In a statement issued on March 12, 2026, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called for maximum restraint and immediate de-escalation following a series of alarming security incidents along the shared borders of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The regional bloc expressed "deep concern" over escalating territorial friction in the Mano River Basin and announced the deployment of a technical assessment mission to evaluate current crises. Reports indicate heightened border tensions in the Mano River region: Liberia Border (Lofa County): Security incidents, including reported incursions and construction disputes in Foya District, have occurred as of March 11, 2026. Sierra Leone Border (Yenga & Falaba): Ongoing disputes, notably around Yenga, have caused friction, with reports of detained security personnel during border construction. ECOWAS is deploying a technical team to investigate the disputed Yenga border area and the Lofa border.  Guinea-Bissau’s P...

As of March 15, 2026, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has publicly vowed to "pursue and kill" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling him a "child-killing criminal". This threat follows a significant escalation in the regional conflict that began on February 28, 2026, with a joint U.S.-Israeli operation that resulted in the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei The IRGC declared on its official website and via affiliated media that if Netanyahu "is still alive, we will continue working to hunt him down and kill him with all our strength". The pledge follows reports of Israeli strikes on key Iranian leadership and the alleged killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, prompting intense retaliation from Tehran. The IRGC claimed to have launched missile attacks against the office of Netanyahu in Tel Aviv and the headquarters of the Israeli Air Force commander in "surprise" operations. Unverified Rumors: The threat ca...

  On March 13, 2026, the Red Cross Society of China announced a $200,000 donation to the Iranian Red Crescent Society for families of students killed in a February 28 missile strike on a girls' school in Minab, Iran, describing the incident as an "indiscriminate" attack violating international law. The funds are specifically intended for "condolences and compensations" to the parents of students killed at the Shajareh-Tayyebeh school in the town of Minab.  The donation will be channeled through the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun condemned the strike as a "severe violation of international humanitarian law" and called for an end to "indiscriminate attacks against civilians".  Iranian media reported at least 165 fatalities, many of whom were schoolgirls. While the United States initially suggested Iranian responsibility, a subsequent U.S. military investigation reportedly indicated that a U.S. Tom...

  The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report following the February 11, 2026, engine incident involving an Arik Air Boeing 737-700 (registration 5N-MJF).  The flight, W3-740 from Lagos to Port Harcourt, was forced to make an emergency diversion to Benin City after a "loud bang" and severe vibrations from the left engine. While all 80 passengers and seven crew members disembarked safely, the NSIB identified 23 distinct aircraft components or impact points that sustained substantial damage. The number six fan blade was found broken off at the root. The remaining 23 fan blades were all found to be chipped or damaged. The engine inlet cowling was missing entirely, and the inboard and outboard cowling covers were folded upward, exposing internal accessories. Damage was recorded on the engine-driven pump (EDP), which was found loose, as well as the Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) oil cooler and the anti-ice duct.  Investigators found deep...

  X has proposed changes to its blue checkmark system in the European Union following a €120 million fine under the Digital Services Act (DSA).  The EU found the paid subscription model deceptive, arguing it created false trust by confusing subscribers with formally verified public figures. Regulators are now reviewing these proposed remedies. The European Commission fined X in late 2025/early 2026 for violating the DSA. The main issue was that the blue checkmark—once a sign of identity verification—was sold to any subscriber, causing potential deception. X submitted changes to how verified accounts are labeled and presented within the EU to comply with the commission's rules, although specific details of these changes were not initially disclosed. The European Commission is currently evaluating the proposed solutions. Additionally, X faces a deadline for further improvements in transparency, specifically regarding advertiser logs and, according to Xinhua, is required to submi...

Anthony Joshua's uncle, Adedamola Joshua, has confirmed that the former heavyweight champion has relocated to Dubai.  According to his uncle, the move took place several months ago, noting that the boxer "didn't need to inform us before making such a move" but has been based there for some time. In addition to his uncle's comments, the move was verified through official UK company filings for Joshua's £150 million business empire. Documents for firms like Sparta Promotions Limited and 258 Investments Limited now list the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as his official country of residence. Dubai's lack of personal income tax is a primary factor; Joshua reportedly paid over £11 million in UK taxes the previous year. The move follows a traumatic period for Joshua, including a fatal road accident in Nigeria in late 2025 that claimed the lives of two close friends and personal staff. The relocation comes despite heightened regional tensions, including Iranian drone...

  Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a firm condemnation on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, regarding a deadly missile strike on a girls' school in Minab, southern Iran, which she described as a "massacre". Iranian authorities reported approximately 165 deaths, the majority of whom were girls aged 7 to 12. The strike occurred during the onset of intensified military actions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Speaking before the Italian Senate, Meloni expressed solidarity with the victims' families and demanded a swift investigation to identify those responsible. "On behalf of the government, I express my firm condemnation of the massacre of girls at the school in Minab" She emphasized that civilian safety, particularly that of children, must be preserved and that responsibilities for the tragedy must be "swiftly ascertained". As of March 12, 2026, there is no international consensus on the perpetrator of the stri...

Kidnappers have demanded a ₦100 million ransom for the release of Joseph Aladesuyi, the Secretary of the Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ondo State. Mr. Aladesuyi, who is also the Managing Director of Jotina Farms, was kidnapped on Monday morning, March 9, 2026, while working on his poultry farm in the Ilu-Abo community, near Akure Airport. Approximately 10 heavily armed gunmen invaded the farm, shooting sporadically into the air. During the struggle, the kidnappers shot Mr. Aladesuyi in the hand before dragging him and another victim, identified as Esther Akinlolu, into the forest. His daughter, who was present, was reportedly left behind. The kidnappers established contact with the family around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, demanding ₦100 million and reportedly leaving no room for negotiation.  Community and Government Response Public Unrest: The abduction triggered mass protests on Tuesday, with angry residents blocking the Akure-Owo highway to demand better ...

  On March 9, 2026, at least 45 people have been confirmed dead following catastrophic flash floods in Kenya, with the majority of fatalities occurring in the capital, Nairobi. The death toll has nearly doubled since Sunday as rescue teams continue to retrieve bodies from debris and submerged vehicles. In addition to the 45 confirmed deaths, over 2,200 people have been displaced. Nairobi has seen the most severe impact, particularly in low-income neighborhoods like Mukuru, Kibra, and Mathare. Many victims died by drowning, while others were reportedly electrocuted. Intense rainfall that began on March 6 turned major streets into rivers, submerged thousands of homes, and paralyzed transport.  Flights to Nairobi were diverted to Mombasa, and train services were suspended due to the risk. In the Maasai Mara National Reserve, tourists and staff had to be airlifted to safety after the Mara and Talek rivers burst their banks. Government & Emergency Response Deployment: The Kenya...

Abbas Lawan Garkuwa was arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on February 27, 2026, for his involvement in a large-scale currency counterfeiting operation. He was apprehended at Kwankwasiya City, along Zaria Road in the Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State. Authorities seized $600,000 in counterfeit U.S. dollars, which at current exchange rates is valued at nearly N1 billion.  Investigations revealed Garkuwa had already defrauded a victim of N9 million by issuing $6,200 in fake currency at an exchange rate of N1,452. Seized Evidence In addition to the counterfeit cash, the following items were recovered from the suspect: Counterfeiting Materials: Chemicals used for forging currency, 10 empty chemical containers, and plain paper sheets. Personal Items: A travel ticket to Cameroon, a security ID card bearing his name, and ATM cards from GTBank and Zenith Bank. Other Objects: Large quantities of substances suspected to be charms. Garkuwa is also link...

  Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has consistently advocated for the Nigerian government to engage in dialogue with bandits and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), provided they agree to disarm and abandon violent tactics.  Gumi argues that a purely military approach ("kinetic action") is ineffective for solving insecurity in the Northwest, suggesting instead a "holistic" approach involving amnesty and rehabilitation. Here are the key points regarding Gumi's stance as of late 2025 and early 2026: Dialogue Over Force: Gumi maintains that speaking to armed groups is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step for peace, arguing that many bandits are driven by a desire for survival and revenge due to past injustices, rather than a desire to overthrow the government. Conditions for Peace: While pushing for dialogue, Gumi's position is that these groups must first be willing to lay down their arms. Contrasting Bandits and IPOB: Gumi has differentiated betwee...

  On Sunday, March 8, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that any successor to the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would "not last long" without official U.S. approval. This statement comes nine days after Khamenei was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli decapitation strike on February 28. Key Developments in the Succession Crisis Approval Demands: In an interview with ABC News, Trump asserted that Iran’s next leader must be vetted and approved by the White House to prevent future conflicts and nuclear proliferation. Successor Selection: Members of Iran's Assembly of Experts confirmed on Sunday that a new leader has already been chosen through a majority vote, though the official name has not yet been released due to "wartime conditions". Leading Candidate: Multiple reports and Iranian clerics have strongly indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the late leader, is the frontrunner. Trump has previously dismissed the younger K...

On March 6, 2026, British counterterrorism police arrested four men on suspicion of spying for Iran by conducting surveillance on locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in London. The arrests are part of a long-running investigation into "malign activity" suspected of being backed by the Iranian regime. Key Details of the Case The Suspects: The group includes one Iranian national and three dual British-Iranian nationals. Specific Locations: Arrests were carried out shortly after 1 a.m. at addresses in Barnet, Harrow, and Watford. Ages of Detainees: The men are aged 22, 40, 52, and 55. Additional Arrests: Six other men, aged 20 to 49, were arrested at the same Harrow location on suspicion of assisting an offender. They have since been bailed. Legal Basis: The men are being held under the National Security Act 2023, which was designed to modernize laws against foreign interference and spying. Current Status According to a BBC News report, detectives have been ...

In a series of recent statements as of March 2026, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has explicitly accused the Iranian government of sponsoring terrorism and extremist groups within Nigeria. The primary allegations made by the ambassador include: Sponsorship of the IMN: Freeman claimed there is "documented proof" that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a prominent Shia organization, is sponsored and backed by the Iranian regime. He cited social media posts from Iran's Supreme Leader as evidence of this support. Regional Destabilization: The ambassador warned that Iran is actively working to destabilize not just Nigeria, but the wider West African and Sahel regions. Global Terror Network: He described Iran as an "extremist terrorist regime" that funds proxies worldwide, comparing the radical terrorism seen in Nigeria to that faced by Israel. Offer of Assistance: Freeman reiterated Israel's willingness to partner with Nigeria to tackle t...

In recent months, several U.S. lawmakers have intensified their calls for action against the ongoing attacks and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, which they have characterized as the "deadliest place globally to be a Christian". The primary figure leading these efforts is Representative Riley Moore (R-WV), who was tasked by President Donald Trump to investigate religious violence in the country. On February 24, 2026, Moore submitted a comprehensive report to the White House following a months-long investigation and visits to Nigeria. Key Congressional Actions and Demands CPC Designation: Lawmakers successfully urged the Trump administration to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) in October 2025, a status previously removed under the Biden administration. This designation allows for diplomatic pressure, including potential sanctions and arms embargoes. Legislative Measures: H.R. 860: Introduced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), this bill seeks to update...

  South Korea has confirmed an emergency deal to secure over 6 million barrels of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as of March 6, 2026.  This agreement serves as a contingency measure following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for 70% of South Korea's oil imports—due to escalating Middle East tensions. Essential Aspects of the Agreement    Immediate  4 Million Barrel Loading: Two South Korean-flagged tankers (2 million barrels capacity each) will berth at alternative UAE ports that bypass the Strait of Hormuz. These vessels will load 4 million barrels of crude oil currently stored by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) at these ports. Additional 2 Million Barrel Pledge: The UAE has also committed to providing 2 million barrels from joint strategic reserves already stored within South Korea, available immediately upon request. The total volume exceeds twice South Korea’s daily crude consumption. While South K...