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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The Nigerian House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to adopt a comprehensive national drone industrialisation policy to enhance the country鈥檚 defence manufacturing capacity and address security threats. Following a motion by Lagos lawmaker Ademorin Kuye, the House also called for structured financial support for indigenous drone manufacturers to scale production for the Armed Forces and other security agencies. Kuye highlighted Nigeria's complex security challenges, including terrorism and banditry, and noted the increasing use of commercial drones by non-state armed groups. He emphasized Nigeria's potential to become a drone technology hub given its engineering talent and growing technology entrepreneurship ecosystem. While acknowledging the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology's development of the Tsaigumi Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in 2018, Kuye lamented the largely underdeveloped and undercapitalized local drone manufacturing sector. The House resolved to provide capital support to verified indigenous manufacturers through various financing mechanisms and mandated its committees to develop a National Drone Industrialisation Policy. This policy would include negotiating technology transfer agreements with international manufacturers, prioritizing training for Nigerian engineers, and establishing dedicated Defence Industrial Zones with fiscal incentives. Lawmakers also called for a review of existing laws governing defence procurement and local content
Must ReadThe House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into the Mining Marshals following allegations of financial misconduct and operational irregularities. This decision stems from a motion by Mr. Abdulmaleek Danga, who highlighted concerns including a reported N2bn traced to a State Commander's bank account. The Mining Marshals, inaugurated on March 21, 2024, by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Federal Ministry of Interior, comprise over 2,200 personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Their mandate is to combat illegal mining, secure sites, and protect government revenue. However, Danga alleged the unit has deviated from its purpose, lacking operational knowledge and wrongfully apprehending legitimate title holders. He also raised concerns about the redeployment of the commander linked to the N2bn, rather than prosecution, which has fueled suspicions of compromise. Furthermore, the transparency of the unit's finances was questioned, specifically regarding the procurement of operational vehicles without clear legislative appropriation. The House mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to investigate the unit's operations, legal mandate, corruption allegations, and funding sources, with a four-week deadline to report back.
Must ReadCAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has lauded the performance of African national teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026, calling it a historic achievement and a sign of African football's growth. Ten African nations participated, with nine advancing from the group stage to the Round of 32, marking the highest qualification rate for African teams in World Cup history. Africa accounted for 20.8 percent of the tournament's teams but contributed 28.1 percent of the nations reaching the knockout stage. Motsepe highlighted Morocco's second consecutive quarter-final appearance and Egypt's progression to the Round of 16, also commending Cabo Verde, Senegal, C么te d鈥橧voire, DR Congo, South Africa, Ghana, and Tunisia. He expressed pride in their achievements and noted that CAF has identified areas for improvement to ensure greater success in future World Cups. To build on these successes, CAF will host a conference with national team coaches, technical staff, former players, and football experts to review the 2026 performances and develop recommendations for the 2030 edition. Motsepe reaffirmed CAF's commitment to investing in football development, including youth football, coaching education, domestic leagues, and national teams, across the continent. He also emphasized the importance of improving football infrastructure, stating that every CAF member association should have stadiums meeting CAF and FIFA standards. Motsepe expressed optimism that an African nation will eventually win the FIFA