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Trump Hails Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan’s “Big, Bold” Security Move

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US President Donald Trump has welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, describing the pact as a “big, bold, and important first step” towards stronger regional security and greater self-reliance in the Middle East. The agreement, signed in Makkah on August 7, 2026, establishes a collective-defence framework under which an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all. Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan have established a new collective-defence arrangement. An attack against one signatory is to be treated as an attack against all three. The countries describe the agreement as defensive and not directed against any particular state. Trump has publicly welcomed the pact as a step towards greater regional self-reliance. Egypt is considering whether to join, although Cairo has not yet committed to accession. Analysts caution that the agreement should not automatically be equated with NATO. The M...

TROOPS OF OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA INTERCEPTS COURIER WITH 180 EXPLOSIVES, NEUTRALISE TERRORISTS IN ZAMFARA

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Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified offensive and intelligence-led operations in Zamfara State, neutralising terrorists, recovering weapons and intercepting a suspected courier transporting 180 explosive materials allegedly destined for terrorist elements in Katsina State. Two terrorists were confirmed neutralised during an encounter in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area. Troops recovered two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition and two motorcycles. A 57-year-old suspected courier was intercepted during a snap check with 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives. The explosives were allegedly being transported from Gusau, Zamfara State, to suspected terrorist elements in Jibia, Katsina State. The operation also disrupted an attempted ambush by terrorists during the clearance operation. The operations were conducted on August 14, 2026, as troops of Sector 2 carried out offensive clearance operations in Birnin Magaji Local Governmen...

NIA AKWA IBOM CHAPTER TOURS AKICORP HQ PROJECT, REINFORCES PROFESSIONAL AND SAFETY STANDARDS

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The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has conducted a technical visit to the ongoing Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) Corporate Headquarters project along Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo, as part of its programme of technical tours of major infrastructure projects under the State Government's ARISE Agenda. The August 12 visit focused on construction quality, professional coordination, site safety, project documentation and the practical development of architecture students and young professionals. NIA Akwa Ibom inspected the two-storey AKICORP Corporate Headquarters project in Uyo. The Chapter assessed construction practices, safety measures, documentation and professional coordination. NIA called for improved and consistent use of PPE on the construction site. The team urged proper display of project information and approved working drawings. The Chapter highlighted the importance of site visits in professional development and practical training. ...

Niger: Troops Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims, Foil Terrorist Attacks and Recover Weapons, Livestock

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Niger State has recorded a fresh security operation in which Nigerian Army troops rescued nine kidnapped victims, foiled attempted terrorist attacks and recovered weapons, motorcycles and suspected rustled livestock across Mariga and Rijau Local Government Areas. Nine kidnapped victims rescued in Mariga LGA and handed over for documentation and family reunification. Terrorist ambush cleared in Rijau, with seven motorcycles, one camel, 47 cattle and 18 sheep recovered. Attempted infiltration of communities foiled, with an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and motorcycles recovered. The operations reflect the Army's continuing emphasis on offensive and intelligence-led operations against terrorist and criminal networks. Troops of 18 Brigade have intensified operations against terrorists and other criminal elements in Niger State, recording successes in Mariga and Rijau LGAs.  On August 12, troops of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Admin Battalion, deployed at Kotonkoro, rescued nine...

OSUN: Tinubu Urges Peaceful Osun Election, Tasks INEC and Security Agencies to Protect Voters

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that Saturday’s Osun State governorship election is peaceful, transparent, free and fair, while calling on voters to exercise their civic responsibility without fear or intimidation. The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026. President Tinubu has tasked INEC with ensuring the integrity and credibility of the electoral process. Security agencies have been directed to protect voters, electoral officials and polling units. The President described the election as an opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections. Tinubu urged voters to reject violence and allow the outcome to reflect the will of Osun residents. On the eve of the Osun State governorship election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process across the sta...

Umo Eno Seeks Strategic MRO Partnership as Ibom Air Expands Airbus A220-300 Fleet

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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno , has moved to deepen the State’s aviation ambitions by pursuing a strategic partnership with Netherlands-based SAMCO Group Europe for the operation of the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, while reaffirming government support for Ibom Air’s continuing fleet expansion. The discussions took place in Montreal, Canada, on August 13, 2026, during engagements with SAMCO and Airbus ahead of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of Ibom Air’s latest brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Akwa Ibom is seeking a practical partnership with SAMCO to support the operation of the MRO facility at Victor Attah International Airport. The proposed partnership is expected to cover aircraft maintenance, technical support, training, technology transfer and local capacity development. Governor Eno said substantial government investment had already been made in completing the MRO facility. Ibom Air’s fleet e...

Lebanon Parliament Votes to Abolish Death Penalty, Making History in Middle East

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Lebanon’s parliament has approved legislation to abolish capital punishment for all crimes, replacing it with life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour. The reform still requires presidential approval before it can take full effect. Lebanon’s parliament approved the abolition of the death penalty on August 11, 2026. If signed by President Joseph Aoun, Lebanon would become the first country in the Middle East/Arab world to formally abolish capital punishment for all crimes. Existing death sentences would be commuted to life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour. Lebanon has not carried out an execution since 2004, despite retaining the death penalty in law. Justice Minister Adel Nassar called the decision a “historic” step. Human Rights Watch and other international bodies welcomed the move as a significant human rights development. Lebanon’s parliament has approved amended legislation abolishing the death penalty, a landmark decision that would make the country the first in the ...