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No respite from insecurity 100 days after Defence Minister Musa assumes office

Mustapha USMAN
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No respite from insecurity 100 days after Defence Minister Musa assumes office

WHEN President Bola Tinubu appointed former Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, as Nigeria’s defence minister in December 2025, the majority of people in the country were elated with the decision.

Among Tinubu’s cabinet appointments, Musa’s nomination was arguably the most widely hailed by Nigerians.

Musa, a retired general, took over the defence portfolio when Nigeria was battling multiple security crises, including the insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and killings and kidnappings across the North-Central.

His appointment elicited high expectations largely because of his vast experience in counter-insurgency campaigns and how outspoken he was against terrorism.

 As today, Friday, March 13, marks his 100 days in office, the security situation across the nation has remained volatile, with renewed insurgent attacks, military casualties, and communities still under threat.

Fresh attacks show Musa’s strategies not working

In recent weeks, insurgents linked to Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram have intensified attacks on military formations in Borno State, exposing the continued vulnerability of security forces in the country.

Reports indicate that terrorists overran military bases in the state during coordinated attacks in early March, killing dozens of soldiers and carting away weapons and vehicles. 

During these coordinated attacks, at least three commanding officers were reportedly killed alongside dozens of junior officers.

The onslaughts, The ICIR reports, were part of a wider surge in insurgent activity in the North-East that has reportedly left at least 65 soldiers dead within two weeks, according to report. Recall that the region has faced nearly two decades of attacks by the marauders. 

While most residents whisked away by insurgents are yet to be freed, the military said it retook one of the villages that came under attack on Wednesday, March 11.

The ICIR reports that although the nation’s armed forces daily ransack forests and other hideouts of criminals, neutralising and apprehending as many as they can, the toll on the military and the continued incursions and recruitment by terrorists remain a huge test of Musa’s competence.

Civilian communities still vulnerable

Beyond attacks on military formations, civilian communities have also continued to bear the brunt of the violence.

Earlier in March, militants reportedly abducted more than 300 residents, including women and children, in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza area of Borno State, during raids by the terrorists.   

Several communities around Konduga, Marte, and Jakana have also witnessed repeated attacks despite ongoing military operations in the North-East.

Similar attacks were reported in the North-West and North-Central, with Kogi and Kwara states experiencing persistent bandit attacks and kidnappings. 

About 200 people were killed during an attack on Woro community by terrorists in Kwara state in February 2026. The attackers also abducted dozens of villagers in a rampage that lasted for over 10 hours. The Northcentral state has seen a sharp increase in violent attacks committed by non-state armed groups, more recently from groups such as Lakurawa and Mamuda.

In a separate incident on the same day, another 21 people were killed in Katsina, where armed assailants reportedly moved from house to house, shooting residents.

Similarly, in the South-West, specifically in Akure North and in Owo Local Government areas of Ondo State, communities have been persistently attacked, with people residents repeatedly killed and abducted for ransom under Musa’s watch.

Policies fail to achieve visible gains

Since assuming office, Musa has rolled out a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to insecurity.

These include plans to deploy military veterans to help secure “ungoverned spaces” and strengthen collaboration with neighbouring countries to tackle cross-border terrorism.

He also warned that individuals providing financial or logistical support to terrorists would face prosecution, signalling a tougher approach to terror financing networks.

Despite these policy signals, the security situation on the ground has yet to show significant improvement, according to analysts and residents in affected regions.

The minister on March 12 ordered military commanders to recalibrate operations across multiple theatres after what officials described as a surge in brazen terrorist attacks.

The ICIR reports that Musa summoned the service chiefs on Wednesday, March 11, acknowledging the killings of military operatives, while noting that the casualties were higher on the terrorists’ side. 

Addressing the public after the meeting, the minister said the meeting focused on reviewing the recent wave of attacks and evaluating the performance of ongoing military operations, after which fresh operational directives were issued to counter terrorist and bandit groups across the country.

Although he noted that details of the new tactical adjustments would remain confidential to safeguard troops and ensure operational success, Musa disclosed that the military leadership had ordered forceful recalibration of ongoing operations in affected regions.

According to him, the service chiefs were instructed to immediately intensify and adjust military strategies across operation theatres in a bid to dismantle the networks of terrorists and bandits threatening national security.

Nigerians fear worst-case scenario

Despite assurances from the military authorities, many Nigerians remain anxious about the country’s worsening security situation, particularly in the North-East where insurgent attacks have intensified in recent weeks.    

Security analysts are warning that the recent destruction of military bases and coordinated assaults on communities raise concerns that armed groups may be regaining operational strength. 

This development has heightened fears among residents of affected areas that the attacks could signal a return to the intense insurgency experienced between 2011 and 2016.

The attacks have also sparked fresh debate over the effectiveness of current security architecture and strategies, as citizens and experts call for stronger intelligence gathering, better equipment for troops, and improved coordination among security agencies.

ISWAP’s deadly Ramadan campaign and Nigeria’s military response

Editorial
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ISWAP’s deadly Ramadan campaign and Nigeria’s military response

By Malik Samuel

IN what may represent one of the most coordinated and destructive offensives in recent months, fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly inflicted casualties and equipment losses on Nigerian military forces across multiple locations in Borno State during a single night of attacks on 5 March 2026.

According to audiovisual operational claims disseminated by the Amaq News Agency and social media channels affiliated with the Islamic State, the insurgents claimed to have killed at least 16 soldiers and officers in the attacks. The following day, a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) detonated near Njimya village inside the Sambisa Forest, reportedly causing an additional 20 casualties among government forces and forcing troop withdrawal from the base.

If true, the human toll from these attacks is significant, and it represents only part of the operational impact. The more consequential dimension lies in the reported loss of military equipment. A compilation of data from the ISWAP claims shows that more than 53 vehicles were destroyed or captured, alongside 84 motorcycles that were seized or burned. The group also claimed to have captured a substantial cache of weapons, including 54 rifles, 20 machine guns, and eight heavy support weapons such as rocket-propelled grenade  launchers and mortars. Again, if true, such losses within a single operational cycle represent a logistical setback for a military already confronting constraints in equipment availability and maintenance.

Particularly notable is the capture of 71 motorcycles, reportedly taken largely during the Konduga attack. In the difficult terrain of the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas, motorcycles remain a critical platform for insurgent mobility. They allow fighters to traverse narrow forest tracks, conduct rapid hit-and-run attacks, and circumvent established military checkpoints. The seizure of this number of motorcycles, therefore, not only deprives government forces of mobility assets but simultaneously replenishes and reinforces ISWAP’s own logistical capabilities, potentially strengthening its operational reach in the forest belt.

The geographical spread and timing of the attacks also highlight a high degree of coordination. Assaults were reportedly conducted against military positions in Jakana, Konduga, Mainok, and Marte during the same night. In parallel, diversionary actions occurred in Benisheikh, Kauri, and Dalori, bringing to seven the total attacks carried out in one night. Such a pattern suggests deliberate operational planning designed to stretch military response capacity, complicate command decisions, and limit the ability of security forces to reinforce threatened positions. The attacks illustrate the group’s ability to operate across multiple axes simultaneously, a capability associated with improved command, control, and battlefield intelligence.

These operations form part of what ISWAP’s “Burning of the Camps” campaign, an ongoing series of attacks launched in February 2025 targeting military bases across the Lake Chad Basin. Since its launch, bases belonging not only to Nigerian forces but also to regional militaries in Niger and Cameroon have been reportedly targeted. The campaign appears designed to systematically degrade fixed military positions, which insurgent strategists often view as both symbolic and logistical nodes of state authority in contested territories.

For the Nigerian military, the reported scale of equipment losses raises questions about force protection and base defence practices. The targeting of armoured vehicles – particularly in Marte, where insurgents reportedly employed rocket-propelled grenades – suggests that ISWAP has refined tactics aimed at neutralising the military’s most protected assets. When large numbers of vehicles are destroyed or captured within a short timeframe, the effects extend beyond the immediate battlefield. Logistics chains, troop mobility, reinforcement capacity, and patrol operations may all be affected for extended periods while replacements and repairs are organised.

At the beginning of 2026, the Nigerian military appeared to have regained momentum in the conflict following coordinated operations that dislodged ISWAP fighters from their stronghold in the Alagarno Forest. During those operations, troops reportedly destroyed detention facilities, workshops, and other logistical infrastructure used by the insurgents. The offensive was widely interpreted as a significant disruption to ISWAP’s operational networks and supply chains.

However, the group’s ability to recover from these losses and subsequently mount large-scale attacks indicates a worrisome degree of organisational resilience. The military needs to know that insurgent groups that maintain decentralised command structures and diversified supply networks like ISWAP can often absorb short-term setbacks and regenerate operational capacity relatively quickly. The recent attacks, therefore, illustrate how tactical defeats do not necessarily translate into long-term strategic weakening for insurgent organisations.

The Sambisa attack also reflects evolving battlefield tactics. ISWAP claimed that it employed an SVBIED as the decisive element of the assault. Fighters reportedly initiated an exchange of fire with government troops in order to fix their attention and limit their ability to manoeuvre. During this engagement, the suicide vehicle advanced toward the position before detonating. Such tactics – combining direct fire engagements with suicide operations – have been observed in several theatres associated with Islamic State-linked groups and are intended to overwhelm defensive positions by forcing simultaneous threats.

Another factor frequently cited in discussions of ISWAP’s tactical evolution is the role of foreign fighters. Fighters originating from North Africa, the Middle East, the Sahel, and occasionally Europe have reportedly contributed to knowledge transfer within the organisation. This transfer includes ideological reinforcement, training in explosives, operational planning, battlefield coordination, and the integration of new technologies into insurgent operations, such as the recent increase in the use of drones for attacks. Such contributions can strengthen organisational cohesion and introduce new tactical approaches drawn from other conflict theatres where Islamic State affiliates have operated.

Some of these foreign fighters have also been deployed alongside local fighters to the battlefield. The deployments, however, have produced casualties on the part of the foreign fighters. According to sources, at least 10 foreign fighters are believed to have been killed in the past two years during engagements with regional security forces. The latest such incident occurred in February 2026 during an operation by Cameroonian forces. Earlier, around July 2025, three foreign fighters were reportedly killed by Nigerian troops in Mallam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State. Among those killed so far, according to the sources, is a Senegalese national who previously resided in Sweden before travelling to join ISWAP.

Recent developments have also coincided with the deployment of United States military personnel to Nigeria for training and security cooperation purposes. The presence of these troops raised expectations that Nigerian forces would benefit from enhanced training and intelligence support. Some local observers initially speculated that the recent surge in insurgent attacks might be linked to the deployment. However, experts have suggested that the timing is unrelated and instead reflects internal mobilisation dynamics within ISWAP.

According to these sources, the recent escalation may partly stem from renewed mobilisation among ISWAP fighters, reinforced by ideological messaging and battlefield motivation from experienced foreign fighters. Such mobilisation reportedly includes an increased willingness among some fighters to undertake suicide operations designed to prevent security forces from penetrating deeper into insurgent strongholds.

The recent attacks also highlight a broader strategic dynamic: insurgent groups often regain operational initiative when military pressure decreases or becomes less sustained. The timing of the current wave of attacks appears to coincide with a period during which Nigerian military offensives have slowed relative to earlier operations in the year. In such circumstances, insurgent organisations can exploit the opportunity to regroup, replenish supplies, and launch counter-offensives intended to reassert battlefield momentum.

Another persistent concern relates to the insurgents’ acquisition of weapons. For more than a decade, attacks on military bases have been one of the principal ways through which ISWAP and other insurgent groups have obtained arms, ammunition, and vehicles. The capture or destruction of military equipment therefore has implications beyond immediate tactical losses. It risks strengthening insurgent arsenals and sustaining their ability to conduct further operations.

This dynamic also raises concerns regarding the potential diversion of externally supplied military equipment, notably those recently acquired from the United States. If military bases remain vulnerable to large-scale raids, there is a risk that some of these assets could ultimately be captured and repurposed by ISWAP. Strengthening base fortifications, early-warning systems, and rapid-response capabilities therefore remains a critical component of efforts to prevent equipment capture and reduce the operational advantages ISWAP currently enjoys.

  • Malik Samuel is a senior researcher at Good Governance Africa-Nigeria. Before joining GGA, he was a researcher with the Institute for Security Studies, specialising in the Boko Haram conflict in the Lake Chad Basin Region.

Petrol sells for ₦34 in Libya, ₦1,142 in Nigeria – Report

Mustapha USMAN  and  Oluwadamilola ALUKO
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Petrol sells for ₦34 in Libya, ₦1,142 in Nigeria – Report

PETROL in Libya costs about ₦34.20 per litre, while the price in Nigeria stands at about ₦1,142.85 per litre, according to new data compiled by GlobalPetrolPrices.

An analysis by The ICIR shows that Libya currently has the lowest petrol price in Africa, while Malawi records the highest, selling for N4,074 per litre. The figures are based on petrol prices as of March 9, 2026.

The data shows Libya leading with ₦34.20 per litre, followed by Angola at ₦465.98, and Algeria at ₦508.73.

Others with relatively lower petrol prices include Egypt, ₦658.35; Sudan, ₦997.50; and Nigeria, ₦1,142.85 per litre.

The list also places Ethiopia at ₦1,202.70, Tunisia, ₦1,239.75; Niger, ₦1,262.55; and Liberia at ₦1,296.75 among countries with comparatively lower petrol prices on the continent.

Infographic showing fuel price across africa countries
Infographic showing fuel prices across Africa countries

At the other end of the spectrum, Malawi has the highest petrol price in Africa, with the product costing ₦4,074 per litre.

The country is followed by the Central African Republic at ₦2,651.92, Zimbabwe, ₦2,436.75; Senegal, ₦2,328.45; and Sierra Leone, ₦2,317.05.

Others with high petrol prices include Seychelles, ₦2,158.88; Burkina Faso, ₦2,151.75; Cameroon, ₦2,121.83; Ivory Coast, ₦2,074.80; and Burundi₦, 2,026.35.

According to GlobalPetrolPrices, the average petrol price globally stood at about $1.35 per litre as of March 9, 2026, though prices vary widely across countries.

The report noted that wealthier countries generally recorded higher petrol prices due to higher taxes, while poorer nations or oil-producing countries often maintained lower prices through subsidies.

Although countries buy crude oil at similar prices on international markets, governments impose different tax regimes, subsidies, and price controls, which explains the huge differences in retail prices.

In countries with liberalised fuel markets, prices can change weekly. However, in countries where fuel prices are regulated by the government, adjustments are often made monthly or less frequently.

Iran war pushing global fuel prices higher

The comparison comes as global energy markets experience volatility following the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel and the United State, which has disrupted oil production and shipping routes across the Middle East.

The conflict has significantly affected global oil supply, particularly due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which roughly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply normally passes. 

Attacks on regional oil facilities and shipping routes have forced many tankers to halt movement through the strait, tightening global supplies and pushing crude oil prices sharply higher. 

International benchmark Brent crude surged above $110 per barrel in the first week of the conflict, the highest level in more than three years, before fluctuating around $100 mark amid market volatility.

International Energy Agency warned that the disruption could become one of the most significant in the history of global oil markets if the conflict persists, potentially removing millions of barrels of oil from global supply. 

“The war in the Middle East is creating the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market,” the IEA said in its monthly market report.

“Disruptions are not limited to upstream production and exports, with several refineries and gas processing facilities shut down due to attacks or for safety concerns.

“The closure of the Strait is also forcing export-oriented refineries to cut runs or shut completely as product storage tanks top up.”

Nigeria records sharp fuel price increase

GlobalPetrolPrices data also shows that Nigeria recorded one of the sharpest fuel price hikes since late February, with petrol rising by about 39.5 per cent and diesel by 62.5 per cent in the period following the escalation of the Iran conflict.

The latest figures highlight the continued pressure on energy markets globally and the significant variation in petrol prices across African countries despite many being oil-producing nations.

The ICIR reported that Nigerians would experience a hike in fuel prices following gantry price increase by Dangote Refinery.

The increase was occasioned by an increase in global oil prices following hostilities in the Middle East.

Both the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) had confirmed that fuel prices would go up from Tuesday, March 10.

PETROAN’s National President, Billy Gills-Harry, warned that continued volatility in crude prices would further strain consumers and businesses already grappling with economic challenges.

Chemical spill leaves Oyo community battling for water, survival

Editorial
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Chemical spill leaves Oyo community battling for water, survival

By Caleb IJIOMA

THE ancient town of Oyo is known for its rich cultural heritage and blooming agricultural practices. The town, renowned for its rich Yoruba cultural heritage, is now facing a silent struggle. Although industrialisation is not at its peak, the Awe community of Oyo town has had to face a seemingly unending battle for survival, especially as residents accuse Bond Chemical Industries of polluting their water sources.

It was evening when this reporter arrived at the Adesakin Layout of Awe community, Oyo State. The street was relatively quiet, with a mix of modern and old houses. A walk through it revealed the stench in the atmosphere, the pungent smell of chemicals emanating from the waterway.

This community is battling a water crisis, and residents have been forced to get it elsewhere, abandoning the sources that have served them for years, but now seem to be polluted, allegedly by Bond Chemical Industries.

A closer look at this waterway revealed the cracks caused by chemical spillage, with residues evidently seen beside these cracks.

Bond Chemical Industries Ltd produces a variety of products, including medicines. Some of these medicines include Bonadol, Parafen Caplets, and Ibuprofen, amongst others.  It also produces water and a variety of drinks.

One of the products of Bond Chemicals Ltd. PC: Caleb Ijioma/ ICIR

The manufacturing plant of Bond Chemicals Industries is situated within the Adesakin Layout of Awe community.

After walking some meters, The ICIR met a resident who lives in the area. An elderly man, in his 60’s, sitting on a wooden chair, and looking out from an incomplete building, he had a nervous look when this reporter greeted him. “ Ekale, Sir,” this reporter said in the Yoruba dialect, which means Good evening sir. As the conversation continued, his facial expression changed, depicting comfort.

Identified as *David, he sad he has lived in this area for a long time, narrating how Bond Chemicals has been situated in that community for over 10 years, with residents affected by its operation.

One of the residents, David, spoke to ICIR. PC: Caleb Ijioma/ ICIR

“ When they flush out these chemicals, and it passes through the gutters, it smells, and it is not good to inhale,” David said, pointing to the waterways where chemicals pass through.

He explained how residents have been forced to get water elsewhere where Bond Chemicals’ spillage does not affect.

David had to move to the affected area a few months ago, but still goes back to fetch water in his former residence. For a man of his age, he cannot risk using the water from where he currently lives.

“You’ll have to fetch water from the other side for drinking,” he said with a sombre expression.

Residents are forced to go elsewhere for water

The Adesakin Layout of Awe community is a long street, with residential buildings on both sides. On one side is where Bond Chemical Industry is built. Liquid wastes coming from this industry are connected to the waterway. The liquid waste contains chemicals that residents have said contaminate water sources, making it difficult for them to access clean water.

The waterway is the only path through which wastes from Bond Chemical Industries can flow. All houses on this side of the road are affected, and residents have been forced to painstakingly depend on the other side of the area to get clean water, or end up putting their lives at risk.

Research has warned that Arsenic and heavy metals deposited in water from industrial waste usually infiltrate underground water and wells, resulting in physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that cause brain disorders and nervous system diseases in people.

This reporter, who sought to understand the impact this has on families residing in the affected part of the area, posed as an industrial worker in search of a house.

The building he walked into had some parts yet to be completed, and was closer to the waterway through which the chemical waste from Bond Chemical Industries flows.

*Folorunsho, who was carrying his little child, lives in this part of the area with his family. His wife, a trader, sells provisions and other items in a shop attached to the house.

Folorunsho advised the reporter to explore other areas for houses, saying residents are affected by contaminated water from Bond Chemical Industries.

“The traces in the gutter are the bad water I’m referring to from Bond industry down the street. However, the industry is not affected in any way because the waste is coming out of their factory.”

He said visitors from other parts of the country, who sought comfort in the area, barely survived, unlike him, who is now used to the water situation.

“ Those at the back of the street are affected as well, including non indigenes, and NYSC members that lived around the area, managed to cope”

As a result of the contaminated water, Folurunsho has been forced to walk down the street daily in search of clean water so that his family can be safe. He told The ICIR thatbefore now, the water was used to bathe and wash sometimes, but became worse with the company’s resumption.

“Ever since they resumed operation, it has been worse, and now we can’t even use it at all anymore,” he said.

The house Folorunsho lives in depends on a well very close to the building, which also serves many residents in the area. This well has been contaminated with chemicals from the waterway.

My children can’t use this water – Father

Folorunsho said that he cannot risk having his children make use of the water. Children in affected area are prone to contracting several diseases and are at the mercy of Bond Chemical Industries.

He fears that using this water for his children can have severe health implications.

“ I still bathe with the water myself but my kids can’t because I grew up using the water. But I had to fetch water from a clean source for my kids’ usage because they’re still little with soft skin,” he said.

Residents now have to make extra effort to make the water from the well cleaner, but this comes with a cost. One resident who spoke to The ICIR, said her family uses chlorine to make the well water clean. Findings revealed that a drum of chlorine costs about N130,000, with small sizes costing around N6,500.

“ We use chlorine to clean the water once every three months. We pour chlorine inside the well and we don’t use the water for seven days. After, we use the water to wash and cook,” the source said.

Chemical spills breach regulatory provisions

Chemical spills breach environmental laws in Nigeria by violating statutory regulations designed to protect air, land, and water resources, often resulting in significant ecological damage and public health crises.

Ayo Ademuluyi,  an environmental and sustainability lawyer stated that chemical spills from Bond Chemicals Ltd contravene section 27 of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act, which explicitly prohibits the discharge of hazardous substances into the environment.

“Section 27 of the NESREA Act clearly forbids the release of hazardous substances into the environment. Any chemical spill that contaminates land or water sources is a direct violation of this provision,” he said.

He noted that the constitutional rights of residents living in the Awe community were breached, adding that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has recognised that the right to a clean and healthy environment forms part of the fundamental right to life as contained in Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution.

“When pollution from chemical discharge affects the health and livelihoods of residents, it raises serious constitutional concerns because the right to life under section 33 also implies the right to live in a safe and healthy environment,” Ademuluyi explained.

According to him, the NESREA (Establishment) Act 2007 also prohibits the discharge of harmful quantities of hazardous substances into the air, land, or waters of Nigeria, including adjoining shorelines.

He emphasised that this provision is also reflected in section 21(1) of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) Act, which similarly prohibits the release of dangerous substances into Nigeria’s environment.

“These legal provisions collectively impose a duty on companies to ensure that their operations do not contaminate water bodies, soil, or surrounding communities,” he added.

Test reveals water is unsafe for use

To clarify if this well water has been contaminated, The ICIR took water sample from one of the affected wells and conducted a chemical and microbial test.

Findings certified by the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN)  revealed the presence of brown coloration and suspended particles, indicating possible sediment contamination or iron-related discoloration. While the test result of the well water didn’t detect toxic metals, there was a high concentration of ammonia (3.72 mg/L), which suggests possible contamination.

Results from the well water tested in the Lab and  certified by the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), revealed elevated ammonia. PC: Caleb Ijioma/ ICIR

The test concluded that the groundwater sample does not fully meet potable water standards due to poor physical quality and elevated ammonia levels

A lab scientist, who pleads anonymity, says that consumption of this untreated groundwater with suspended particles may expose residents to microbial pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

He said that with the elevated ammonia, potential health outcomes include gastrointestinal infections, diarrhoea, and other waterborne illnesses, and poses a health risk to Vulnerable groups such as infants, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised persons.

Reinnet Awoh, a public health expert, explained that although the nitrate concentration in the analysed water sample is currently below the recommended guideline limit, the presence of elevated ammonia levels raises concerns about possible chemical changes in the water over time.

According to him, ammonia can undergo natural chemical and biological transformations that may increase the concentration of other nitrogen compounds, such as nitrites and nitrates, which could eventually pose health risks.

He warned that prolonged exposure to contaminated water could lead to serious health complications, including methemoglobinemia, commonly known as “blue baby syndrome.” The condition, which primarily affects infants, reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen and can result in potentially life-threatening complications.

Awoh also cautioned that if the water is microbiologically contaminated, it could expose residents to gastrointestinal illnesses.

“Consumption of microbiologically contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, including diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration. Such infections are particularly dangerous for young children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems,” he said.

Authorities react to claims

 The ICIR reached out via email to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the agency responsible for enforcing all environmental laws, guidelines, policies, standards and regulations in Nigeria. NASREA assured that the complaints of chemical spills from Bond Chemicals will be investigated.

Bond Chemicals Ltd was contacted if the company is aware of this issue. The Head of Human Resources said no complaints have been made, He claimed that the company is not aware of this issue affecting residents of the Awe community.

However, messages sent to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) got no feedback as at the time of writing this report.

 

Trump warns Iran to avoid World Cup ‘for their safety’

Mustapha USMAN
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Trump warns Iran to avoid World Cup ‘for their safety’

UNITED States President Donald Trump has warned that Iran’s national football team should consider skipping the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing safety concerns over their participation.

In a post shared on his social media platform on Thursday, March 12, Trump said the Iranian team would be welcome at the tournament but questioned whether it was appropriate for them to attend under the current circumstances.

“The Iran national soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” Trump wrote.

Trump’s comment appears to mark a shift in tone following earlier assurances that Iran would be welcome at the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The remarks came amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States after Washington, alongside Israel, carried out airstrikes on Iranian targets on February 28.

Trump later confirmed the operations, with subsequent reports confirming that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in the strikes.

Following the attacks, Iran claimed that nearly 10,000 civilian sites had been bombed, resulting in more than 1,300 civilian deaths since the conflict began. Tehran has since launched retaliatory strikes across parts of the Gulf region and Israel, escalating hostilities.

Amid the crisis, Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, announced on Wednesday, March 11, that the country would not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances ​can we participate in the World Cup,” the minister reportedly told state television, adding that the safety of Iranian players and supporters could not be guaranteed.

Iran had already secured qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament and was drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

All three of Iran’s group matches were scheduled to take place in the United States, including two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

The president of Iran’s football federation, Mehdi Taj, had also said it was unlikely the team would participate, though no formal withdrawal has been communicated to FIFA.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino earlier said Trump assured him that Iran would be welcome at the tournament, stressing that global sporting events such as the World Cup should help bring people together.

If Iran formally withdraws, FIFA’s tournament regulations allow the governing body to select a replacement team at its discretion, potentially reshaping Group G. Possible replacements include the Iraq national football team and the United Arab Emirates national football team.

Nine senators defect to ADC

Esther Tomo
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Nine senators defect to ADC

NINE senators in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly on Thursday dumped their political parties and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Their letters of defection were read during plenary by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The lawmakers include Ireti Kingibe who represents the Federal Capital Territory. She left the Labour Party for ADC. Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo of Nasarawa South quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Similarly, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Binos Dauda Yaroe (Adamawa South), Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), and Lawal Adamu Usman (Kaduna Central) left the PDP.

Others are Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) from the Labour Party.

In his defection letter, Nwoye wrote, “I wish to tender my resignation amid the ongoing multiple litigations within the Labour Party, which have significantly affected the cohesion and stability of the party.”

After reading all the letters, Akpabio welcomed the senators to their new political home while dismissing claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was behind the defections.

He said: “Deputy Senate President and Leader of the Senate, I hope you noticed that I have read (defections) from three different political parties now. So, you cannot accuse the ruling party of tampering with its leadership. Here, we have APGA, Labour, SDP, and all of them.

“So, all of them have a problem. They’ve not been able to put their parties together. So, the APC cannot be blamed for this. They are all out to ensure that we have what you call a minority status in this chamber, and I am very proud of them.”

The defection reshapes the composition of the Senate, increases the number of lawmakers under ADC and alters the balance of power among parties in the chamber.

The APC currently has 84 of 109 members of the Senate.

The ruling party also own 31 of the 36 governors in the country, as the nation prepares for 2027 general elections which hold between January and February.

Lagos community protests prolonged blackout, demands action

Esther Tomo
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Lagos community protests prolonged blackout, demands action

RESIDENTS of Gowon Estate in the Egbeda area of Lagos staged a protest on Thursday over a long power outage that has affected several streets in the community.

The protesters proceeded to the office of Ikeja Electric in the Ponle area to complain about the situation and asked the company to restore electricity to their homes.

Community members said the problem started after a transformer serving the area developed a fault. Since then, many homes in parts of the estate have been without electricity for months, making daily life difficult for residents and affecting small businesses that depend on power.

One of the protesters, who identified herself as Ingobu, warned that the community might take stronger action if electricity is not restored soon. She said, “We need our light now. If not, this week or next week, we will lock this place. Nobody will come in, nobody will go out.”

Residents also said they had written to the electricity company about the issue. Part of the letter stated, “In effect, the entire community has been in total darkness since 12th October 2025, while the faulty transformer remains untouched.”

They explained that the transformer serving the area was very old and might need to be replaced completely.

An official of Ikeja Electric later apologised to the residents and assured them that engineers would be sent to examine the problem and work on restoring power.

The protest highlights the wider electricity challenges in Nigeria. Many communities across the country continue to face unstable power supply, frequent blackouts and ageing infrastructure. Because of this, many homes and businesses depend on generators, which increases their expenses due to the high cost of fuel.

UNICEF: Over 1,100 children killed or injured in US-Israeli Iran conflict

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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UNICEF: Over 1,100 children killed or injured in US-Israeli Iran conflict

THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says more than 1,100 children have been killed or injured since the start of the United States (US)–Israeli airstrikes on Iran nearly two weeks ago.

“Ten days into the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, the situation is becoming catastrophic for millions of children across the region. Since 28 February, more than 1,100 children have been reported injured or killed in the violence. This includes 200 children reportedly killed in Iran, 91 in Lebanon, four in Israel and one in Kuwait. These numbers will likely climb as the violence intensifies and spreads,” UNICEF said in a statement.

The organisation noted that a deepening humanitarian crisis is unfolding across the Middle East, where widespread destruction and relentless bombardments have forced millions of children out of school and displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

“Widespread disruption to education has left millions of children out of school across the region, while hundreds of thousands of children have been displaced by unrelenting bombardment. Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water and sanitation systems – upon which children depend to survive – have been attacked, damaged, or destroyed by parties to the conflict. Nothing justifies the killing and maiming of children, or the destruction and disruption of essential services that children depend on.

UNICEF said grave violations against children in armed conflict could constitute violations of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The global health body reiterated the Secretary-General’s call on parties to the conflict to end the fighting and engage in diplomatic negotiations.

UNICEF also called on parties to take all necessary precautions in the choice of means and methods of warfare to minimise harm to civilians, including by avoiding the use of explosive weapons that disproportionally affect children.

“The region’s children – all 200 million of them – are counting on the world to act quickly,” it added.

The ICIR reports that the latest figures indicate a sharp rise in child casualties, far exceeding the 180 deaths reported earlier by UNICEF on March 5.

The US President Donald Trump struck a defiant tone at a campaign-style rally in Kentucky ahead of November’s midterm elections, claiming the US had effectively won the war but stressing the need to see it through.

However, Iran signaled it was preparing to inflict a prolonged economic blow. A spokesperson for the country’s military command warned Washington that global oil prices would reflect the instability unfolding in the region.

According to Reuters, the conflict has now spilled across the Middle East, prompting emergency plans for a massive release of strategic oil reserves aimed at cushioning what could become the most severe fuel shock since the 1970s.

Two fuel tankers were burned in Iraqi waters on Thursday following what appeared to be Iranian strikes, marking the latest escalation in a widening wave of attacks on oil and transport infrastructure across the Middle East. Tehran warned that crude prices could surge to $200 a barrel, a move that would rattle global energy markets and plunge transport systems into turmoil.

The warning came as the International Energy Agency (IEA) urged countries to release massive volumes from their strategic oil reserves to stabilise markets rattled by the rapidly escalating conflict.

Oil prices surged more than four per cent on Wednesday, after briefly climbing to nearly $120 a barrel earlier in the week. It settled around $90 on Wednesday after Trump’s assurance that the war would soon end, reflecting mounting fears of supply disruptions.

Stock markets, including Wall Street’s major indexes, fell as investors reassessed earlier hopes that Washington might push for a quick end to the conflict.

To contain the crisis, the International Energy Agency recommended releasing 400 million barrels from global strategic reserves, the largest coordinated intervention in history. Washington quickly backed the proposal.

But analysts note that even such a massive release would replace only a fraction of the oil normally transported through the Strait of Hormuz.

An Iranian military spokesperson said Wednesday the strait was ‘undoubtedly’ under Iran’s control. In response, the Group of Seven nations namely the United States, Canada, Japan, Italy, Britain, Germany and France agreed to examine the possibility of escorting ships to ensure safe passage through the Gulf.

Trump said US forces had destroyed 58 Iranian naval vessels and suggested Tehran’s military capability was fading. “Iran is pretty much at the end of the line,” he said, adding that US officials would now “look very strongly” at the Strait of Hormuz.

“The straits are in great shape,” he said. “We’ve knocked out all of their boats. They have some missiles, but not very many.”

Despite the claim, security sources say Iran had laid about a dozen naval mines in the channel, complicating any attempt to reopen it.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, Kuwaiti authorities reported that a drone struck a building in the country’s south, injuring two people. In Dubai, officials responded after a drone crashed near Dubai Creek Harbour. A container vessel also reported being hit by an unidentified projectile near the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

US and Israeli officials said their objective was to dismantle Iran’s ability to project military power beyond its borders and to eliminate its nuclear programme.

Yet Washington has sent mixed signals over whether regime change is part of the broader strategy. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the opening strikes of the conflict and replaced by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who Iran officials said suffered only minor injuries.

Despite the upheaval, US intelligence assessments suggest Iran’s leadership structure remained largely intact and was not in immediate danger of collapse, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Security concerns are also mounting beyond the Middle East. ABC News reported that the FBI warned of the possibility that Iranian drones could target the US West Coast, though Trump dismissed the threat.

The US State Department has also cautioned that Iran or allied militias might attempt to strike American-owned energy infrastructure in Iraq. Officials noted that militias had targeted hotels frequented by US citizens.

Meanwhile, the US military urged civilians to stay away from Iranian ports hosting naval facilities prompting a sharp warning from Tehran that any threat to those ports would make regional economic and trade centres “legitimate targets.”

Iran warns oil could hit $200, vows no fuel will pass through Strait of Hormuz

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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0
Iran warns oil could hit $200, vows no fuel will pass through Strait of Hormuz

IRAN has warned the world to brace for oil prices soaring to $200 per barrel as its forces struck merchant vessels on Wednesday, deepening fears of a global energy crisis and intensifying one of the worst oil shocks since the 1970s.

Reuter quoted the spokesperson for Iran’s military command, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, as saying, “Get ready for oil at $200 a barrel because the oil price depends on regional security, which you have destabilised,” in an address to Washington, signaling they intend to inflict a prolonged economic shock.

Zolfaqari also warned that Iran could begin targeting banks doing business with the United States or Israel, advising civilians across the Middle East to stay at least one kilometre away from bank buildings.

The warning came as the International Energy Agency (IEA) urged countries to release massive volumes from their strategic oil reserves to stabilise markets rattled by the rapidly escalating conflict.

Oil prices surged more than four per cent on Wednesday, after briefly climbing to nearly $120 a barrel earlier in the week. It settled around $90 yesterday after Trump’s assurance that the war would soon end, reflecting mounting fears of supply disruptions.

Stock markets, including Wall Street’s major indexes, fell as investors reassessed earlier hopes that Washington might push for a quick end to the conflict.

To contain the crisis, the International Energy Agency recommended releasing 400 million barrels from global strategic reserves, the largest coordinated intervention in history. Washington quickly backed the proposal.

But analysts note that even such a massive release would replace only a fraction of the oil normally transported through the Strait of Hormuz.

Nearly two weeks after joint US and Israeli airstrikes triggered the war, the violence has already claimed about 2,000 lives, most of them Iranians and Lebanese, while the fighting spreads across the Middle East, throwing energy markets and shipping routes into turmoil.

Despite what the Pentagon described as the most intense bombing campaign since the war began, Iran continued to retaliate on Wednesday, firing missiles at Israel and targets across the region, demonstrating its capacity to sustain the fight.

In the Gulf, three commercial vessels were reported hit after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had opened fire on ships that ignored their warnings.

A Thai-flagged bulk carrier caught fire, and its crew had to abandon ship, with three sailors reported missing.

Two other ships, a Japanese-flagged container vessel and a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier were also damaged by projectiles. The incidents bring the total number of merchant ships struck since the conflict began to 14.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passage that carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil, remains effectively paralysed.

Although Trump said vessels ‘should continue transiting the Strait, sources reported that Iran had deployed around a dozen naval mines, making the route increasingly dangerous.

The US military has warned civilians to stay away from Iranian naval ports. Tehran responded with a stark threat insisting that if those ports are attacked, economic and commercial centers across the region would become “legitimate targets.”

Meanwhile, missile and drone strikes continued across the Middle East as Iran said it had fired missiles at a US base in northern Iraq, the US Navy’s regional headquarters in Bahrain, and targets in central Israel. Explosions were heard in Bahrain, while two drones crashing near the airport in Dubai left four people injured.

Senate confirms Oyedele as Tinubu’s 49th minister

Mustapha USMAN
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Senate confirms Oyedele as Tinubu’s 49th minister

THE Nigerian Senate has confirmed Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance, following a screening session on Wednesday, March 11.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the confirmation after lawmakers approved the nomination through a voice vote in the Committee of the Whole.

Oyedele replaced Doris Uzoka-Anite, who was redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, marking her third portfolio in the current administration.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, March 3, transmitted Oyedele’s name to the Senate in a letter to the Senate President, requesting his confirmation.

The appointment comes months after the National Assembly passed a set of tax reform laws spearheaded by Oyedele as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.

The legislation, including the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, overhauls the country’s tax administration framework under a single authority – the Nigeria Revenue Service.

The reforms faced strong opposition from some northern lawmakers before their eventual passage.

During his screening, Oyedele described the ministerial role as a call to serve the nation.

He told senators that his career spans more than 22 years across government, international institutions, and multinational corporations, with a focus on fiscal governance and economic transformation.

He added that the appointment was not about personal achievements, but about addressing Nigeria’s fiscal challenges and opportunities.

A native of Ikaram in Akoko, Ondo State, Oyedele, 50, is an economist and public policy expert. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy and Finance from Yaba College of Technology, a BSc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, and has completed executive programmes at the London School of Economics, Yale University, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and the Harvard Kennedy School.

Oyedele spent 22 years at PwC, rising to Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader. He also serves as a professor at Babcock University and a visiting scholar at Lagos Business School.

As Minister of State, Oyedele will work with the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.

His responsibilities are expected to include implementing federal fiscal policies, overseeing revenue generation and tax administration, coordinating with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), assisting in budget financing and debt strategy, and liaising with the National Assembly on finance-related legislation.

Given his extensive experience in fiscal policy and tax reform, the minister is expected to lead the smooth rollout of the new tax framework, improve revenue collection efficiency, reduce multiple taxation, balance federal and state revenue interests, strengthen investor confidence, and enhance transparency in public finance management.

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