U.S. Embassy Cancels Visa Appointments In Abuja

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced the cancellation of all visa appointments scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Abuja, citing security concerns related to possible protests in the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the embassy said the move was taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard both visa applicants and its staff amid the developing situation.

“Due to the potential for protests in Abuja, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments on Wednesday, March 4, 2026,” the statement said.

While the embassy did not disclose specific details about the planned demonstrations, it stressed that the decision was necessary in light of evolving security considerations within the capital.

According to the notice, individuals affected by the cancellation will receive further communication outlining steps to reschedule their appointments.

The embassy also encouraged members of the public to stay informed by checking its official website and social media platforms for updates.

For urgent matters, visa applicants and U.S. citizens in Nigeria who require emergency assistance were advised to contact the embassy through the dedicated line at +234 209 461 4328 or visit its official website.

“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” the statement added.

How Israel-US Hacked Traffic Cameras, Used AI To Track And Kill Iran’s Supreme Leader

Israeli officials have disclosed that the operation leading to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was the result of years of coordinated intelligence gathering, technological surveillance, and advanced data analysis that culminated in a precision strike.

According to officials cited by CNN, the mission relied on a sophisticated intelligence network capable of merging data from numerous sources, including surveillance cameras positioned across Tehran.

One Israeli source revealed that traffic cameras throughout the Iranian capital played a significant role in tracking movements.

“The traffic cameras on the streets of Tehran provided a real-time view of the targets. Hacked years ago, the cameras allowed Israel to map the city in detail, establish patterns of movement, and build an intricate picture of what was happening inside an enemy capital,” the source said.

Officials indicated that the cameras formed part of a wider intelligence infrastructure feeding into an artificial intelligence-powered targeting platform. The system was described as an AI-driven “target production machine.”

According to the report, the platform processed multiple intelligence streams, including visual intelligence, human intelligence, signals intelligence, intercepted communications, and satellite imagery.

“Out came a pinpoint location in the form of a 14-digit grid coordinate,” the source explained.

Developed over more than a decade, the system reportedly required teams of technologists, engineers, and analysts to review and validate the strike recommendations generated by the AI network before action was taken.

Israeli authorities had previously used the intelligence framework to monitor senior Iranian officials. During the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025, the Israel Defense Forces reportedly deployed the system in an opening strike that killed Iran’s highest-ranking military officer, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, along with a close aide to Khamenei.

The strike that ultimately killed Khamenei was reportedly carried out on February 28, 2026, in a joint operation involving Israel and the United States.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the Iranian leader had long been viewed as “untouchable,” citing his routine use of underground bunkers and limited communication channels.

Prior to the operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held discussions with US President Donald Trump on February 11. According to CNN, the talks centered on contingency plans should diplomatic negotiations with Iran collapse.

At 3:38 p.m. Eastern Time, Trump reportedly authorized the mission.

Gen. Dan Caine, a senior US military officer, confirmed the approval, stating: “Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck. This was a daylight strike based on a trigger event conducted by the Israeli Defense Forces, enabled by the U.S. Intelligence Community.”

Officials said surveillance feeds from Tehran’s camera network and other intelligence inputs were used to determine the precise window when Khamenei would be present at his compound. AI-assisted mapping of the location and surrounding area reportedly enabled planners to identify a moment when security coverage was believed to be thinner.

Sources indicated the strike occurred during daylight hours after monitoring communications between senior aides and security personnel.

Within hours, Israeli authorities signaled preliminary signs of success. Confirmation followed when Iran’s state broadcaster announced: “The Supreme Leader of Iran has reached martyrdom.”

Ilomuanya Arrested by NDLEA In UK

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 58-year-old fugitive drug suspect Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the wanted list of both Nigerian and British authorities for more than 15 years.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued to Naija News on Wednesday and signed by the agency’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, 23rd February 2026, during what officials described as a high-risk, carefully coordinated operation carried out by officers from the agency’s Special Operations Unit.

His arrest brings to a close a prolonged pursuit by law enforcement agencies, following years of alleged involvement in drug-related activities spanning Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Authorities say his record reflects sustained participation in international narcotics trafficking.

Ilomuanya was first arrested in February 2003 in the UK, where he was convicted for drug trafficking and sentenced to nine years in prison. However, he was released after serving two years following a successful appeal. In July 2011, he was again arrested in the UK over drug-related offences. Though granted administrative bail, he reportedly absconded and returned to Nigeria.

In November 2018, NDLEA operatives arrested him in Nigeria after uncovering two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — one located at his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and another at No. 3 Barrister Declan Uzoma Close, Lagos. During the operation, officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine along with extensive production equipment.

He was subsequently arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos but later jumped bail and had remained at large until his recent arrest.

Reacting to the breakthrough, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the arrest as a major success in the agency’s sustained crackdown on drug trafficking networks.

According to him, “This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice. Whether you jump bail in London or set up clandestine labs in your village, the long arm of the NDLEA will eventually catch up with those who choose to undermine the health, security, and future of our nation.

“We remain committed to our international collaborations to ensure that Nigeria is not used as a sanctuary for global drug lords. The NDLEA under our watch will continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations, deepen international cooperation, and ensure that those involved in the illicit drug trade are brought to justice.”

Marwa also commended the officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism and persistence in tracking down the suspect, reaffirming the agency’s determination to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates operating within Nigeria.

IGP Disu Inaugurates High-ranking Eight-member Committee For State Police Implementation

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has set up an eight-member high-level committee tasked with driving the implementation of state policing and unveiling a new policing vision for the country.

The development followed Disu’s confirmation as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police. On Wednesday, he convened his first official meeting with senior officers, during which he formally inaugurated the committee.

Olu Ogunsakin was named chairman of the newly constituted state police committee, which is expected to steer the framework for decentralised policing.

Speaking to the leadership cadre of the Nigeria Police Force, Disu emphasized that leadership goes beyond occupying an office, noting that it is fundamentally about responsibility.

He further stated that professionalism and accountability must move beyond rhetoric and become core values guiding actions and operations across police commands nationwide.

As part of broader reforms, Disu announced plans to reinforce internal oversight structures. He directed that the Public Complaint Unit and the X-Squad be granted operational independence, underscoring the need to treat every Nigerian with dignity, fairness, and justice, irrespective of social standing or background.

The IGP also explained that decentralizing police functions would allow federal and state authorities to play more active roles in maintaining security.

Disu’s appointment was earlier unanimously approved by the Nigeria Police Council, paving the way for his swearing-in by Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

Fuel price hike: Dangote’s evil monopoly destroying Nigeria – Adeyanju

Human rights advocate Deji Adeyanju has criticized industrialist Aliko Dangote, accusing him of attempting to monopolize Nigeria’s petroleum sector through recent fuel price increases.

In a statement titled “Sudden fuel price increment: Dangote evil monopoly destroying Nigeria”, Adeyanju alleged that the Dangote Refinery raised the pump price of fuel by more than 100 percent, linking the decision to the ongoing conflict in Iran and escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

Adeyanju questioned the rationale behind the hike, arguing that the refinery sources its crude oil locally within Nigeria. He also referenced a Federal Government policy that allows the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to sell crude oil to the refinery in naira, a move designed to stabilize domestic supply and shield local pricing from foreign exchange volatility.

According to him, the refined petroleum products currently in circulation were processed before the recent spike in hostilities in the Gulf, making the price adjustment difficult to justify.

He further raised concerns about what he described as the refinery’s near-monopoly status in the downstream sector, suggesting that limited competition may be enabling unilateral pricing decisions. Adeyanju accused the company of leveraging geopolitical instability to its advantage while ordinary Nigerians struggle with economic hardship.

Adeyanju said:

“Aliko Dangote has hiked the pump price of fuel by over 100%, due to the war in Iran. Yet, the Dangote Refinery purchases crude oil domestically from Nigeria, and the President even approved that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in naira.

“What I find even more troubling is the fact that the products currently being supplied were refined long before the recent escalation of hostilities in the Gulf region.

“Why then should Nigerians bear the burden of a price increase tied to events that did not affect the cost of already-refined stock?

“Sadly, because the refinery operates in a near-monopoly position, the government appears either unwilling or unable to call it to order.

“This amounts to unprecedented wickedness, as the Dangote Refinery appears to be profiting from the misfortune of war at the expense of already impoverished Nigerian citizens.”

Dangote-backed MRS filling stations sell fuel higher than NNPCL, other petrol marketers

Fuel prices at filling stations linked to the Dangote Refinery have climbed above those offered by the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and several independent marketers.

Findings show that MRS stations in Abuja adjusted the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N975 per litre, up from N875 previously charged within the city and surrounding areas. The N100 increase followed a rise in the refinery’s gantry price earlier in the week.

By comparison, petrol at MRS outlets is now about N15 per litre higher than prices at NNPCL stations and other marketers such as Ranoil, AA Rano, and Sharon.

Explaining the development, a manager at MRS who spoke anonymously told our correspondent, “It’s because of the hike in gantry price by Dangote Refinery attributed to rising crude oil prices over the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.”

Meanwhile, global oil benchmarks also recorded gains. Brent crude rose to $80.75 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed to $73.78 per barrel as of Tuesday evening, reflecting increased pressure in international energy markets.

NNPCL and several other filling stations had similarly adjusted their prices after the refinery increased its gantry rate.

MRS filling station is owned by Idris Dantata, half-brother to Aliko Dangote, the president of Dangote Refinery.

Iran: U.S. Embassy issues security alert over planned protest in Abuja

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has released a security advisory for American citizens in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, citing a planned protest linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

In a statement shared Wednesday on its official X account, the Embassy warned of a high likelihood of demonstrations in Abuja, noting that tensions surrounding the current crisis with Iran could trigger public gatherings.

According to the advisory, previous protests organized by certain groups in response to the conflict have escalated into violent confrontations with Nigerian security forces, raising concerns about safety.

“The Embassy strongly recommends that all US citizens in Abuja remain in their residences on Wednesday, March 4”, the statement added.

In a separate notice issued earlier, the Embassy announced the cancellation of all visa appointments that had been scheduled for the same day.

The post reads, “Due to the potential for protests in Abuja, the U.S Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Applicants will be contacted with information on how to reschedule. Please monitor our website and social media channels for further updates.

“For emergency assistance, please contact the U.S. Embassy at +234 209 461 4328 or visit the website. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

The Embassy advised citizens to stay updated through its official communication channels and to exercise heightened caution amid the developing situation.

Americans can’t be trusted – Iran rules out negotiation with US

A senior Iranian official has firmly dismissed the possibility of renewed talks with Washington, declaring that Tehran has no intention of entering negotiations with the United States.

Mohammad Mokhber, a senior aide to the late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview with State TV. He emphasized that Iran remains resolute amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and is prepared for a prolonged confrontation if necessary.

According to Mokhber, the core issue is a complete lack of trust in the United States, which he described as an insurmountable barrier to diplomatic engagement.

“We will not go into any negotiation with the US. The Americans cannot be trusted. We can continue the war as long as we want,” he said.

His comments come amid heightened hostilities following the killing of Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes — an event that has further deepened divisions between Tehran and Washington.

Earlier, Iranian authorities announced plans for a three-day state funeral in honor of the late leader. The ceremonies are expected to draw large crowds as supporters gather to pay their respects.

“Starting at 10:00 pm (1830 GMT), the faithful will be able to pay a final homage to the body of the martyred guide of the nation, by visiting the Imam Khomenei grand mosque” in Tehran, official news agency Islamic Republic News Agency said, citing a statement from the Islamic Development Coordination Council.

Reports indicate that Khamenei, who was 86 at the time of his death, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.

The developments mark a significant turning point in the region’s geopolitical landscape, with Tehran signaling that reconciliation with Washington is off the table for the foreseeable future.