US downs Iranian drones as war reaches 100th day, Pakistan mediates
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The United States announced it shot down two Iranian drones threatening the Strait of Hormuz, marking an escalation as the conflict reached its 100th day. This development occurred amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts, with Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visiting Tehran to deliver a "special letter" from Pakistan's army chief to Iran's Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and a message from the prime minister. Pakistan's military leader, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has been instrumental in mediating talks between Iran and the US. US Central Command CENTCOM also reported destroying four other drones and coastal surveillance radar sites. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the US strikes as "flagrant" violations. Mohsen Rezaei, military adviser to Iran's supreme leader, stated that negotiations with the US are at a "deadlock" and called for the release of frozen Iranian assets. However, a source familiar with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's thinking indicated that the US Treasury might use these funds to compensate Gulf allies for damages caused by Iranian strikes. Meanwhile, Lebanese army chief Rodolphe Haykal traveled to Pakistan for talks, as Lebanon seeks a permanent end to the conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah. An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon reportedly killed three Lebanese soldiers, with Israel's military stating it was targeting Hezbollah. Lebanon's health ministry also reported two women killed and 22 wounded in another Israeli strike. The Israeli militar
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Activist and African Action Congress 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has challenged MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola's assertion that unlimited mobile data plans are not globally available unless at exorbitant prices. Toriola stated during a press conference in Lagos that unlimited data plans are not feasible on mobile networks, arguing that no operator can sustain quality service if all customers have unrestricted, low-cost data access. He claimed such plans do not exist worldwide, except for those paying around $400 monthly, and that mobile networks cannot build enough capacity for everyone to have an unlimited bundle while maintaining quality service. Sowore, in a post on X, called Toriola's claim false, stating that millions of consumers globally enjoy truly or effectively unlimited broadband and mobile data plans at prices often more affordable relative to local incomes than what Nigerians pay for inferior service. The AAC presidential candidate, a frequent critic of Nigerian telecom operators regarding data pricing, network quality, and service delivery, hinted at a potential nationwide protest against MTN. This development occurs as MTN Nigeria and other operators defend tariff adjustments approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission, which sanctioned up to 50 percent increases in voice, SMS, and data tariffs in early 2025, citing inflation, naira devaluation, and investment needs. MTN maintains Nigeria is among the world’s four cheap
The contest for the Minority Leadership of the House of Representatives has intensified as acting minority leader George Ozodinobi rejected Ikenga Ugochinyere's aspiration, calling it "a joke taken too far." This follows reports that 61 lawmakers endorsed Ugochinyere for the position after Kingsley Chinda resigned to pursue the All Progressives Congress governorship ticket for Rivers State in 2027. Ozodinobi, a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, argued that parliamentary tradition does not support a first-term lawmaker holding a principal office. Meanwhile, the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, disowned his signature on Ugochinyere's nomination documents, stating it was used without his authorization for a purpose different from what he agreed to. Agbese claimed he signed a document related to equitable distribution of principal offices among minority parties, not an endorsement for Ugochinyere. He described the use of his signature as a "gross misrepresentation and a clear case of forgery" and has reported the matter to authorities for investigation. This dispute highlights growing divisions within the minority caucus regarding the selection of a new Minority Leader.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, national teams have showcased creative preparations, including unique photoshoots and dramatic departures. Norway marked its return with a Viking-themed photoshoot featuring Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Brazil's team aircraft received a traditional water cannon blessing at Galeão International Airport. Turkey's team journeyed to the airport in Istanbul with a convoy of over 100 vehicles. Japan was welcomed in Mexico with cowboy hats from fans. Senegal held a farewell dinner at Stade Abdoulaye Wade. Argentina's plane, carrying Lionel Messi, featured his number 10 and three gold stars. South Africa's Bafana Bafana received the national flag from President Cyril Ramaphosa at a send-off dinner. Co-host Mexico released a traditional squad portrait. France's President Emmanuel Macron met with Kylian Mbappé and the Les Bleus squad before their departure. England, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, arrived in Florida for their pre-tournament camp.