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Defence minister, NSA Ribadu join Tinubu on UK trip hours after Borno explosions

Mustapha USMAN
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Defence minister, NSA Ribadu join Tinubu on UK trip hours after Borno explosions

NIGERIA’S Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, were among top security officials who travelled out of the country with President Bola Tinubu for a state visit to the United Kingdom on Tuesday, March 17.

They jetted out of the country despite the recent attacks on communities and military bases across several parts of Nigeria.

Tinubu departed Abuja, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for the high-level visit at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. 

The Nigerian leader was scheduled to be hosted at Windsor Castle, marking the first state visit by a Nigerian president to the United Kingdom in 37 years.

In a viral video, the Defence Minister was seen among many other delegates, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwolu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, welcoming the president into the United Kingdom.

Musa and Ribadu were among the delegates listed to accompany Tinubu by the Presidency.

The presence of Ribadu, who coordinates Nigeria’s security and intelligence framework, and Musa, who oversees the country’s military operations, has drawn outrage given the worsening security situation at home, especially the triple attacks in Borno State, which killed 23 people and wounded 108 others. 

Purpose of visit

The Presidency said the visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with key discussions expected around trade, investment, defence cooperation, immigration, and cultural exchange.

During the visit, Tinubu is expected to hold talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The meeting is projected to culminate in the signing of several agreements, including a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance and Nigerian authorities to support the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.

Rising insecurity at home

The trip came at a time when Nigeria is facing renewed security challenges across multiple regions, especially the North-East. In the North-East, particularly in Borno State, insurgent groups have intensified attacks on both military formations and civilian communities.

Recent reports indicate that several military bases have come under coordinated assaults, leading to casualties among security personnel and the loss of ammunition. Civilian communities have also been targeted, with abductions and killings reported in different parts of the region.

Beyond the North-East, states in the North-West and North-Central have also continued to grapple with banditry, mass kidnappings, and communal violence. Incidents of attacks have also been recorded in parts of the South-West.

Growing concerns over leadership priorities

The absence of key security officials, including the national Security Adviser and defence minister, has triggered concerns among citizens, who questioned the timing of the trip and the priorities given to lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Nigerians argued that the presence of top security decision-makers is crucial at a time when the country is battling coordinated threats from insurgents and armed groups.

While Tinubu condemned recent attacks and directed security agencies to intensify operations, Nigerians argue that the continued escalation of violence shows deeper challenges within the country’s security architecture.

A Twitter X, Seun Awogbenle wrote “The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa has no business in the UK at this time; he should be leading a delegation of the service chiefs to Maiduguri immediately. I have been remotely involved in the activities on the state visit and the key issues that have dominated the conversations are on trade, business and investment. Unlike the visit to Turkey, the UK is not offering Nigeria any material support in defence and intelligence. So, at best, he could have had someone else stand in for him on this trip. He has more serious demands on the home front.

“The minister of defence came in with the ovation from all Nigerians and to whom much is given, much is expected. Nigerians want to see tangible improvements in the security situation.”

Another user, Atikun Sokoto, expressed a similar concern, stating that “It’s a shame to see the Minister of Defence Christoper Musa among the shameless leaders who went to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in London after all these tragic incidents that happened in Maiduguri, other disclosed and undisclosed locations within Arewa. Such a shame from a man who many of us celebrate when his name was sent to Senate for screening as the one that will succeed Badaru after he was forced to retire.”

Senegal to appeal CAF’s ruling awarding AFCON title to Morocco

Mustapha USMAN
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Senegal to appeal CAF’s ruling awarding AFCON title to Morocco

THE Senegalese Football Federation has vowed to challenge a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football Appeals Board, which awarded a 3–0 forfeiture victory to Morocco in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

In a communiqué on Tuesday night, March 17, the Senegalese Football Federation confirmed it had received CAF’s March 17, 2026, ruling concerning the disputed final between Senegal and Morocco.

The ICIR reports that the Appeals Board of CAF ruled in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), declaring their appeal admissible and setting aside an earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Board. 

According to CAF, the initial ruling was annulled because the Appeal Board found that the conduct of the Senegal team fell within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.

It subsequently ruled that the Senegalese team had infringed Article 82 and should forfeit the match under Article 84, awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory, effectively handing them the continental title.

“It is declared that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.

“In application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” CAF statement read.

Reacting to the development, the FSF denounced the decision as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” noting that it brings disrepute to African football.

The body added that it would immediately initiate proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland to contest the ruling.

“In defence of its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,” the statement added.

 Beyond the forfeiture ruling, CAF’s Appeals Board also delivered a series of related decisions arising from incidents during the final.

Moroccan international Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct under Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code. However, his sanctions were reduced, with a two-match suspension imposed, one of which was suspended, while an earlier $100,000 fine was overturned.

The Appeals Board also addressed other match incidents; partially upholding appeals related to ball boy conduct and a laser pointer incident. 

It reduced fines imposed on the Moroccan federation in those cases to $50,000 and $10,000 respectively. However, a separate $100,000 fine linked to interference around the VAR review area was upheld.

ICPC denies seeking fresh detention order for El-Rufai, says case adjourned to March 31

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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ICPC denies seeking fresh detention order for El-Rufai, says case adjourned to March 31

THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports that it returned to court to seek a fresh extension of the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

In a statement Tuesday night by the ICPC’s Head, Media and Public Communication, John Odey,  the commission clarified that its appearance in court earlier that day was solely in response to an application filed by El-Rufai challenging his continued remand.

“This statement is necessary to correct inaccurate reports by some media outlets suggesting that the commission was in court today, 17th March 2026, seeking a fresh extension of his detention. The commission appeared in court today for the hearing of Mallam El-Rufai’s application, dated and filed on 6th March 2026, which seeks to overturn the court order renewing his remand issued on 5th March 2026,” Odey stated.

He explained that  a separate attempt by El-Rufai’s legal team to set aside the earlier remand order issued on February 19 was dismissed by the court on March 9, adding that magistrate granted the request and adjourned the matter to March 31, 2026.

The commission said El-Rufai remained in its custody under a valid court order and insisted that due process had been followed in handling his case.

“During today’s proceedings, counsel to Mr El-Rufai was served with our response to his application. The lawyer subsequently requested an adjournment to respond to the commission’s response. Consequently, the gagistrate adjourned the hearing of the application to 31st March 2026 to allow Mr El-Rufai’s team sufficient time to react to our response,” Odey said.

According to the ICPC, the initial 14-day remand was granted to investigate allegations bordering on money laundering and abuse of office. Upon its expiration, the court approved an additional 14-day extension on March 5.

“To keep the public informed, the commission provides the following timeline of the court authorised detention. The initial remand order was granted, allowing the commission to detain the suspect for 14 days to investigate allegations of money laundering and abuse of office. Upon the expiration of the initial order, the commission applied for a 14-day extension to complete its investigations, which the court acceded to on 5th March, 2026. Counsel to El-Rufai attempted to set aside the remand order issued on 19th February, 2026, but the application was dismissed on 9th March, 2026.

“Mallam El-Rufai remains in the lawful custody of the ICPC under the remand order dated 5th March, 2026. The commission is strictly following the court mandated timeline, including the requirement for a progress report. The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest professionalism and respect for the rule of law. The remand of Mr El-Rufai has been authorised by a court of law in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015,” he added.

Odey further cautioned against what he described as “inaccurate reports” and reiterated ICPC’s policy against media trials.

“Furthermore, the ICPC remains firm in upholding its longstanding policy of avoiding media trials. We believe that legal disputes should be settled in the courtroom, not on newspaper pages and social media platforms. The commission’s leadership remains steadfast and undeterred in confronting any and all challenges in the course of the current investigation. We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official updates from the commission,” he added.

The ICIR reported that ICPC confirmed that El‑Rufai was in its custody on February 18, following the former governor’s detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he presented himself on February 16, after an invitation over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023. 

In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him over alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and money laundering and urged anti-graft agencies to investigate him.

Report indicated that El-Rufai, who spent two nights in EFCC custody, was granted bail at about 8 p.m. on February 18 but was immediately re-arrested by armed operatives who reportedly laid in wait at the EFCC premises.

The accused has since applied for bail but a Federal High Court in Abuja on February 25 declined to entertain a bail application filed, ruling that the application was premature, insisting that the defendant must first be properly arraigned before the court could consider such an application.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to April 23, 2026, for arraignment.

FG declares public holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr

Mustapha USMAN
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FG declares public holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr

THE Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.

The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the government, according to a statement issued on Tuesday, March 17, by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani.

Eid-el-Fitr, meaning ‘festival of breaking the fast,’ is one of the most important feasts in Islam.

The festival marks the end of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection observed by Muslims worldwide.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of devotion to Allah.

Eid-el-Fitr is a time of joy and gratitude, beginning with a special congregational prayer at mosques and open prayer grounds.

It is also marked by feasting, gift-giving, and charitable acts, particularly the giving of Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity given to the less privileged before the Eid prayer.

Congratulating Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan, Tunji-Ojo urged them to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice imbibed during the period.

He also called on Nigerians to use the festive season to pray for the peace, unity, and continued development of the country.

The minister further encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.

Borno attacks: Tinubu more obsessed with crushing opposition than tackling insecurity – Atiku

Esther Tomo
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Borno attacks: Tinubu more obsessed with crushing opposition than tackling insecurity – Atiku

FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the resurgence of terrorist attacks in Borno State, accusing his administration of prioritising politics over national security.

Abubakar said the worsening violence, including the return of suicide bombings, raised serious concerns about the government’s ability to protect citizens and maintain public confidence.

He particularly lambasted Tinubu for choosing to embark on a trip from Abuja to the United Kingdom hours after the attacks instead of heading for Maiduguri or remaining in the nation’s capital to console the bereaved and direct the armed forces to hunt down the attackers.

The Adamawa-born politician and Peoples’ Democratic Party candidate in the 2023 poll argued that while the president is abroad, residents are picking up human parts that litter the streets in Borno.

He further lampooned the president for issuing a press release instead of showing physical presence to commiserate with the people.

“A mother in Maiduguri is not asking for press releases. She is asking why her child was blown apart in a place the government claimed was ‘liberated’. Our soldiers are dying with outdated equipment while the president is on a state visit to Britain, while body parts are being gathered in Borno. We urge His Majesty the King, to know that his guest left behind fresh graves and weeping widows to come and smile for the cameras.
“Bola Tinubu claims he sent ‘marching orders.’ The terrorists sent suicide bombers. Nigerians can see who is winning. A government that treats funerals as routine and criticism as treason has lost the moral authority to lead,” he said.
Abubakar further warned that the government risked undermining its credibility if it continued to focus on 2027 elections instead of addressing pervasive insecurity in the nation.

According to him, Tinubu would not campaign for 2027 on the graves of the people he failed to protect.

He also expressed sadness over the recent attacks in Borno State, noting that the resurgence of suicide bombings had revived painful memories of the Boko Haram insurgency at its peak around the 2014 Boko Haram insurgency peak.

“I am very sad at the latest terrorist attacks in Borno State and the resurfacing of suicide bombing that were hitherto defeated,” he noted.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigerian troops engaged in counterinsurgency operations but stressed the need for a comprehensive review of current security strategies.

Abubakar also criticised what he described as the government’s reliance on strong rhetoric, emphasising that Nigerians are more interested in tangible results than official condemnations of attacks.

The African Democratic Congress chieftain said dismissing concerns about insecurity as politically motivated is counterproductive, arguing further that terrorism affects all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

He urged the Tinubu administration to refocus its priorities on addressing the security challenges facing the country and restoring public trust.

THE ICIR reported that Tinubu departed Abuja on Tuesday for a state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The President, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, will be hosted at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19.

This organisation also reported that while Borno State writhes in pain from a deadly triple explosions that killed 23 people and injured over 100 in Maiduguri on Monday, the Vice President, Kasim Shettima, also jetted to Anambra State for Charles Soludo’s second time inauguration.

Shettima is a former governor of Borno State.

The coordinated attacks, confirmed by the Borno State Police Command, occurred at the Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and the Post Office Flyover.

Police said no fewer than 108 persons also sustained varying degrees of injuries in the suspected suicide bombings.

Tuesday’s attacks are the latest on a state that has battled insurgency the early years of this century.

Borno attacks: Tinubu flies to UK, Shettima jets to Anambra for Soludo’s inauguration

Mustapha USMAN
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Borno attacks: Tinubu flies to UK, Shettima jets to Anambra for Soludo’s inauguration

WHILE Borno State writhes in pain from a deadly triple explosion that killed 23 people and injured over 100 in Maiduguri on Monday, President Bola Tinubu departed Nigeria hours after the tragedy for a state visit to the United Kingdom.

His vice, Kasim Shettima, also jetted to Anambra State for Charles Soludo’s second time inauguration.

Shettima is a former governor of Borno State.

The ICIR reported that the coordinated attacks, confirmed by the Borno State Police Command, occurred at the Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and the Post Office Flyover.

Police said no fewer than 108 persons also sustained varying degrees of injuries in the suspected suicide bombings.

However, despite the unfolding security situation, Tinubu left Abuja alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for what the presidency described as a historic state visit to the United Kingdom.

During the visit, Tinubu is scheduled to be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, marking the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years.

Tinubu was airborne as flames were still smoldering in the streets of Maiduguri.

The ICIR report that this is consistent with the president’s long-standing pattern of neglecting disaster sites and rarely visits families of victims but often delegating such responsibilities to his vice or other functionaries.

For instance, in November 2025, Tinubu asked the Vice President to visit Kebbi State to sympathise with the state government and assure parents and guardians of the mass kidnapping of Maga schoolgirls of their freedom.

On December 26, 2025, Shettima visited survivors of a bomb explosion at Gamboru Market while receiving treatment at the Muhammadu Buhari Trauma Centre. The vice president conveyed the sympathy of Tinubu to the victims.

Similarly, on February 15, 2026, Tinubu directed Shettima to lead a federal government delegation to Kano State to express “sympathy and support” for victims of the Singa Market fire disaster.

Earlier in that month, Shetimma had also led delegations to Kwara State where around 100 people were killed and about 176 kidnapped in a single attack.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Tinubu condemned the Borno attacks, describing them as “desperate acts” by terrorist elements.

He expressed condolences to victims and directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation, while also ordering emergency support for the injured.

Shettima in Anambra

In the same vein, Shettima is in Anambra State to attend the second-term inauguration of Governor Charles Soludo.

A video shared by Anambra State New Media confirmed that Shettma had landed at the airport.

Nigerians express dissatisfaction

Meanwhile, many Nigerians have argued that this practice, particularly from the president, reflects a detachment from the human toll of crises.

They also questioned whether political optics and international trips take precedence over the lives of Nigerians.

Reacting to the development, a journalist with the Arise Television, Oseni Rufai, in a series of posts questioned the president’s decision to travel hours after the explosions, stating that “Why go on state visit when there was a major bombing back home.”

He also wrote “If kier Starmer had a multiple bombing in his country a day before a state visit to Nigeria, do you think he will go ahead with such.”

Another social user, Rinu Oduala wrote “While Nigerians died from suicide bombings overnight in Borno, Shettima’s home state, the vice president arrives South-East this morning to celebrate an inauguration.”

Similarly, @kaingissa condemned Shettima’s visit to Anambra, noting that “Nigeria is a mess. Upon all the catastrophe that took place in Vice President Shettima’s home state last night, instead of going to hold his people together, he proceeded to the East to merry in the name of a second term for someone that has already been sworn in before.

Nigerians seek pricing relief as naira-for-crude fails to stop petrol price hike

Harrison EDEH
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Nigerians seek pricing relief as naira-for-crude fails to stop petrol price hike

NIGERIANS are seeking relief from high transport costs and rising prices from both the federal and state governments as global oil price shocks push up pump prices across the country.

Despite a naira-for-crude swap between Dangote Refinery and some modular refineries with the Federal Government, Nigerians have to bear the brunt of volatile global oil shocks through intermittent price increases.

In recent weeks, global crude oil prices surged from about $65 per barrel to over $100 per barrel, representing an increase of more than 50 per cent within weeks.

Accordingly, the petroleum retail oil outlets across the country have been increasing prices, citing the global rise in oil prices, which was occasioned by the United States-Iran conflict.

“The Naira-for-crude doesn’t mean that you’re insulated from global market shocks. The crude oil producers value their crude oil in dollars. So, the swap rarely has an impact on the price as the market is already deregulated and influenced by global market prices,” a professor of Energy Economics, Adeola Adenikinju, told The ICIR.

He stressed that Nigeria had not been able to meet all the crude oil demand of Dangote, which means it pushes the firm to import and exposed to price volatility.

He added, “The relief and cushion are not going to come from Dangote, but how the government seeks to ameliorate the pains on the people through various kinds of interventions.”

He suggested that the government could engage the stakeholders and see how best to ameliorate the pains of transportation and energy prices while working with transportation unions.

He further said that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) liberalised the sector, noting that any intervention on pricing would amount to subsidy payment.

“A strategic oil reserve could have helped keep prices stable to some extent. However, the federal government did some forward sales of crude in the past, which is also affecting the government’s interventions,” he stressed.

With the rising cost of transport logistics and the general cost of living across the country, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has lent its voice and asked the federal and state governments to urgently grant wage awards and cost-of-living allowance to cushion inflation concerns.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress subsequently demands an immediate Wage Award and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for all workers to cushion the high cost of living. An expansion and overhaul of cash transfers to ensure transparency and that they reach the most vulnerable, with increased value to match inflation,” the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, said in a statement issued on Sunday, March 15.

The ICIR reports that petrol currently sells for an average of N1,300 in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory and N1,500 in some states in the southeastern part of the country.

Most Nigerians have to bear the brunt of the spontaneous transport fare price increase across the country, caused by global oil price shocks.

At a time when the petrol market in Nigeria is increasingly reliant on domestic refining, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) said that Dangote refinery dominated the market in February, with nearly 93 per cent share of average daily petrol supply, while importers account for just over seven per cent.

Domestic refining, which could have seen the price go down, failed to achieve this as transport and logistics costs have gone up in response to global market shocks.

“Crude oil feedstocks for refineries are priced using international benchmark prices and denominated in United States dollars, irrespective of the location of the refinery. Consequently, domestic refineries in Nigeria procure crude oil at prices that reflect prevailing global market conditions,” the former director general of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf, told The ICIR.

Already, businesses are contending with multiple macroeconomic pressures, including high inflation, elevated interest rates and weak consumer purchasing power.

He suggested relief supports and tax incentives for small-scale businesses to enable them to scale through the price volatility.

“A more reliable electricity supply would significantly reduce the heavy dependence
of businesses on diesel and petrol generators, which currently constitute a major
component of operating costs. Improving power sector performance would,
therefore, lower production costs across the economy, enhance business
competitiveness, and provide much-needed relief for small and medium enterprises, “he added.

Tinubu departs for UK amid worsening insecurity in Nigeria

Esther Tomo
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Tinubu departs for UK amid worsening insecurity in Nigeria

PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, for a state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The President, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, will be hosted at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19.

The visit is considered historic, marking the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, and the first time a Nigerian president will be received by a British monarch at Windsor Castle.

According to the Presidency, the trip is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between both countries, with key discussions expected to focus on trade, investment, immigration, and cultural exchange.

During the visit, Tinubu and his wife will view a special Royal Collection exhibition featuring items connected to Nigeria. The president is also expected to hold private talks with King Charles III and participate in engagements with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue.

A state banquet will be hosted in honour of the Nigerian delegation.

Tinubu will also meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both countries are expected to sign agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

The president is expected to witness the signing of a £746 million financing deal involving UK Export Finance and Nigerian authorities, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, to support the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

He will also attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition and engage with business leaders as well as members of the Nigerian diaspora.

Meanwhile, authorities in Windsor have rolled out tight security measures ahead of the visit. Thames Valley Police say they are working with local authorities, the Royal Household, and other agencies to coordinate security operations for the high-profile event.

The police announced that airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle would be extended on March 18, alongside road closures and parking limitations expected to take effect from March 17, which might disrupt movement in the area.

Officials said the operation would include the deployment of specialised units such as armed officers, search teams, mounted patrols, and road policing personnel. Additional measures include surveillance systems and protective barriers to ensure public safety throughout the visit.

The visit comes amid a surge in killings across parts of Nigeria, with recent incidents of violence raising concerns about the country’s security situation.

Tbe ICIR reported earlier today that at least 23 people were confirmed dead following multiple explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State capital Monday night.

The Borno State Police Command, in a statement, said 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the attacks, which were carried out by suspected suicide bombers.

According to the police, the explosions occurred at about 7:24 p.m. at three locations — Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover area.

The attacks are the latest in a chain of killings, abductions and other criminal activities in Nigeria under Tinubu’s watch.

 

 

FG moves to evacuate Nigerians as Middle East crisis worsens

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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FG moves to evacuate Nigerians as Middle East crisis worsens

THE Federal Government has begun the move for a possible evacuation of Nigerians caught in the escalating Middle East conflict.

According to Punch, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Monday said that evacuation planning was in motion, noting that authorities were fine-tuning administrative processes while preparing funds to kick-start the operation.

“The government is working out the necessary administrative details and the release of funds to commence evacuation,” Ebienfa said.

This development follows the growing concern over Nigerians stranded in countries such as Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, where flight cancellations and airspace restrictions have complicated exit plans since the February 28 coordinated strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, which have since triggered a chain of retaliatory incidents and widespread disruption.

Last week, the ministry said that priority was being given to Nigerians in high-risk zones, like Iran and Israel where evacuation was proving most complex, noting that in Iran, plans involved moving stranded students across multiple cities to the Armenian border, navigating both security risks and strict entry conditions.

The ministry had explained that it was also weighing multiple evacuation routes, including the potential deployment of Nigerian Air Force aircraft, though volatile conditions have made flight approvals uncertain, adding that most of the Nigerians stranded in Qatar were transit passengers whose flights were disrupted, but who were being taken care of by their airlines.

“Qatar Airways has started operating flights to Nigeria. There was a flight to Lagos today (Monday) from Doha. So, in a few days, the category of Nigerian stranded due to transit flights that were affected by the crisis will all be in Nigeria. This is in addition to flights to Cairo, Egypt and Nairobi, Kenya that included some Nigerians,” Ebienfa said.

Similarly, Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, on Monday said that Tehran was ready to work with Nigerian authorities to ensure the safe exit of Nigerians who choose to leave the country, reaffirming Iran’s commitment to protecting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, amid the ongoing tensions.

“Naturally, the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran has taken the necessary measures to assist and support its nationals, and it remains in contact with members of the Nigerian community to provide guidance where needed,” the ambassador said.

He noted that the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran had already activated support measures and remained in close contact with the Nigerian community, providing guidance and assistance where necessary.

“Currently, Iran’s land borders with neighbouring countries are open, and normal movement through these routes is ongoing. Many foreign nationals are already using these land routes for travel or departure. Reports indicate that the routes are safe and can be used without difficulty. Nigerian citizens can therefore make use of these routes if they choose to do so,” Raja said.

The ICIR reports that the conflict, which has lasted for over two weeks, has unsettled markets as oil prices climbed above $104 per barrel, while Asian equities slipped amid concerns over potential disruptions to Middle East energy infrastructure.

US president Donald Trump had urged major energy-importing nations to help reopen the waterway amid escalating tensions from the conflict, which has rattled global energy markets and heightened fears over Middle East oil supplies, as nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil shipments pass through the narrow maritime corridor.

However, Japan and Australia have rejected Trump’s call, noting that they had no plans to deploy warships to escort commercial vessels through the vital oil transit route.

23 killed, 108 injured in Maiduguri triple explosions

Mustapha USMAN
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23 killed, 108 injured in Maiduguri triple explosions

AT least 23 people have been confirmed dead following multiple explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

The Borno State Police Command, in a statement on Tuesday, March 17, said 108 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the attacks, which were carried out by suspected suicide bombers.

According to the police, the explosions occurred at about 7:24 p.m. at three locations — Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover area.

The ICIR reported that the explosion occurred in no fewer than two locations, with residents expressing concern over the attack.

Reacting further on the attack, the police PRO said “preliminary investigation reveals that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide bombers. Regrettably, a total of twenty three (23) persons lost their lives, while one hundred and eight (108) others sustained varying degrees of injuries

“Following the incidents, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, the Military, and other Joint Security Operatives were swiftly deployed to the affected areas. The scenes were immediately secured, cordoned off, and subjected to thorough sweep operations by Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit Base 13 Maiduguri to rule out the presence of any additional threats,”

The statement noted that emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency, evacuated the injured to medical facilities where they are receiving treatment.

The police said normalcy had been restored in the affected areas, with heightened security presence across Maiduguri and its environs to prevent further incidents.

Although no terrorist group has taken responsibility of the attacks, the police said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the attacks.

Zulum calls for calm

Meanwhile, the Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has called for calm following the tragedy.

In a statement shortly after the incident, the governor condemned the attacks, describing them as “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane”.

He said targeting civilians and places of worship was unacceptable, particularly at a time when Muslim faithful are engaged in acts of devotion.

Zulum extended condolences to families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

He also urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, calling on communities to strengthen security awareness in mosques, churches, markets and other public gatherings.

The governor added that security agencies had launched investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible, assuring residents that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

Explosion adds to growing attacks in North-East

The latest explosions come amid a renewed wave of attacks by insurgent groups in Borno State and the wider North-East.

In recent weeks, fighters linked to Boko Haram and its splinter faction, Islamic State West Africa Province, have intensified assaults on military formations and communities across the region.

The attacks have targeted army bases, checkpoints and remote settlements, raising fresh concerns about the security situation in the state

Earlier this month, insurgents reportedly carried out coordinated raids on several military bases in the North-East, killing dozens of soldiers and carting away weapons and military hardware after briefly overrunning some bases.

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