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The Nigerian Army has announced that its troops from the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai have continue to assert their dominance on the battlefield, achieving significant operational successes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and criminality in the North East region.

The army said that it has arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunition in the Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.

A statement released via its social media platform indicated that, acting on reliable intelligence, the troops executed a meticulously planned operation along a recognized criminal corridor in Magumeri. This operation resulted in the capture of five suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate that has been terrorizing innocent civilians in the vicinity.

During the course of the operation, the troops confiscated two AK-47 rifles, along with magazines and ammunition, effectively disrupting the operational capabilities of the criminal network and preventing the suspects from carrying out further violent acts.

Preliminary investigations, as stated, suggest that the suspects are connected to kidnapping and various other criminal activities in certain areas of Borno State.

The detained individuals are currently in custody and are cooperating with security agencies in ongoing investigations aimed at identifying additional members of the syndicate and dismantling their support systems.

The statement emphasized that this successful operation underscores the unwavering dedication of the Nigerian Army to protect lives and property while maintaining offensive measures against terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements that pose a threat to national security.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to ensuring enduring peace, security, and stability throughout the nation.

Insecurity: Troops arrest suspected kidnappers, recover weapons in Borno

The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, has unveiled a mobile application and electronic card system aimed at reducing patient waiting time and improving healthcare service delivery.

The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdullahi Koli, said the innovation, known as the DHS Mobile App and DHS SmartQueue System, is designed to provide digital healthcare solutions that will streamline patient flow and enhance access to medical services.

According to him, the SmartQueue System introduces a structured and transparent queuing process that allows patients to obtain electronic queue tickets and receive services in an orderly manner.

He noted that the system is expected to ease congestion in waiting areas, improve clinic operations, boost patient satisfaction, and provide real-time data for monitoring service delivery and decision-making.

Koli said the solutions were recently demonstrated and piloted at the Family Medicine Department’s General Outpatient Unit (GOPU) during a technical presentation attended by hospital management and staff.

Speaking on the development, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Yusuf Bara Jibrin, described the initiative as a significant milestone in ATBUTH’s digital transformation drive and a demonstration of its commitment to delivering efficient, patient-centred healthcare services.

He explained that the pilot phase at the General Outpatient Department would enable the hospital to assess the effectiveness of the system before extending it to other departments and service points.

Jibrin disclosed that the DHS Mobile App is currently available on the Google Play Store and will soon be launched on the Apple App Store.

He said the platform enables patients to book appointments, access healthcare services and make payments remotely, particularly for amenity services.

“The app is presently in its pilot phase and requires a DHS e-Card for access. Patients are advised to visit the hospital for registration and additional information,” he said.

The CMD further revealed that telemedicine services are being integrated into the platform and will soon become operational, allowing patients to consult healthcare professionals remotely and improving access to specialist care.

He said the introduction of the DHS Mobile App and SmartQueue System aligns with the hospital’s vision of leveraging technology to improve healthcare accessibility, efficiency, accountability and overall patient experience.

Explaining the e-Card system, the hospital stated that the DHS e-Card is an upgraded version of the traditional patient card issued during registration.

While newly registered patients automatically receive the card, those registered before the implementation of the DHS Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system on November 22, 2024, are required to renew their registration and obtain the new card to access the full benefits of the digital platform.

The hospital also noted that whilst the mobile application is expected to significantly reduce waiting time by enabling electronic appointment booking and payments, queues at clinics and other service points may still persist temporarily as the system is gradually integrated into routine operations.

ATBUTH launches mobile app, e-card for digital healthcare access

Former Senegal coach, Alain Giresse, has tipped his country to go all the way to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

At the 2022 edition in Qatar, Morocco became the first African team to achieve the feat.

In an interview with Wiw Sport, Giresse noted that the Teranga Lions have the raw potential to make the last four.

“I think that one day, an African country will play in the final. If we’re talking about Senegal, it has the potential to at least reach the semi-finals.

“Of course, we know there can be unforeseen events during matches, but intrinsically, the potential is there. We see that African teams are increasingly displaying a level that is approaching the top and the best rankings in the world,” Giresse said.

Senegal are in Group I, alongside Norway, Iraq and France.

2026 World Cup: Giresse names African country to reach semi-finals

Ghana has suffered a major blow ahead of their first World Cup game in Toronto as their midfielder Thikas Partey has been denied entry to Canada, The Athletic reports.

Ghana is set to face Panama on Wednesday in their World Cup opener at Toronto’s BMO Field.

However, Partey cannot travel to Canada and therefore will not be able to feature against Panama.

The Canadian government website outlines that, “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”

Partey has been charged with sexual assault recently, but he is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.

The former Arsenal star had denied the charges.

World Cup 2026: Ghana suffer major blow as Thomas Partey denied entry to Canada

A solemn gathering marked the unveiling of the Yelewata Genocide Memorial Monument on Friday, as community members, church leaders and international advocates paid tribute to victims of the June 13 and 14, 2025 attacks on Yelewata, a farming community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The monument was unveiled by the Chief Executive Officer of Equipping the Persecuted (ETP), Mr Judd Saul, and facilitated by legal practitioner and Knight of Columbus, Franc Utoo.

According to organisers, the memorial bears the names of more than 270 victims reportedly killed during the attacks and was erected to ensure their memories are permanently preserved.

Speaking during the ceremony, Saul described the monument as a symbol of remembrance and a call for greater attention to the plight of affected communities.

He said the memorial was intended to honour those who lost their lives and to reinforce ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at ending violence and supporting victims.

Saul reaffirmed Equipping the Persecuted’s commitment to humanitarian assistance, solidarity with affected communities and engagement with policymakers internationally on issues relating to violence and displacement.

The ETP delegation was received by the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, who reiterated concerns about proposals to permanently resettle displaced persons away from their ancestral communities.

According to the bishop, returning displaced residents to their ancestral lands remains the most sustainable long-term solution to the crisis.

He argued that permanent relocation could raise questions about ownership and access to ancestral farmlands and community heritage.

Bishop Anagbe also commended ETP for its support to victims and vulnerable communities affected by violence.

Speaking on the significance of the project, Franc Utoo said the monument serves as a historical record and a reminder of the human cost of violence.

According to him, preserving the names of victims ensures future generations remember what happened and reinforces the need to prevent similar tragedies.

The unveiling forms part of activities marking the first anniversary of the attacks.

A memorial service is expected to be held on June 13, led by Bishop Anagbe alongside bishops, priests and pastors in honour of those who lost their lives.

Yelewata genocide memorial unveiled, honours 270 victims

Real Madrid defender, Eder Militao, has given his views on the return of Jose Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid announced on Thursday the appointment of Mourinho as the club’s new manager.

The Portuguese signed a three-year contract with the Los Blancos, having previously coached the club in the past from 2010 to 2013.

Speaking about the return of Mourinho, Militao told SportyBet: “He is a great manager. I’m looking forward to next season.

“On a personal level, life has its ups and downs. The important thing is to be mentally well. If your head is in the right place and you’re good with your family, everything flows better.”

Real Madrid: Militao gives verdict on Mourinho’s return

Former Tottenham Hotspur star, Rafael van der Vaart, has criticized England manager Thomas Tuchel for his ‘strange’ choice to include two ‘overrated’ Arsenal players – Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze – in his World Cup squad and dropping Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.

Van der Vaart feels the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain coach made a mistake by not including Palmer in the Three Lions squad for the World Cup.

“When I’m watching the squad, I think [Eberechi] Eze and [Noni] Madueke are overrated,” Van der Vaart stated to AceOdds.

“Madueke isn’t playing for Arsenal, and Eze is only playing sometimes. I think they are just a bit overrated.

“I mean, Madueke is still a good player. I also know him very well from when he played at PSV.

“The only thing I just really don’t understand is that Cole Palmer was not selected. That is a very strange choice.”

World Cup: Van der Vaart knocks Tuchel over Chelsea star, two overrated Arsenal players in England squad

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his nation’s first World Cup game in Toronto against Panama, after being denied entry to Canada.

Partey, 32, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022.

He is due to stand trial next year.

In a statement, FIFA confirmed the former Arsenal player, who is now with Spanish side Villarreal, will be unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston after having his “visa application was refused by the Canadian government”.

World football’s governing body, added: “FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.

“The host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”

On the Canadian government website rules around visiting the country state: “If you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”

Partey has pleaded not guilty to all charges but is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.

Prior to the tournament, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz, said he had no qualms over selecting Partey, who was at Atletico Madrid before moving to London in 2020 to join the Gunners.

“If the player is here with me, my answer is clear,” said Queiroz.

“I don’t have any comments about my own decisions. He is here so what are we talking about?

“This is not for me or you to make a judgement about.

“Let the events run their normal course; let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we are going to find the truth.”

Canada Denies Partey Visa For Ghana’s World Cup Opener is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Former Fulham boss Marco Silva has been officially confirmed as the new head coach of Portuguese giants Benfica, replacing Jose Mourinho.

Silva spent five years at the craven cottage, during which he successfully led the team back to the Premier League and secured an impressive 11th-place finish last season. His achievements earned him recognition and this new role at one of Portugal’s top clubs.

The appointment follows Benfica’s third-place finish in Liga Portugal under the management of Jose Mourinho, who has since moved on to take charge of Real Madrid.

Silva’s leadership will be pivotal as Benfica aims to improve their standings in the coming seasons.

48-year-old Silva, previously managed Benfica’s local rivals Sporting in 2014-15, leading them to the ‌Portuguese ⁠Cup before joining Olympiacos the following season where he helped them to win the Greek Super League.

After short spells at Hull City, Watford ⁠and Everton, Silva joined Fulham in 2021, and helped them to win the second-tier Championship ⁠on his debut season. Fulham reached the FA Cup quarter-finals twice under Silva, and ⁠established themselves as a stable Premier League side.

Silva Officially Joins Benfica As Head Coach is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Elon Musk has become the world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX began trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Musk’s net worth crossed the $1tn threshold shortly after the aerospace company completed its initial public offering (IPO) and shares began trading publicly.

The increase in his fortune was driven by the early performance of SpaceX stock on its first day of trading.

SpaceX opened at $150 per share, above its IPO price of $135. The opening price placed the company’s valuation at nearly $2tn.

Musk holds a significant equity stake in the company, contributing to the increase in his estimated personal wealth.

According to estimates from Forbes and Bloomberg, Musk’s net worth is approximately $1.1tn following the IPO.

The calculation reflects his combined holdings in several companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, Neuralink, and The Boring Company.

Musk, who was born in South Africa, has been the world’s richest individual for several years. His wealth has been closely tied to the performance of his technology and engineering companies, particularly Tesla and SpaceX.

SpaceX, founded in 2002, develops and manufactures spacecraft and rocket systems. The company operates reusable rocket programs and provides satellite-based internet services through its Starlink network. It also conducts commercial and government space missions, including contracts with NASA.

The IPO marks the first time SpaceX shares have been made available on a public exchange.

Trading activity on the first day saw the company’s valuation rise significantly above its initial offering price.

Financial analysts tracking the listing said the increase in SpaceX’s valuation contributed to Musk’s net worth crossing the trillion-dollar mark. Market data indicated strong early investor demand following the listing.

Under the terms of the offering, Musk is subject to a lock-up period that restricts him from selling a large portion of his shares for a set period following the IPO. The restriction is standard in public listings to prevent immediate large-scale share sales by major stakeholders.

SpaceX’s stock performance is expected to remain under close watch in the coming days as investors assess its valuation and trading stability following its market debut.

Elon Musk Becomes World’s First Trillionaire is first published on The Whistler Newspaper