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We’re Winding Down – Donald Trump Signals Ceasefire As Iran War Enters 21st Day

United States President, Donald Trump, has hinted at a possible scaling back of military operations against Iran as the US–Israel conflict enters its 21st day.

Trump made the disclosure in a statement posted on his Truth Social account on Friday night, suggesting that Washington is close to achieving its objectives in the Middle East.

 

He said the US-Israel campaign has significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities, including its missile systems, while also targeting key leadership figures.

 

 

 

The US president reiterated that American forces would continue to defend regional allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

He also stressed the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, noting it must be secured.

“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the terrorist regime of Iran: (1) completely degrading Iranian missile capability, launchers, and everything else pertaining to them. (2) Destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base. (3) Eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including anti-aircraft weaponry. (4) Never allowing Iran to get even close to nuclear capability, and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation, should it take place. (5) Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others.

“The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other nations who use it—the United States does not! If asked, we will help these countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated. Importantly, it will be an easy military operation for them. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump wrote.

Meanwhile, tension remains high as Iran’s Quds Force commander, Esmail Qaani, vowed “more surprises” in attacks targeting the US, Israel, and their allies.

In a separate development, a statement attributed to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, claimed victory over US and Israeli forces, boasting that Iran had delivered a “dizzying blow” to its adversaries.

However, Trump maintained that Iran’s leadership structure has been effectively dismantled, declaring that its leaders are “all gone.”

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Again, Dangote Refinery Increases Petrol Price

Dangote Refinery has announced a price adjustment for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), increasing the gantry price from ₦1,175 to ₦1,245 per litre — a rise of ₦70 per litre.

The revised rate will take effect from 12:00 a.m. on March 21, 2026, and will apply to all outstanding and unloaded volumes.

Additionally, the refinery increased its coastal supply price from ₦1,512,648 to ₦1,606,518 per metric tonne.

The adjustment was attributed to the persisting global geopolitical tensions.

The refinery clarified that customers holding valid Bank Guarantees may continue loading under their current arrangements, provided they settle the price difference.

All such differential payments must be completed by March 23, 2026.

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NYSC Member D!es After Collapsing On Football Pitch

A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), identified as Lucky and popularly known as Malouda, has tragically passed away after collapsing on a football pitch.

The deceased, a Sociology graduate of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), was said to have slumped during a football training session on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred suddenly, prompting immediate efforts by those present to revive him. Despite attempts to resuscitate him at the scene, he was later confirmed de@d.

The unexpected loss has sent shockwaves through his circle of friends, fellow corps members, and the wider university community. Many have taken to social media to express their grief, describing him as vibrant, energetic, and deeply passionate about sports.

His untimely de@th has once again raised concerns about health monitoring and emergency response measures during physical activities, especially among young people engaged in strenuous exercise.

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Pilgrim Arrested While Allegedly Trying To K!ll His Sick Dad In Medinah So He Could Go To Paradise (Video)

A pilgrim, who is yet to be identified, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to k!ll his sick father in Medina in a bid to secure him a place in paradise.

The pilgrim was arrested in Saudi Arabia after he was seen allegedly attempting to str@ngle his sick father inside the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, a city in Saudi Arabia.

While being interrogated, thr pilgrim told the police that he believed that if his father di£d in the holy mosque, he would be guaranteed entry into paradise.

The police arrested and detained the pilgrim for futher investigations

According to Golf Insider, the incident happened in February 2026.

Watch the video below.

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Blackout Worsens In Nigeria As GenCos Shutdown Gas Plants Over Debt

Nigeria’s power crisis has deepened as generation companies (GenCos) halt operations due to an escalating debt burden estimated at about ₦6.8 trillion.

According to a report by Bloomberg, 16 of Nigeria’s 33 power plants were not supplying electricity as of Tuesday, citing data from the Nigeria Independent System Operator, NISO.

The affected plants are impacted by their inability to maintain equipment, secure gas supplies, and meet basic operational expenses.

The liquidity generation sub-sector further mirrors the challenges in the sector across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, according to Joy Ogaji, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies, APGC.

She stressed that adequate financial generation sub-value for the country will no longer be able to provide services to Nigerians.

“We cannot maintain the machines,” Ogaji said, adding that without adequate funding, equipment cannot be serviced, underscoring the severity of the cash flow crisis confronting the sector.

“Money for hand, light for house, gas for pipe. This is more than an industry issue. It is an economic imperative.

“Reliable power is the backbone of industrialization, job creation, and national development. The time to act is now,” she said.

It was earlier reported that GenCos and gas suppliers had threatened to halt supply over debt amounting to N3.3 trillion.

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EFCC Arrests Three Suspected Illegal Gold Miners In Maiduguri

Operatives from the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested three individuals suspected of engaging in illegal gold mining activities in Borno State.

They were arrested in Mallam Jakwa Town, Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, following actionable intelligence on their illegal activities.

The suspects are: Umar Muhammad, Modu Bamai Umar and Sani Samaila.

Their suspected illegal mining  activities are worsening  insecurity and environmental degradation in the state.

Items found in their possession upon their arrest include a small gold measuring machine and mined gold.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

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Eid-il-Fitr: FG Declares Thursday, Friday Public Holidays

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark Eid al-Fitr, celebrating the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

The minister, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which were emphasised during the holy month.

He also called on all Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity, and prosperity of the nation.

While wishing the Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the minister encourages citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.

“The federal government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians,” the statement added.

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Naira Strengthens To N1,355 Per Dollar

The naira continued its upward trend on Monday, rising to N1,355/$ at the official foreign exchange market, up from N1,363.5/$ on Friday.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria indicates that the local currency has maintained a steady recovery trend in recent days, supported by relatively stable market conditions, Channels reports.

Monday’s gain marks the naira’s strongest performance since February 23, 2026, when it closed at N1,353.5/$.

Market figures show that the currency appreciated to N1,390.5/$ on Tuesday before strengthening further to N1,373.5/$ on Wednesday.

It continued the positive trend on Thursday at N1,370/$ and improved to N1,363.5/$ by Friday, before extending the rally on Monday.

During Monday’s trading session, the naira fluctuated between N1,365.35/$ and N1,354/$, reflecting relatively stable intraday activity.

Global factors also shaped market sentiment, as investors tracked movements in the U.S. dollar alongside geopolitical tensions involving Iran and their potential impact on global energy markets.

In early Asian trading, the euro slipped by 0.12 per cent to $1.1492, while the British pound declined by 0.1 per cent to $1.33.

The dollar index, however, remained largely unchanged at 99.913.

The Australian dollar also weakened slightly ahead of a key interest rate decision by the country’s central bank, adding to cautious sentiment in global markets.

The apex bank noted that Nigeria’s improving external reserve position could help stabilise the naira against sustained pressure.

Net foreign exchange reserves rose to $34.80 billion at the end of 2025, while gross external reserves increased to $50.45 billion as of February 2026, driven by stronger oil earnings and higher foreign inflows.

The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said ongoing monetary and foreign exchange reforms are aimed at boosting investor confidence and enhancing market liquidity.

According to projections in the bank’s 2026 macroeconomic outlook, Nigeria’s external reserves could rise further to $51.04 billion, largely supported by improved oil revenues.

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There Is No Banditry In Abuja – Wike Declares

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has rejected claims of persistent banditry in Abuja.

Wike, during an inspection of ongoing projects in the federal capital on Monday, acknowledged incidents of crime, but insisted that reports of banditry are exaggerated.

According to Wike, the nation’s capital remains secure and that the security agencies are effectively tackling crime.

While praising the dedication of security agencies, Wike called for public recognition of their efforts.

He said, “I have always said, we only hear one incident but nobody has said, we have been able to curb or reduce this. There is nowhere in this world, be it any developed country, where you will see there is no form of crime.

“I don’t believe there is banditry in Abuja. But again, it is a city where people want to go and do all kinds of things, kidnapping, this and that.

“So, it will be difficult for anybody to say that in a city that you don’t have one form of crime or another. So, there is no recurrence of banditry. There is no banditry in Abuja. I know that last time some people were kidnapped in Bwari but they were all rescued.

“What’s important is what measures, how serious the security agencies take this. As far as I am concerned, they are really taking their work very seriously. And we need to give them the necessary support.

“We do not need to always advertise one crime when they have stopped about 50 crimes. And nobody has come out to commend the security agencies, to commend the administration for being able to reduce the crime.

“I think we should commend the security agencies, and they will continue to improve.” 

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Nnamdi Kanu Rejected The Terms That Were Offered To Sunday Igboho – Sowore Reveals

Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate has alleged that the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu is linked to his refusal to accept certain conditions he claims were accepted by Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho.

Sowore made this known during an interview with journalists in Abuja, while comparing the political approaches of the two separatist figures and their relationship with President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Sowore said his recent interaction with Kanu reinforced his belief that the two men could not be compared, stressing that if the IPOB leader had accepted the same terms offered to Igboho, he would be campaigning for Tinubu in the Southeast.

He said, “Nnamdi Kanu is in jail today because he’s different from Sunday Igboho. If Kanu were like Sunday Igboho, he would be campaigning for President Tinubu in the Southeast now.

“Because it’s the same terms they gave to Igboho that he accepted and Kanu rejected over the last 10 years.

“I don’t know what he will do tomorrow, but the Kanu I went to campaign for in Aba last week it will be heresy to compare the two of them.”

While criticising the trend of transactional politics in the country, Sowore warned that Igboho could end up politically disgraced, drawing parallels with controversial political figures of the past, such as Nzeribe and Daniel Kanu.

He added that Sunday risks damaging his legacy if he continues on the same path.

He said, “As per Igboho, who I don’t know too well, I have always stated that their own brand of politics is what I call Amala politics in Oyo State; it’s politics of ‘chop I chop.

“But what Igboho is going to realize is that he’s going to be in the hall of infamy like the Nzeribes of this world, who once said if Babangida does not become president he would kill himself; both him and IBB have become invalid.

“It’s like Daniel Kanu, who said if Abacha does not become president he would kill himself. Abacha has died and his own political career died forever.

“If he was ever relevant, Igboho just retired himself into the infamy of the people I mentioned, and his own might be worse because the world community might be coming for him very soon.” 

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