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The United States State Department has announced plans to issue a limited-edition commemorative passport to mark America’s 250th anniversary of independence, featuring President Donald Trump’s portrait and signature as part of the special design.

The commemorative passports are expected to begin issuance this summer as part of preparations for the America250 celebrations scheduled for July 2026, commemorating the semiquincentennial of the founding of the United States.

According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the special passport will contain customized artwork and enhanced imagery celebrating the anniversary while retaining the same security protections and international validity as standard U.S. passports.

Mock-ups released by the department show Trump’s image layered over elements of the Declaration of Independence alongside patriotic motifs, including the American flag. The inside cover reportedly carries the president’s signature in gold, while the back cover is expected to feature a reproduction of the historic painting depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The development marks the first known instance of a living U.S. president appearing in an official passport design. Reports indicate that the limited-edition passports will initially be issued at selected passport agencies, including the Washington Passport Agency, where they may become the default option when available.

Officials said applicants who prefer the traditional passport appearance would still be able to request the standard design. The exact number of commemorative passports to be produced has not been disclosed, though the release is expected to remain limited.

The initiative forms part of broader America250 commemorative activities under the current administration, including special coins and national park passes featuring presidential imagery and patriotic themes.

Authorities emphasized that the commemorative passport would function as a fully valid international travel document and would not carry additional charges beyond standard passport fees. Regular U.S. passports in the traditional design will continue to be issued nationwide.

The announcement has generated mixed reactions online and among political observers. Supporters described the design as a patriotic tribute tied to the country’s historic milestone, while critics questioned the inclusion of a sitting president’s likeness in an official government-issued travel document.

Further details regarding application procedures, distribution, and availability are expected in the coming weeks as the State Department finalizes rollout plans for the commemorative passports.

Trump’s Portrait To Feature On New U.S. Passport is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Ugandan authorities have arrested 231 foreign nationals in two coordinated intelligence-led operations targeting irregular migration, undocumented residency, and suspected cybercrime activities across the country.

The crackdown was carried out by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control under the Ministry of Internal Affairs on April 27 and 28, 2026.

In the first operation conducted in Adjumani District on April 27, enforcement teams arrested 62 Nigerian nationals who were allegedly operating without valid work permits or visas. Authorities said some members of the group were running an unlicensed church and engaging in other business activities without proper documentation. The arrests followed intelligence reports and public tip-offs.

In a separate nighttime raid in the Bukoto-Ntinda area of Kampala, authorities detained 169 foreign nationals, including 36 women. The suspects were from countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Malaysia.

Officials said the individuals were living in a heavily secured self-contained apartment complex equipped with its own restaurant and tightly controlled access systems. During the operation, officers recovered computers and other IT equipment, with preliminary investigations linking some suspects to cyber scamming, illegal betting, online fraud, and possible human trafficking activities.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Simon Peter Mundeyi, confirmed details of the operations, stating that the Kampala premises appeared structured to facilitate illegal activities while restricting movement within the complex.

The suspects are currently being held at the ministry’s facility in Namanve and are undergoing processing for prosecution under Uganda’s immigration laws. Authorities said many could face deportation, fines, and blacklisting from the country.

Officials described the operations as part of Uganda’s broader efforts to tackle irregular migration and prevent the country from being used as a base for transnational cybercrime networks. Property owners were also warned to ensure that foreign tenants possess valid immigration documents and work permits.

Authorities further urged members of the public to continue providing information on suspected illegal activities involving foreign nationals as investigations continue into possible cybercrime and human trafficking links.

Identities of the arrested individuals have not been made public.

Uganda Arrests 231 Nigerians, Others In Immigration, Cybercrime Crackdown is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Swiss police, supported by Europol and in cooperation with German authorities, have arrested 10 suspected members of the Black Axe criminal organisation in a coordinated operation targeting cyber fraud and money laundering networks across Europe.

The arrests were carried out on April 28, 2026, following simultaneous house searches across several Swiss cantons, including Zurich and five other regions. Among those detained is the alleged Black Axe “regional head” for Southern Europe. Authorities say most of the suspects are of Nigerian origin.

The operation was directed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office II of the Canton of Zurich, in collaboration with the Zurich Cantonal Police and Zurich City Police. Europol provided analytical and operational support, helping investigators map the structure of the network and coordinate cross-border intelligence efforts with German authorities.

The suspects are accused of involvement in romance scams, cyber-enabled fraud, and large-scale money laundering. According to Europol, the group caused losses amounting to millions of Swiss francs, targeting victims primarily across Europe through online deception schemes.

Romance scams typically involve criminals creating fake online identities to establish emotional relationships with victims over time. Once trust is built, victims are manipulated into sending money under false pretences, including medical emergencies, travel expenses, or investment opportunities. Authorities say proceeds from these schemes are then routed through complex laundering channels to obscure their origin.

Black Axe, also known as the Neo Black Movement of Africa, originated in Nigeria in the 1970s as a student confraternity but has since evolved into a transnational organised crime syndicate. Law enforcement agencies, including Europol, Interpol, and the FBI, have repeatedly identified the group as a major cybercrime network with a hierarchical structure and operational cells across Europe, Africa, and other regions.

Investigators say the group operates through coordinated “zones” or chapters in different countries, allowing it to carry out fraud schemes while maintaining decentralised control. Switzerland, with its financial infrastructure, has previously been flagged in international reports as a jurisdiction exploited for laundering proceeds of cybercrime.

This latest Swiss operation forms part of a wider European crackdown on Black Axe-linked networks. In January 2026, Spanish authorities arrested 34 suspects in a similar Europol-supported operation targeting cyber fraud and money laundering. Earlier actions have also been recorded in Germany, while South Africa continues extradition proceedings involving alleged members accused of defrauding victims, particularly in the United States.

Authorities say Switzerland has seen recurring activity linked to the group, prompting increased cooperation between domestic agencies and international partners. Europol has previously warned that Black Axe maintains a highly adaptable structure, allowing it to quickly replace arrested members and sustain operations across borders.

All 10 suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are tracing financial flows, identifying additional victims, and determining whether more accomplices are operating within Switzerland or abroad. No names have been released at this stage, and formal charges are expected in the coming weeks.

Victims of romance scams and related cyber fraud have been urged to report incidents to local police or specialised cybercrime units. Officials also warned that unsolicited online relationships that quickly turn into financial requests remain one of the most common indicators of organised fraud.

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as Swiss prosecutors build their case through international cooperation channels.

Swiss Authorities Arrest 10 Nigerian-Linked Black Axe Members is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Security operatives have foiled a bandit attack on a community watch and hunters’ base in Sukunkumi village, Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources said the incident occurred around 7:30 pm on March 26, when about 15 heavily armed bandits on motorcycles attempted to overrun the facility.

According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the sources said security teams quickly moved to the area and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes.

The sources added that three motorcycles were recovered at the scene, including two that had earlier been taken from hunters during the clash.

They further stated that a Community Watch member, Yusuf Ibrahim, 30, sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and was taken to General Hospital Kankia for treatment.

The sources also said patrols and clearance operations have been stepped up in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.

Security operatives foil bandit attack in Katsina

Paris Saint-Germain secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich in a breathtaking UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at the Parc des Princes, in a match widely described as one of the most thrilling encounters in the competition’s history.

The pulsating contest delivered nine goals, relentless attacking football, and a result that leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg in Munich.

Bayern struck first in the 17th minute after a lively start to the game. A surging run by Luis Díaz forced a foul inside the box, allowing Harry Kane to calmly convert from the penalty spot for his 13th goal of the Champions League campaign.

PSG responded swiftly. Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drew the hosts level in the 24th minute with a brilliant solo effort, weaving through Bayern’s defence before curling a precise finish into the far corner.

The momentum continued to swing as João Neves put PSG ahead in the 33rd minute, powering in a header from a corner to make it 2-1. But Bayern hit back before the break, with Michael Olise producing a composed finish in the 41st minute to restore parity.

There was still time for more drama in a remarkable first half. PSG were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for handball against Alphonso Davies, and Ousmane Dembélé stepped up to convert in stoppage time, handing the French side a 3-2 lead at halftime.

The second half resumed at a similarly frenetic pace, and PSG appeared to take control with a quick-fire double.

Kvaratskhelia grabbed his second in the 56th minute, finishing from close range after a clever attacking move, before Dembélé struck again just two minutes later to extend the lead to 5-2.

At that point, PSG looked to have one foot in the final, with Bayern struggling to cope with the hosts’ attacking intensity and fluid movement.

However, the German champions mounted a spirited comeback to keep the tie alive. Defender Dayot Upamecano headed in from a set-piece in the 65th minute to reduce the deficit, and Luis Díaz added another just three minutes later with a sharp finish following a well-crafted move involving Kane.

Bayern pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, creating several chances as PSG’s defence came under sustained pressure. But the hosts held on to secure a narrow advantage heading into the second leg.

The match was notable not just for the scoreline but for the quality and tempo of play, with both sides displaying attacking flair and tactical boldness.

The nine-goal thriller is among the highest-scoring semi-final first legs in Champions League history.

PSG manager Luis Enrique will be encouraged by his team’s attacking output but may have concerns about defensive lapses that allowed Bayern back into the game.

Meanwhile, Bayern will take confidence from their late resurgence as they prepare to host the decisive return fixture.

With just one goal separating the two sides, the second leg at the Allianz Arena promises to be another high-stakes encounter, as both European heavyweights battle for a place in the Champions League final.

PSG Edge Bayern 5-4 In Nine-Goal Champions League Classic is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Security forces have rescued 17 abducted pupils and students in Kogi State, while nine others, including two women, are still being held by their captors.

In a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, he cited security sources who said the victims were freed after sustained operations by joint security teams following a reported abduction on April 27.

The sources disclosed that those rescued include Sultan, Zeidah, Ahmed, Yusuf, Farooq, Museen, Mustapha, Hasheem, Mohammed, Toheer, Abdulmumin, Abdulazeem, Mahmud, Ameerah, Firdaus, Tabarakallah, and Ibrahim.

The sources further revealed that nine others remain in captivity. They include Habibullah, Shakir, Ahmed, Abdulhammed, Mubarak, Sultannah, and Zulaiha, as well as the wives of the school proprietor identified as Nana-Hawa and Halimat.

“The victims were rescued following sustained operations by joint security forces after a reported abduction on April 27,” the sources said.

They added that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims, noting that security operatives have intensified bush-combing operations and are actively tracking the kidnappers.

According to the sources, personnel have also been deployed to key locations, with stop-and-search operations currently ongoing along major routes, including Kabba Junction and Zariagi.

The sources also stated that patrols, intelligence gathering, and surveillance activities have been stepped up.

17 pupils freed, 9 Still missing in Kogi abduction

The European Union on Tuesday condemned Iran’s continued use of capital punishment for domestic dissent and called on the authorities to end the practice immediately.

“The current pace of executions in Iran is appalling,” the EU protests, advising the Iranian leadership to pursue a consistent policy towards the abolition of the death penalty.

The alliance argued that the death penalty is incompatible with the inalienable right to life and the absolute prohibition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment.

The EU urged Iran to release all those unjustly arrested and uphold its obligations under international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

A new video leaked showed the moment six dissidents sang songs of resistance within the premises of the notorious Ghezel Hesar prison before they were hanged.

The political prisoners were identified as Abolhassan Montazer, Akbar Daneshvarkar, Babak Alipour, Mohammad Taghavi, Pouya Ghobadi, and Vahid Baniamerian.

On Tuesday, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office summoned the Iranian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Seyed Ali Mousavi.

The Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, said the action was in response to the Iranian diplomatic mission’s “inflammatory comments on social media.”

Falconer insists such remarks were unacceptable​ and asked the embassy to stop communications that could be interpreted as encouraging violence in ​Britain or internationally.

​The UK did not specify the comment but this month on Telegram, the Iranian embassy encouraged Iranians in Britain to volunteer to sacrifice their lives to defend their country.

EU condemns Iran executions as UK summons ambassador

Paris Saint-Germain beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night.

The game, which has been billed as the final before the final, did not fail to provide goals.

It was Bayern who opened the scoring at the Parc des Princes, with Harry Kane converting from the penalty spot.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made it 1-1, before Joao Neves headed PSG into the lead.

Michael Olise thought he had levelled ahead of the interval, but the hosts were awarded a penalty and Ousmane Dembele made no mistakes from the spot.

After the break, PSG scored twice through Kvaratskhelia and Dembele, before Bayern fought back with Dayot Upamecano and Luis Diaz.

The return leg will be played at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday.

Champions League: PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in thrilling semi-final first leg

The 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has described Hakeem Baba-Ahmed of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) as a significant political figure who could pose a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Datti made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

According to him, many people have underestimated Hakeem Baba-Ahmed despite his experience and political strength.

“If there is anything that is a threat to Tinubu 2027, it is Dr Hakeem and PRP,” he said. “People don’t know him. They have underestimated him. He means business.”

Datti went on to highlight Baba-Ahmed’s background, describing him as a seasoned public servant and intellectual with years of experience.

“He rose through the ranks, all the records are there. He is not there for money. He means what he is doing,” he said.

He also criticised the APC, saying the party made a mistake by underestimating Baba-Ahmed.

“APC made a very bad mistake. They don’t know who Hakeem is,” he said.

Datti tips Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, PRP to challenge APC in 2027

The 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has again insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) did not win the last presidential election.

Datti made the claim on Tuesday during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television.

“I repeat, APC did not win the 2023 election. Labour Party won the election,” he said.

He acknowledged that the courts had given judgment on the matter but maintained that the outcome does not reflect what he believes happened.

“The courts have the power to do all and everything. You don’t have to win elections; the court can say you won and it stays,” he said.

Datti said he still stands by his earlier warning that allowing the election outcome to stand could affect Nigeria’s democracy.

“I told Nigerians that if you allow that election to stay, that would be the end of democracy. I still humbly remain by that,” he said.

He accused the government of failing in key areas, including security and the economy, while focusing more on weakening opposition parties.

“You have a regime whose primary purpose has been the destabilisation of other political parties,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria’s resources should have been used to improve the lives of citizens rather than being used in political battles.

“At the expense of what they should have done, providing security, improving our economy, they are focused on other things,” he added.

When asked about evidence to support claims that the ruling party is behind crises in opposition parties, Datti said the discussion was not a legal process.

“We are not in a court of law. This is political commentary. Of course, we’ve got evidence,” he said.

He also said the government’s performance in office supports his position.

“They have failed in providing security. They have failed in improving our lives. That is enough,” he said.

Despite the court rulings, Datti said people still have the right to hold their own views about the election outcome.

“You can accept it, but you don’t have to agree with it,” he said.

APC did not win 2023 election – Datti Baba-Ahmed insists