Foreign
Escalation in Gaza: Renewed Hostilities Claim Lives.
Reports indicate a significant escalation in the conflict within Gaza, with at least 70 Palestinians killed and numerous others wounded in recent Israeli airstrikes on Thursday. The strikes, impacting residential areas in both northern and southern Gaza, follow the collapse of a ceasefire that had been largely in effect since January.
These actions come after the Israeli military announced the resumption of ground operations in central and southern Gaza on Wednesday. The preceding day witnessed airstrikes that resulted in over 400 Palestinian fatalities, marking one of the deadliest episodes since the conflict’s onset in October 2023. Sources suggest at least 510 Palestinians have died since Tuesday, with a disproportionate number being women and children.
While Hamas reports intensified mediation efforts, no breakthrough has been achieved. The conflict, initiated by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israeli communities resulting in 1,200 deaths and the taking of over 250 hostages, has now claimed the lives of over 49,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health authorities. The ongoing violence continues to contribute to the devastation and humanitarian crisis within the Gaza Strip. No official statement has been released by Israeli authorities regarding the recent events at the time of this report.
Niger has announced plans to nationalize the Somair uranium mine, currently operated by French nuclear firm Orano. This decision marks a further departure from France, Niger’s former colonial power, and a potential realignment with Russia. The military government, in power since a 2023 coup, accuses Orano of unfairly benefiting from the mine’s output since its launch in 1971. Orano, which holds a 63% stake in Somair, disputes the allegations and has threatened legal action, citing a “systematic policy of stripping mining assets.” This move follows Niger’s earlier removal of Orano’s operational control over key mines in the country. The nationalization reflects a broader trend in West Africa, with Mali and Burkina Faso also pursuing similar policies under military rule. The situation is further complicated by existing arbitration processes between Orano and Niger, including a recent lawsuit filed by Orano.
On Monday 16 June 2025, the Nigeria Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Admiralty Medal) commenced a 3-day working visit to Denmark. The working visit which is at the instance of the Danish Navy aims to strengthen cooperation between both navies.
The visit saw the CNS take a short boat trip with the Admiral of the Danish Navy, Rear Admiral Søren Kjeldsen. In the company of the CNS was Ambassador T. A. Elias-Fatile, CDAai/Head of Mission, Embassy of Nigeria, in Sweden and the Nordic countries, the Navy Secretary, Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu and Nigeria’s Defence Adviser to London, Brigadier General Manu.
Other engagements on the first day of the working visit was a meeting with the CEO of Blue Denmark and a discussion session with the Denmark Ministry of Defence’s Centre for Security and Operations.
Below are some pictures that was taken :
Atlanta-based rapper Silento, known for his viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm. The sentencing follows his confession to fatally shooting his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, in January 2021.
DeKalb County Police discovered Rooks with multiple gunshot wounds. Investigations revealed that Silento and Rooks were last seen together in a white BMW SUV, which was later captured on security footage fleeing the scene after the shooting.
Prior to the incident, Silento’s PR manager, Chanel Hudson, stated that the rapper had been struggling with mental health issues for several years. In 2020, he was also charged with assault for allegedly attacking two people with a hatchet. Silento himself acknowledged his struggles with mental health in a 2019 interview, stating, “I have been fighting demons my whole life.”
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
