police and health authorities. Jewish advocacy groups have expressed concern over the implications for community safety, and the nurses have been suspended from their positions at Bankstown Hospital.

• The group says its delegation has held talks with the Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo, focusing on the terms of the ceasefire deal “especially with regard to securing housing for our people and urgently bringing in prefabricated houses ‘caravans’, tents, heavy equipment, medical supplies, fuel, and the continued flow of relief and everything stipulated in the agreement”.

  “The discussions were characterised by a positive spirit, and the mediating brothers in Egypt and Qatar confirmed that they would follow up on all of this to remove obstacles and close gaps,” the statement published on Telegram said.

  “Accordingly, Hamas confirms its continued position to implement the agreement in accordance with what was signed, including the exchange of prisoners according to the specified timetable.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday threatened to withdraw from his country’s ceasefire with Hamas and resume “intense fighting” in the Gaza Strip if the militant group does not release more hostages by midday Saturday.

Netanyahu’s warning followed President Donald Trump’s threat in recent days to let “all hell break out” in Gaza, after Hamas reiterated Tuesday that it would indefinitely postpone the next round of hostage-prisoner swap scheduled for Saturday. The Palestinian organization has accused Israel of violating terms of their three-week-old ceasefire.

After a four-hour emergency meeting with Israel’s security Cabinet on Tuesday afternoon, Netanyahu said he had received unanimous support to mass Israeli troops in and around Gaza.

“If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon — the ceasefire will end and the [Israel Defense Forces] will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated,” he said in a video statement following the meeting.

Israel left behind great destruction in Shaboura Refugee Camp in Rafah, from which it withdrew after the ceasefire
A man looks out over the devastation in Rafah, southern Gaza, last week. Abed Rahim Khatib / Anadolu via Getty Images
It was unclear whether Netanyahu was referring to the three hostages originally scheduled to be released Saturday or all hostages held in Gaza.

While Hamas earlier this week said it planned to delay hostage releases — it has accused Israel of carrying out deadly shootings, blocking the delivery of humanitarian aid and inhibiting Palestinians’ passage to northern Gaza — it has since reaffirmed its commitment to the truce without explicitly reversing it position on freeing Israeli captives.

This article highlights a significant development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with US President Donald Trump confirming a surprise phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conversation between the two leaders was described as productive and lengthy, with plans for a face-to-face meeting in Saudi Arabia, a neutral ground for both nations. Trump’s aim is to work toward an end to the war, emphasizing a quick resolution despite concerns about Ukraine’s exclusion from the peace talks.

His remarks, especially about NATO membership for Ukraine, are notable, as they echo Russia’s demands and raise concerns about Kyiv’s future role in negotiations. Saudi Arabia’s involvement, particularly with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman facilitating key exchanges, adds an interesting layer to the geopolitical dynamics at play.

The situation remains fluid, with many questions about the direction of the talks and their impact on Ukraine’s sovereignty and NATO aspirations. Trump’s approach contrasts with more traditional diplomatic avenues, suggesting a focus on speed over detailed negotiations.

The South Korean Ministry of Transport is implementing stricter aviation safety measures following a fire on an Air Busan flight in January. These new rules, effective March 1, will regulate the number and type of portable batteries passengers can carry on board. Passengers will be limited to carrying up to five 100-watt-hour portable batteries, and any battery exceeding 160 watt-hours will be prohibited. Security checks will be more thorough, ensuring compliance with these limits, and charging portable batteries on the plane will be forbidden.

Additionally, passengers will be restricted from storing power banks and e-cigarettes in overhead compartments, aiming to mitigate the risk of battery fires during flights. This decision follows the fire on an Air Busan plane at Gimhae International Airport on January 28, although the fire’s exact cause remains under investigation. Fortunately, no one was injured, and all passengers were evacuated safely.

This measure aligns with global aviation standards, which already prohibit placing batteries in checked luggage due to fire risks associated with potential short circuits.

Governor Malam Umar Namadi has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Jigawa State by implementing the policy objectives outlined in his administration’s 12-Point Agenda blueprint. Speaking at a two-day retreat in Gombe State, he emphasized the importance of improving governance and teamwork to accelerate development.

The retreat, which brought together top government officials, including commissioners and agency heads, was designed to explore how to enhance governance, utilize technology, and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Under the theme “Ascending the Peak—Achieving Greater Jigawa Through Innovation and Leadership,” Governor Namadi highlighted the need for innovation in leadership to tackle challenges and foster progress.

He urged government officials to collaborate more effectively, stating, “We’ve made progress, but there’s still more to do. We’ve done a lot, but we can’t slow down. We must finish ongoing projects and launch new ones that benefit our people.” Namadi also pointed to the successes of youth employment and empowerment programs in various sectors, stressing that these efforts were testament to the positive impact of his administration.

These programs have helped employ or empower thousands of young people, contributing significantly to the state’s economy. Notable areas of intervention include agriculture, small and micro enterprises, women’s empowerment, ICT, and recruitment in the education and health sectors.

The governor also called for innovative ways to fund development projects, suggesting partnerships with private businesses and better resource management at the state level. He concluded, “No single agency can do it alone. When we work together, we save time, money, and effort.”

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has released N2.7 billion to cover the allowances of students studying both locally and internationally. The allocation aims to support the students’ upkeep, accommodation, and travel expenses.

According to the Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, N117.2 million has been provided for 25 students studying in Egypt, covering their upkeep and accommodation. Additionally, N14.4 million was used to pay return tickets for eight Kebbi State graduates from India. In total, the disbursement surpasses N2.7 billion.

Abubakar-Tunga commended the governor for his dedication to improving education in the state and encouraged the people of Kebbi to continue supporting the administration’s initiatives in education.

The article reports on a meeting held by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Peace and Reconciliation Committee in Port Harcourt, where the focus was on promoting political stability and unity in Rivers State. The Chairman of the Rivers Elders Forum, Rufus George, urged all political parties to respect the wishes of the people and work together to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state. He expressed optimism about progress in reconciliation efforts and called for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention to ensure peace.

The meeting specifically aimed at fostering unity between two key political factions in the state: Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Niger Delta activist AnnKio Briggs emphasized the importance of political stability in Rivers State for the wider nation, urging PANDEF to seek the presidency’s support in finding a lasting solution. The PANDEF delegation at the meeting included notable figures such as former Akwa Ibom State Governor Victor Attah and several senators and leaders from the Niger Delta region.

The central theme of the meeting was the need for mutual respect and adherence to the people’s mandate to achieve lasting peace and stability in the state.