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Military fighter jets kill scores of terrorists loyal to Turji Bello in Sambisa Forest

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The Nigerian military has recorded a significant success in its counter-insurgency campaign, with precision airstrikes reportedly killing scores of terrorists in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.

According to a post on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, sources revealed that the operation followed credible intelligence on insurgent movements around the Parisu axis of the forest.

At about 9:00 p.m. on March 20, 2026, an air platform was deployed for armed reconnaissance and air interdiction. Upon arrival, aircrew members reportedly observed suspected Boko Haram fighters moving tactically within the area.

“Upon arrival overhead, the platform established visual contact with suspected Boko Haram terrorists engaging in active movements within the area,” the source said.

Surveillance indicated that the insurgents were moving in a coordinated manner before converging at a concealed structure hidden beneath dense vegetation.

The source explained that the aircrew maintained close monitoring of the suspects, tracking them to their hideout before launching a precision strike.

 

“The strike was accurately delivered, resulting in the destruction of the structure and neutralization of multiple terrorists within the location.”

 

Further Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) findings showed that several insurgents fled nearby hideouts in disarray, retreating deeper into the forest.

 

The air platform reportedly continued surveillance, tracking the fleeing fighters and executing a second strike on another identified location.

 

“The second strike further degraded the terrorists’ capability, with additional targets destroyed. BDA confirmed significant impact, with survivors observed attempting to escape,” the source added.

 

He noted that the sustained air operations and precision targeting demonstrate the military’s increasing dominance of the airspace and its capacity to restrict terrorist activities within their strongholds.

 

The operation is part of ongoing coordinated air and ground offensives aimed at dismantling insurgent bases in Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.

Earlier, Nigerian Newssphere reports that Nigerian military killed 61 terrorists.

 

MRS, others filling stations raise petrol prices hours after Dangote Refinery hike

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Dangote Refinery-backed MRS and several other filling stations across Nigeria have increased petrol pump prices less than 24 hours after the refinery raised its gantry price.

The 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery on Friday announced a N70 increase, pushing its gantry price to N1,245 per liter.

Checks on Saturday in Abuja and surrounding areas showed that MRS filling stations adjusted their pump price by N100, selling petrol at N1,367 per liter, up from N1,267. Other marketers, including Ranoil, Empire Energy, and AA Rano, also raised their prices to N1,440, N1,430, and N1,370 per liter, respectively.

A manager at an MRS outlet, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the adjustment in a telephone interview.

“MRS filling stations now sell at N1,367 per liter, an N100 increase from N1,267. This is because of Dangote Refinery’s latest gantry petrol price increment,” the manager said.

The latest adjustments mean petrol is now sold between N1,367 and N1,440 per liter at many retail outlets. However, stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have maintained a lower price of N1,261 per liter.

Earlier reports indicated that the refinery’s latest hike—its fourth in March—could further strain consumers, especially as it accounts for about 61 percent of Nigeria’s domestic petrol supply, according to February data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

The increase in domestic fuel prices is also linked to rising global crude oil prices, which climbed above $110 per barrel amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, with broader implications for global economies.

He’s a Hero—Biafrans celebrate Simon Ekpa’s Birthday

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BRGIE PM Simon Ekpa
BRGIE PM Simon Ekpa

Supporters of Simon Ekpa have taken to social media to celebrate him as he marks his 41st birthday, describing him as a hero despite his current incarceration.

Ekpa, who is known as the Prime Minister of the Biafran Government in Exile, was in September 2025 convicted and sentenced to six years in prison by a Finnish court—a development that drew mixed reactions among Biafrans, with some calling for his release.

 

Undeterred by his imprisonment, several of his supporters flooded X on Saturday with birthday messages, praising his role in the separatist movement.

Among them was Ngozi Orabueze, who identified herself as Ekpa’s deputy and condemned those she accused of orchestrating his incarceration, insisting he remains a source of inspiration.

“Happy Birthday to a Hero Simon Ekpa who has endured too much pain. Those that plotted your incarceration have never and will never have peace.

“We love you Simon and we know you are coming home soon.

“Thinking of you today and sending love. Your strength is an inspiration to all of us, and this injustice will not have the last word. Keep holding on.

 

“According to you, ‘This thing that happened to you, will not happen to any of us again.’ Love always,” she wrote.

 

Another supporter, Ekwensu Chukwuma, also paid tribute, saying:

 

“Happy birthday to the Prime Minister of the Biafra People… thank you for all sacrifices towards our freedom.”

 

Another biafran, known as on X Emmason wrote: “Thank you for the sacrifices you have made for the freedom of Biafran people. You will always be the good guy 😎. Happy birthday PM Ekpa Simon Njoku.”

 

Helen Peters also joined in the celebration, writing:

 

“Happy birthday my PM, and may this new age bring you your freedom to restore Biafra 👏.”

 

Until his imprisonment, Ekpa was at the forefront of Biafra agitation movement like Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra who is currently sentenced to life imprisonment in Nigeria.

DHQ confirms US deployment of troops, powerful weapons to Nigeria

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Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has confirmed that the United States has deployed multiple MQ-9 drones and approximately 200 troops to Nigeria to bolster the country’s fight against Islamist militants, according to U.S. and Nigerian officials who spoke to Reuters.

Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information at Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, confirmed that the U.S. assets are being operated from the Bauchi airfield in the northeast.

“This support builds on the newly established U.S.-Nigeria intelligence fusion cell, which continues to deliver actionable intelligence to our field commanders,” he told Reuters.

“Our U.S. partners remain in a strictly non-combat role, enabling operations led by Nigerian authorities.

U.S. officials also clarified that the troops are not embedded with Nigerian frontline forces, while the drones are strictly assigned to intelligence-gathering missions and are not involved in airstrikes.

The move follows the closure of a $100 million U.S. drone base in neighboring Niger in 2024, where about 1,000 troops had been monitoring militant activity across the Sahel. The shutdown came after Niger’s military government ordered American forces to withdraw, reflecting a broader regional resistance to Western military presence.

Security concerns have continued to escalate, with militants intensifying attacks in Nigeria’s northwest, particularly near the borders with Benin and Niger, where a long-running banditry crisis remains a major threat.

A U.S. defense official said the latest deployment was made at Nigeria’s request and is primarily aimed at enhancing intelligence capabilities.

“We see this as a shared security threat,” the official said.

 

 

Nigerian Newspapers: Five things you need to know Saturday morning

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Good morning, Naija! Here are five news items trending in Nigeria Today:

Summary:

1.Presidency Clarifies UK Migration Agreement

The Presidency on Friday refuted claims that Nigeria had agreed to accept foreign deportees under a recent migration deal with the United Kingdom. Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, emphasized that the agreement only applies to Nigerian citizens living illegally in the UK, addressing what he described as widespread misinformation.

2.Emir of Kano Calls for Compassion Post-Ramadan

Mohammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, urged Muslims to carry forward the spiritual teachings of Ramadan by helping the less privileged and fostering societal peace. He delivered the message during his Eid-el-Fitr sermon at Kofar Mata Eid Ground, leading thousands of worshippers in prayers.

3.Delta Festival Sparks Outrage Over Assaults

Police in Delta State confirmed the arrest of the organizer and four others following reports of women being harassed, stripped, and groped during a controversial festival in Oruamudhu community, Ozoro, Isoko North LGA. Viral videos of the incidents triggered nationwide condemnation.

4.Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Prices Again

Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced a fresh increase in Premium Motor Spirit prices, citing rising global crude costs and geopolitical tensions. The ex-depot (gantry) price is now N1,245 per liter, up from N1,175, while the coastal price rose to N1,606,518 per metric ton from N1,512,648.

5.Over 8,300 Inmates Granted Pardons or Sentence Reductions

Federal and state authorities have pardoned or reduced the sentences of more than 8,300 inmates across Nigeria from January 2022 to March 2026, aiming to ease overcrowding in correctional facilities. Pardons are typically issued following recommendations from judicial or advisory committees.

UK, US: Starmer putting British lives in danger—Iran warns

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Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has issued a stern warning to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying that permitting US-Israeli operations from British military bases puts British lives in jeopardy.

In a fiery post on X on Friday, Araghchi accused Starmer of dragging the UK into a “participant in aggression” role, noting that the move runs contrary to public sentiment.

 

“The vast majority of the British people don’t want any part in the Israel-US war on Iran,” Araghchi wrote.

“Ignoring his own people, Mr. Starmer is putting British lives in danger by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran. Iran will exercise its right to self-defense.”

 

The warning comes amid reports that the UK has granted the United States permission to use its military installations for operations targeting Iranian-linked threats in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.

 

The authorization followed criticism from US President Donald Trump, who labeled NATO allies “cowards” for not contributing warships to secure the key waterway.

Premier League explains why Manchester United didn’t get penalty against Bournemouth 

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The Premier League has addressed questions over why Manchester United was not awarded a penalty during their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Friday night.

Referee Stuart Attwell awarded a penalty earlier when Matheus Cunha was fouled in the area, allowing Bruno Fernandes to give United a 1-0 lead. Bournemouth equalized through Ryan Christie after Amad Diallo was tripped in the box, but Attwell opted to let play continue.

United regained the lead via an own goal by James Hill, before Bournemouth drew level from the penalty spot after Harry Maguire received a straight red card for a similar challenge.

Regarding the incident involving Diallo, the Premier League Match Centre explained, X: “The referee’s call of no penalty for a challenge by Truffert was checked and confirmed by VAR—with it deemed the contact was not sufficient for a foul.”

US announces waiver on Iranian oil amid crude supply setback

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President Donald Trump’s administration of the United States has issued a 30-day sanctions waiver allowing the purchase of Iranian oil at sea, a move aimed at relieving energy supply pressures amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran.

The temporary authorization was outlined in a general license posted Friday on the U.S. Treasury Department’s website, permitting the sale of Iranian crude and petroleum products loaded onto vessels between March 20 and April 19.

 

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the development on X, describing the waiver as “narrowly tailored” and “temporary,” intended specifically to clear Iranian oil currently stranded at sea.

 

“By temporarily unlocking this existing supply for the world, the United States will quickly bring approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets, expanding worldwide energy availability and helping to relieve temporary supply pressures caused by Iran,” Bessent said.

 

He added, “In essence, we will be using the Iranian barrels against Tehran to keep prices down as we continue Operation Epic Fury.”

 

This represents the third short-term sanctions relief in roughly two weeks, following a similar move for Russian oil.

Despite the measure, oil and gas prices remain elevated. Brent crude, which traded at around $72 per barrel before the outbreak of hostilities rose to $110 barrel per day as of Friday night.

Police officer shot dead on official duty in Benue

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Gunmen have killed a police inspector, identified as Otor Ejiga, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, in an attack that has raised fresh security concerns.

The officer, attached to the Mega Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp along Gbajimba Road, was reportedly shot dead on Thursday evening.

 

Sources disclosed that the incident occurred while the inspector was operating an unauthorized checkpoint near the camp.

 

“He was on duty around the camp area when the gunmen attacked him at a checkpoint that was not officially approved,” a source said.

 

The assailants were said to have fled the scene immediately after the attack, making away with the officer’s service rifle.

 

“They escaped with his rifle after shooting him. It all happened very quickly before any reinforcement could arrive,” another source added.

 

A patrol team later responded to the distress call and recovered the officer’s body, which was deposited at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

 

“The patrol team moved in after the incident, recovered his remains, and took him to the hospital,” a security source confirmed.

 

Meanwhile, security agencies have launched a manhunt to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen firearm.

 

“We have commenced a manhunt for the attackers, and efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen weapon,” a security official said.

 

It was also gathered that a full-scale investigation has been initiated into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the officer in charge has been queried over alleged supervisory lapses.

 

“The authorities are not taking this lightly. The officer in charge has been queried as part of ongoing internal investigations,” the source added.

Dangote Refinery increases fuel price to N1,245 per litre

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Dangote Refinery has announced an increase in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), raising it from N1,175 to N1,245 per litre — a hike of N70.

The new pricing will take effect from 12:00 a.m. on March 21, 2026, and will cover all outstanding and yet-to-be-loaded volumes.

In the same adjustment, the refinery also raised its coastal supply price from N1,512,648 to N1,606,518 per metric tonne.

The company attributed the price review to ongoing global geopolitical tensions affecting market conditions.

It added that customers with valid Bank Guarantees can continue to load products under existing arrangements, provided they pay the price difference.

Dangote Refinery further stated that all outstanding differential payments must be settled on or before March 23, 2026.

Nigerian Newssphere reports the latest hike is the fifth since the Iran-United States-Israel war escalation since February 28th.

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