Author: The Whistler Newspaper

The United States military has said it is enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports, with the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reporting that no vessels departing Iranian ports breached the restriction within the first 24 hours of operations.

CENTCOM stated that the operation began on Monday, April 13, following the collapse of weekend peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, reportedly returned without a deal after Iran refused to commit to ending its nuclear weapons programme, which Washington considers a red line.

According to CENTCOM, the blockade is being enforced against all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal waters, including in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

It said six merchant vessels complied with instructions and turned back into Iranian ports.

The command also clarified that freedom of navigation remains in place for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz that are not bound for Iranian ports.

However, independent ship-tracking data has raised questions about the extent of enforcement.

BBC Verify reported that several vessels linked to Iran were seen crossing the Strait of Hormuz during the same period.

MarineTraffic and other tracking platforms also recorded multiple vessel movements through the waterway, including tankers associated with Iran’s oil trade.

Iran has described the blockade as an “act of piracy” and a violation of its sovereignty, warning that its forces would respond to any perceived military escalation near its waters.

Iranian officials have also said the country remains open to diplomacy under international law.

The operation has not been joined by key Western allies, with the United Kingdom, France, and Germany declining participation.

Instead, they are pursuing a separate maritime security initiative focused on freedom of navigation in the region.

Oil prices rose following the announcement, with Brent crude and U.S. crude both recording gains as markets reacted to potential disruption in one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

The situation remains fluid as CENTCOM maintains that enforcement is ongoing and maritime activity in the region continues under close monitoring.

U.S. Military Enforces Iranian Port Blockade, CENTCOM Reports No Breaches is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has said he will give new players chance to impress at the Unity Cup, DAILY POST reports.

Nigeria, Zimbabwe, India and Jamaica will participate in the invitational tournament in England next month.

The Super Eagles will face the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the competition’s opening fixture at the Valley, home ground of Charlton Athletic on Tuesday, May 26.

Defenders Benjamin Fredrick, and Igoh Ogbuh were discovered during last year’s edition.

Chelle, who will be aiming to lead the Super Eagles to a successful title defence has promised to invite new faces for the tournament.

“The Unity Cup provides a platform to assess new players. I will comb Europe, and invite new players of Nigerian descent, alongside those who were previously called up but never got the chance to feature, Chelle told the Super Eagles media.

Chelle named 10 home-based players in his squad for the competition last year.

The Malian has also promised to repeat same strategy this time around.

“Top players from the Nigeria Premier Football League will also be considered as I will be watching a number of domestic games from now until the end of the season,” he added.

The Super Eagles will also keep a date with Poland and Portugal in two other friendlies in June.

Chelle revealed regular members of the team will be feature in the high profile friendlies

“For the big warm up game in June against Poland and Portugal ,I will feature my first team players. These are the games that can push up global ranking if we win them,” the former stated.

Super Eagles: Chelle outlines plan for Unity Cup, Poland, Portugal friendlies

The Jigawa State Government has introduced a cross-border water strategy aimed at preventing recurring clashes between farmers and herders in border communities.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Hamisu Muhammad, Chief Press Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, and issued to journalists.

Governor Umar Namadi disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the Strategic Intelligence Management Institute, led by Ambassador M.D. Aliyu, during a courtesy visit at Government House, Dutse.

The governor said the seasonal movement of cattle and camels from neighbouring Niger Republic, especially during harsh weather conditions, often puts pressure on local resources and creates tension between farmers and pastoralists.

According to him, the state government responded by providing water facilities across the border to enable herders remain in their areas longer until crops are harvested in Jigawa communities.

He explained that the measure has significantly reduced disputes over farmland and grazing routes, while improving peaceful coexistence among affected communities.

Governor Namadi noted that the initiative forms part of the administration’s broader strategy of addressing security challenges through preventive, intelligence-driven, and community-based solutions rather than waiting for crises to occur.

He added that Jigawa’s relative peace, despite its location near volatile areas, is the result of deliberate policies, close collaboration with security agencies, and continuous engagement with border residents.

The governor assured the visiting delegation of the state government’s support, expressing confidence that the outcome of the study tour would help strengthen security strategies in Jigawa and across the country.

Earlier, Ambassador M.D. Aliyu said Jigawa was selected for the study visit because of its unique border dynamics and effective security management model.

He explained that the programme is designed to expose senior security and intelligence officers to practical solutions for tackling illegal migration, smuggling, and other transnational crimes.

Jigawa adopts cross-border water strategy to reduce farmer, herder clashes

The House of Representatives on Tuesday directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend forthwith disbursements to ZTE Corporation pending satisfactory explanations on the execution of the $460 million Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The resolution was passed during the resumed investigative hearing held at the instance […]

Former Kaduna State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has distanced himself from reports regarding his political aspirations.

There are reports that El-Rufai will run for President in 2027.

In a statement issued by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai clarified that the remarks were attributed to an individual described as a political associate and were not authorised by him.

“Disclaimer. Malam Nasir El-Rufai wishes to dissociate himself from comments regarding political aspirations which have been attributed to someone described by the media as a political associate.

“He did not authorise such comments.

“Throughout his public life, Mallam Nasir @elrufai has been known for the frank articulation of his views. He is not about to outsource the expression of his political views and thoughts to others.

“His public communication would continue to be issued directly by him or through his authorised spokesperson,” the statement read.

I did not authorize it – El-Rufai debunks reports on political ambition

The Oyo State Government, through the State Agency for Youth Development, has officially commenced the process for the constitution of the 3rd Assembly of the Oyo State Youth Parliament, in a move aimed at deepening youth participation in governance and leadership development across the state. The initiative, approved under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, […]

A mild drama played out at the ongoing African Democratic Congress, ADC, National Convention at the Rainbow Centre, Abuja, when former All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, mistakenly called out ‘APC’ while on the podium.

The slip of tongue, which occurred during Oyegun’s address, briefly stirred reactions from delegates present, many of whom responded with laughter.

“I think I need to drink something strong to to take that out of my system,” Oyegun said.

The incident elicited some reactions from Nigerians on X.

@Vickyempire wrote, “Hope he is being real.”

@Tifi stated, “This one mind dey APC, they shouldn’t include him in their plans because hmm.”

@Gabe alleged, “It’s Tinubu mole.”

Watch video

Moment Oyegun shouted “APC” at ADC National Convention in Abuja [VIDEO]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday made a light-hearted remark about the Senate President, Godswil Akpabio, during the commissioning of the Nigeria Revenue Service building.

Speaking during the ceremony, Tinubu joked that he could send the Senate President to the other side to represent him.

“Senate President, I will send you to the other side to represent me, and then you can scatter them anyway you like. They’re confused,” the President said.

The President’s remark comes amid rising political tension involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has alleged that the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is attempting to destabilise it.

The ADC had also claimed it faced intimidation in securing event facilities, an allegation that was denied by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Monday.

I’ll send you to the ‘other side’ – Tinubu teases Senate President

The Federal Government has signed a $1 billion investment Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s Rashmi Metaliks Group, in a move authorities say underscores growing foreign investor confidence in the country’s steel sector. The agreement was executed on Tuesday in Kolkata by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, following a tour of the […]

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has assured families of military and police officers slain in a recent attack in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State of the Federal Government’s continued support. He reiterated President Tinubu’s resolve not to allow the efforts and gallantry of officers of the armed forces and other security agencies […]