Iran Fires 4,000km Missile Toward US Base, Israel Raises Alarm Over Growing Threat

Tension rippled through global military circles on Saturday as a chilling report emerged from Israel. Far from the noise of crowded cities and conflict zones, a quiet but alarming development had just unfolded—one that stretched across continents and deep into the heart of strategic power.

According to Eyal Zamir, Israel’s Chief of Staff, Iran had launched a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of traveling nearly 4,000 kilometres. Its reported trajectory? Toward a United States military installation on Diego Garcia, a remote but highly strategic island in the Indian Ocean.

Though details remain limited, the implications were immediate and profound.

Military analysts and defense officials began raising urgent questions. A missile of such range and capability signals not just technological advancement—but intent, reach, and confidence. For Israel, the launch underscored growing concerns about Iran’s expanding missile program, one that could alter the balance of power far beyond the Middle East.

The silence from Tehran only deepened the uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the United States and its allies were left to assess the message behind the move. Was it a test? A warning? Or something more calculated?

What is clear is this: the distance between nations is no longer measured in geography alone—but in the speed and precision of weapons that can cross oceans in minutes.

And as the world watches, the question lingers—what comes next?

#Iran #Israel #GlobalSecurity #MilitaryTension

US President Trump Invites Over 50 Nations to Join ‘Board of Peace for Gaza’
……..

US President Donald Trump has invited over 50 countries to join a proposed “Board of Peace for Gaza” to oversee the ceasefire, reconstruction, and future peace efforts in the region. About 60 nations received invitations, including China, France, Germany, the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, Japan, India, and Russia. Some countries have confirmed participation, while others are still considering. France has reportedly declined, citing concerns over the board’s impact on existing international institutions. The move has sparked global attention as a new approach to managing post-war Gaza.
#fintternews

Dangote Signs $350m Deal With Indian Firm EIL to Expand Lagos Refinery

Dangote Group has signed a $350 million agreement with Indian engineering firm Engineers India Ltd (EIL) to expand its flagship refinery and petrochemicals complex in Lagos, a move expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s industrial capacity and reduce Africa’s dependence on imported refined fuels.

The expansion project will increase the refinery’s processing capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it as one of the largest single-location refinery complexes in the world.

Located in the Lekki Free Zone, the Dangote Refinery represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s transition from fuel importation to local production and export of refined petroleum products.

As part of the deal, Dangote Group will also expand its petrochemical operations, with polypropylene production set to rise to 2.4 million tonnes per annum, strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global petrochemical market.

#DangoteRefinery #NigeriaEconomy #IndustrialGrowth #EnergySector

Religious crisis in India and it’s statistics

India Shuts Medical College Amid Hindu Protests Over Muslim Students

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical Institute in Reasi, Kashmir, has been shut down after Hindu groups protested the admission of a predominantly Muslim first-year MBBS class. The National Medical Commission revoked the college’s recognition, citing alleged technical deficiencies, though critics argue the move was politically and communally motivated. Students and parents contest the claims, saying facilities were adequate and admissions merit-based via NEET. Authorities plan to relocate affected students to other colleges, but the closure has sparked debates over secular education, minority rights, and communalism in India’s education system.
#IndiaEducationCrisis #MedicalCollegeClosure #MinorityRights

Tomato Don Carry Igbo: Ondo Prison Officers Catch Drug Smugglers for Akure Custody Centre

Serious gbege don burst for Akure prison as officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) foil attempt by two visitors wey try sneak illegal drugs enter the Medium Security Custodial Centre.

According to NCoS, the incident happen during routine security check for gate lodge. When officers search the visitors’ bag, dem discover about four grams of suspected Indian hemp hide inside fresh tomatoes, wrapped well for nylon. Dem believe say the drug suppose reach one inmate inside the prison.

Immediately, officers arrest the suspects in line with order from the Controller-General, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, wey insist on tight security for all custodial centres. After that, dem hand the suspects over to NDLEA for proper investigation and possible prosecution.

Ondo State Controller of Corrections, Oyewole Charles, praise the officers for their sharp eye, discipline and quick response. He talk say the Service go continue to keep the prison secure and clean, and make sure say drug business no get space for correctional centres.

NCoS also warn the public, especially visitors, say anybody wey try smuggle anything illegal go face serious law, because the safety of the prison no be something to joke with.

Toronto Police Charge Nigerian-Canadian Babatunde Afuwape With First-Degree Murder of University of Toronto Student

Toronto Police have arrested and charged 28-year-old Nigerian-Canadian Babatunde Afuwape in connection with the fatal shooting of Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old third-year student at the University of Toronto. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, along the Highland Creek Trail near Old Kingston Road, where Avasthi was found with a gunshot wound and pronounced dead at the scene.

Police described the killing as planned and deliberate, noting that the accused and the victim were likely strangers. Officers responded to a report of “unknown trouble” around 3:34 p.m., but Afuwape had already fled the scene. The investigation revealed no immediate motive for the shooting, but authorities are actively seeking witnesses who may have seen the suspect near the trail or the campus on that day.

Detective Sergeant Stacey McCabe of the Homicide and Missing Persons Unit called the incident “deeply tragic”, highlighting Avasthi as a bright international student from India with a promising future. She also emphasized the fear and concern the shooting caused among students, staff, and local residents, reassuring the community that the suspect is now in custody.

Afuwape, a resident of Toronto, was scheduled to appear before the Toronto Regional Bail Centre on January 6, 2026. Investigators continue to appeal to the public for additional information to support the ongoing investigation.

This case underscores rising concerns about public safety around urban trails and campus areas in Toronto, and the police have reassured the public of their commitment to solving the crime and preventing further incidents.

How Did Two Young Men Try to Smuggle Marijuana Into a Kano Court? Who Were They Working For—and What Does Their Arrest Reveal About Nigeria’s Prison Drug Crisis?

How were two young men able to attempt a drug drop inside a court facility in Kano—and what does their arrest expose about the growing challenge of narcotics trafficking into Nigeria’s custodial system?

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano State Command, has arrested two men for allegedly attempting to smuggle marijuana and other illicit substances to inmates during court proceedings at the Nomansland Court Complex. The suspects—identified as 25-year-old Usman Khalid and 24-year-old Bello Musa Ahmed, both from the Tsamiya (Brigade) area of Kano—were apprehended by officers attached to the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Goron Dutse.

According to the NCoS, the men were caught while allegedly trying to throw wraps of Indian hemp and other prohibited drugs to inmates as they were being moved in and out of the court. The arrest was confirmed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Musbahu Lawan-Kofarnasarawa, who said the suspects were intercepted before the items could reach any prisoner.

But why would suspects risk such a public and tightly controlled environment to deliver drugs? And who exactly were they trying to supply? While authorities have not yet disclosed whether the suspects were linked to a wider trafficking network, the incident has raised fresh concerns about how criminal elements attempt to exploit court appearances and inmate movements to bypass prison security.

Reacting to the incident, the Controller of Corrections in Kano State, Ado Inuwa, described the act as a serious security breach and a criminal offence under Nigerian law. He warned members of the public to desist from any interaction with inmates during court transfers, stressing that such conduct threatens both public safety and the integrity of the justice system.

Inuwa reaffirmed the NCoS’s commitment to rehabilitation and reformation, noting that drug trafficking into custodial facilities undermines discipline, fuels criminal behaviour behind bars, and sabotages correctional objectives. He directed that the suspects and the seized drugs be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

What does this case reveal about the broader problem of drugs in Nigeria’s prisons? The Kano Command reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward drug-related offences, vowing to maintain maximum security across all custodial centres and judicial premises in the state. The Service also called on residents to report suspicious activities, emphasising that community vigilance remains vital in the fight against narcotics and organised crime.

As investigations continue, key questions remain unanswered: Were the suspects acting alone or as part of a larger network? Which inmates were the intended recipients? And how many similar attempts go undetected across the country? The outcome of this case may determine not only the fate of the two accused men but also how aggressively authorities tighten security around Nigeria’s courts and correctional facilities in the ongoing war against drugs.

Amahor Community in Edo Raises Alarm Over Alleged Illegal Occupation of Forest Reserve by Non-Indigenes, Accuses Palace and State Government of Inaction as Tension Threatens Violence

Residents of Amahor community in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State have raised serious concerns over what they describe as the illegal occupation of their forest reserve by non-indigenes, warning that the situation could degenerate into violence if the government fails to intervene urgently.

According to a statement by Dr. Napoleon Oluokhae on behalf of Concerned Amahor Indigenes, outsiders allegedly settled deep inside the community’s forest without consent or due process, engaging in cocoa farming, Indian hemp cultivation, and other agricultural activities. The community claims the land was unlawfully leased, triggering anger and fear of long-term loss of ancestral land.

Tensions reportedly worsened after an unauthorised access road was constructed into the forest reserve, heightening security concerns. The dispute has also created a rift between residents and the traditional ruler, HRH Zaiki Enadeghe Ehijie, whom indigenes accuse of allocating communal land without consultation, documentation, boundaries, or time limits. Oluokhae alleged the monarch admitted to receiving ₦4.5 million in connection with the allocation.

Amahor residents said they have submitted petitions to the Nigeria Police, the Edo State Government, and security authorities, but claim investigations have stalled despite initial acknowledgment by the governor’s security adviser. They also cited state forestry regulations, noting that perennial crops are prohibited in government forest reserves, a position reportedly confirmed by the Area Forest Officer.

The community fears that continued government inaction and what they describe as attempts to legitimise the occupation through repeated mediation meetings could lead to unrest. Residents have appealed directly to Governor Monday Okpebholo to enforce the law, evict the alleged illegal occupants, and prevent a breakdown of law and order. As of the time of reporting, neither the Edo State Government nor the palace had issued an official response.

Analyst Who Predicted Trump’s Move Against Venezuela Reacts as Nicolás Maduro Is Removed, Says US Now Controls Global Oil Power

An Indian political analyst, Aravind, who accurately predicted the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has reacted after his forecast appeared to come true. In April 2025, Aravind had warned that once a Russia–Ukraine peace deal was concluded, the United States under Donald Trump would aggressively target Venezuela through sanctions, covert actions, or even direct military intervention.

By June 2025, he expanded his analysis, arguing that oil was the central driver of Washington’s strategy. He predicted that the US would engineer a coup against Maduro, gain control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, influence global oil prices, and reshape geopolitical alliances, including drawing Russia away from China.

Following the January 3, 2026 raid in which Maduro was reportedly captured by US forces, Aravind declared that Venezuela had been “couped” exactly as he predicted, claiming the US now controls Venezuelan oil and holds dominance over much of the world’s energy supply. His comments have reignited debates about US foreign policy, energy politics, rising oil prices, and the wider geopolitical consequences of Washington’s actions in Latin America.

128 Journalists, Media Workers Killed Worldwide in 2025 as IFJ Warns of Worsening Global Threat to Press Freedom

At least 128 journalists and media workers were killed across the world in 2025, according to the International Federation of Journalists’ (IFJ) final “Killed List” released on December 31. The death toll, which includes 10 women and nine accidental deaths, marks a sharp increase from the 122 journalists killed in 2024, highlighting what the IFJ describes as a worsening global trend against press freedom.

The Middle East and Arab World recorded the highest number of casualties with 74 deaths, including 56 journalists killed in Palestine amid the Gaza war. Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, India, Peru, and several other countries also recorded multiple killings, while Africa saw nine work-related journalist deaths, largely linked to the conflict in Sudan.

Reacting to the figures, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the deaths as a global crisis, calling on governments to protect journalists, end impunity, and support the adoption of a United Nations convention to guarantee the safety and independence of media workers worldwide.

Nigerian Senator Godiya Akwashiki Dies at 52 in Indian Hospital, Family Mourns Loss of Nasarawa North Lawmaker

Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District, has died at the age of 52 while receiving medical treatment in an Indian hospital. His death was confirmed by a family source on Wednesday and reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The source described Akwashiki’s passing as a major loss to Nasarawa North and the entire state, citing his strong commitment to grassroots development and empowerment initiatives.

According to the family, Akwashiki created a lasting impact across the constituency through projects spread across nearly all communities, making him widely regarded as one of the most effective senators the zone had produced. He was notably the only senator from Nasarawa North to win re-election for a second term.

Before his election to the Nigerian Senate in 2019, Akwashiki had a long political career in Nasarawa State, serving multiple terms in the House of Assembly where he rose to Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker. Born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, he was considered a key political figure whose death has left a significant vacuum in the state’s political landscape.

Breaking News: Top Nigerian Senator Godiya Akwashiki Dies at 52 in India After Prolonged Illness, Family Confirms

Godiya Akwashiki, the senator representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District, has died at the age of 52. Family sources confirmed that the lawmaker passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at a hospital in India, where he had been receiving treatment for a long-term illness.

Akwashiki was first elected to the Nigerian Senate in 2019 and made history in 2023 by becoming the only senator from Nasarawa North to secure two consecutive terms since the state’s creation. He was a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and was widely regarded for his strong grassroots support and emphasis on constituency-focused development projects.

Before joining the National Assembly, Akwashiki served multiple terms in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, rising to the positions of Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker. Born on August 3, 1973, in Angba Iggah, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, his death marks a significant loss to Nasarawa politics and Nigeria’s legislative community.

New Year 2026: First 10 Countries to Welcome the Year, Led by Kiribati

Kiribati was the first country to enter 2026, with Kiritimati Atoll marking the earliest celebrations. Following Kiribati, New Zealand and Australia welcomed the New Year with fireworks and public events. Asian countries including Japan, South Korea, China, the Philippines, Thailand, India, and Pakistan completed the list of the first ten nations to cross into 2026, each observing local traditions, countdowns, and cultural festivities. Time zone differences caused this staggered global celebration, moving from the Pacific westward toward Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

#NewYear2026 #Kiribati #GlobalCelebration #AsiaPacific #NewYearCountdown #WorldNews #CulturalFestivities #TimeZones

Anthony Joshua Accident: Why Do Nigerians Love to De-market Nigeria?

Anthony Joshua suffered a ghastly accident today in a rural part of Ogun State, and instead of de-marketing Nigeria, why don't you and I wait for the full details of what occurred to our beloved boxing champion before making dramatic and damaging statements whose veracity we cannot be sure of?

You were not at the scene of the accident. You are relying on videos you see online. You don't know the full details.

But your first instincts are to attack Nigeria and paint the worst possible picture to the outside world, and now headlines from as far away as India and Australia are quoting Nigerian X users and lampooning Nigeria and saying that no first responders came to Mr Joshua's rescue and that the whole scene was emblematic of a failed state.

Just turn on your international news channels and see the horrible things they are saying about Nigeria right now and quoting Nigerian X users!

And sadly, some of the people castigating Nigeriw and our institutions based on hearsay and online chatter claim to be journalists.

It says more about the state of our journalism than our healthcare and emergency response systems.

Well, I made enquiries, and it is not the case that emergency response services let Mr Joshua down. Rather, immediately after the accident, eyewitnesses did not wait for first responders and heroically began assisting Mr Joshua.

Within the very first two minutes, they intervened. Obviously, not being professionals, they would make mistakes and not follow procedure.

The Federal Road Safety Corp arrived within the first few minutes of the accident and met passers-by who were already intervening. The police showed up, and seeing that the crowd had already taken the initiative, what would you have them do?

Before an ambulance could get there, Mr Joshua was already close to a hospital. This is all in the space of minutes, not up to an hour.

The deaths that occurred during the accident, according to preliminary official reports, were not caused by any negligence. The individuals concerned died on the spot, and the official cause is collision trauma from "excessive speed". May God grant fortitude to their families.

How is that the fault of emergency response personnel? I see no blame for Nigeria in this! But I will still wait for the full official statement.

Even in England, when an accident occurs in a rural area, emergency responders take time to arrive. Anywhere from fifteen minutes and above. Please Google it! Most likely more.

Remember Diana, Princess of Wales? She sadly had an accident right in the heart of the metropolitan area of Paris, and it took fifteen minutes for an ambulance to get to her—the most high-profile woman in the world at that time.

And even after the ambulance came, it took them over an hour, precisely 101 minutes, to get her to a hospital.

How long did it take Spanish first responders to get to Diogo Jota's car? That was a big scandal!

Please be patriotic and wait for an official statement before hastily crucifying Nigeria.

Remember how we did the same thing after armed robbers killed the late Somtochukwu Maduagwu. Nigerians libelled the police and the emergency doctors who tried to save her life, only for the truth to come out later, but much irreparable damage had already been done.

Let us not repeat history and claim that it repeated itself
- Reno Omokri

BREAKING: Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo has raised alarm, claiming his children are being denied university admission because he spoke out on about Christian genoc!de going on in Nigeria

According to the cleric, the alleged denial is retaliation for speaking out, sparking fresh concerns about freedom of expression, relig!ous rights, and victimization in Nigeria.

Do you think people should suffer consequences for speaking out on sensit!ve issues, or is this a clear case of persecuti0n?

If It’s Loud, It’s fintter.com

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#newsflashngr #ReligiousFreedom #nigeriansindiaspora

China slams high tax on condoms in attempt to boost falling birth rate

China has announced plans to begin taxing contraceptive products for the first time in over 30 years, as authorities intensify efforts to encourage childbirth amid a sharp population decline.

Under the country's revised tax laws, contraceptives such as condoms and birth control drugs will lose their value-added tax exemption and become subject to a 13% VAT from January 1.

The decision comes as China's birth rate continues to fall. Official data shows that only 9.5 million babies were born in 2024, a significant drop from the 14.7 million recorded in 2019. With deaths now exceeding births, India surpassed China as the world's most populous country in 2023.

The policy shift has sparked widespread criticism online, with many social media users mocking the move and pointing out that raising a child is far more expensive than buying contraception, even with added tax.

One mother, Hu Lingling, said the policy had strengthened her resolve not to have another child, joking that she would "lead the way in abstinence." She described the decision as harsh and ironic, especially given China's past family planning policies.

EFCC Arraigns Three Indian Nationals, One Nigerian in Kwara Over Alleged Criminal Breach of Trust at KAM Steel Company

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three Indian nationals—Lalit Sarwat, Ravi Raghavendra and Gagan Sarswat—alongside an Ilorin-based dispatch manager, Oniyide Samuel, before the Kwara State High Court over alleged conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. The defendants, who were employees of KAM Steel Integrated Company Limited, are accused of conspiring between November 2024 and September 2025 to unlawfully divert steel rebars entrusted to them by the company. They pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge under Sections 97 and 314 of the Penal Code. While the EFCC opposed bail on grounds of flight risk, particularly due to the involvement of foreign nationals, the court ordered their remand and adjourned the matter to December 19, 2025, for ruling on the bail applications.

Kwara High Court Remands Three Indian Nationals and One Nigerian Over Alleged Criminal Breach of Trust in EFCC Case

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has remanded three Indian nationals—Lalit Sarwat, Ravi Raghavendra and Gagan Sarswat—alongside a Nigerian dispatch manager, Oniyide Samuel, over alleged criminal breach of trust. The defendants were arraigned by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust, contrary to Sections 97 and 314 of the Penal Code. Justice Sulaiman Akanbi ordered that the accused be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending further proceedings.

Tension Rises In Edo Community As Residents Accuse Strangers Of Illegal Forest Occupation, Indian Hemp Cultivation

Tension is mounting in Amahor community, Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, following allegations that unknown outsiders have illegally occupied large portions of the community’s forest reserves. Residents claim the forest land was unlawfully leased to strangers now engaged in cocoa farming, Indian hemp cultivation and other agricultural activities without community consent. The situation has sparked widespread anger and security concerns, with locals describing it as a looming threat to peace. Despite petitions to the police, state ministries, and security agencies, residents say no decisive action has been taken. The community is now appealing directly to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently intervene before the situation escalates further.