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Lagos State Government has released a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at improving digital safety for

A social media post has sparked widespread reactions after alleging that several top government officials failed to attend the funeral of a senior military officer killed in action, opting instead to attend a wedding ceremony in Borno State.

The post, shared by Malam Ahmadu on X, claimed that “10 governors and the Vice President are in Borno for a wedding”, while they “did not attend the funeral of a General protecting Borno.”

The claim referenced the burial of Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who commanded the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai. He was among the soldiers killed during insurgent attacks in Maiduguri on April 15.

Footage and images aired by Channels Television showed troops standing guard and conducting full military burial rites for the late commander and other fallen soldiers.

The development has triggered debate online, with some users questioning the priorities of political leaders during a period of ongoing security challenges, while others urged caution, noting that official schedules and security protocols may influence attendance at such events.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the vice president’s office or the offices of the governors mentioned in the viral claim.

Security analysts say the incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding public perception of leadership, especially in regions heavily affected by insurgency.

Governors, VP criticised over alleged wedding attendance amid slain general’s burial

Senator Aliyu Wadada, the governorship candidate reportedly backed by Governor Abdullahi Sule for the Nasarawa State election, has visited former governor Tanko Al-Makura to seek his support just hours after Al-Makura criticised the process that produced him.

Al-Makura had earlier faulted Sule for not consulting him before endorsing Wadada and for presenting the candidate to the President prematurely.

In a video posted on the X handle of @NigAffairs, Wadada struck a conciliatory tone during the visit, praising the former governor’s leadership and appealing for unity.

“All the people that are here, and the ones that are not here, they thank you, they thank you for your patience,” Wadada said. “I mentioned patience three times; you and I know what I mean.”

He continued by acknowledging Al-Makura’s role in the state’s development: “After being grateful for your patience, we want to thank you for your leadership. You led this state and have laid a foundation. There’s no gainsaying that the foundation you laid was laid for me.”

Al-Makura, who had earlier opposed Wadada’s nomination, reportedly laughed at that point, drawing laughter and applause from those present.

Wadada also stressed the importance of protecting lives in the state, switching briefly to Hausa to underline his message: “Your Excellency, all of us here are saddled with the responsibility of protecting the lives of those in Nasarawa; you have that responsibility more than us.”

He explained that the former governor bears greater responsibility, having been among those consulted during the creation of Nasarawa State.

The senator appealed to Al-Makura to remain patient and maintain open communication with him, as he also prayed for the former governor’s good health and for lasting peace in the state.

Recall that Tanko Al-Makura has frowned at the nomination of Wadada, insisting that he was not consulted on the matter.

Wadada seeks Al-Makura’s backing after Gov Sule’s endorsement sparks tension

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has declared a force majeure on the Ikeja West–Osogbo 330kV transmission line after a severe rainstorm disrupted operations along the corridor.

In a statement, the company said the incident occurred on Thursday, April 16, 2026, when the line tripped during the storm due to a fault.

According to TCN, the fault was traced to a point about 14.9 kilometres from the Ikeja West (Ayobo) end of the line.

Further checks by maintenance teams showed that Tower No. 515 collapsed during the storm, with the structure breaking at its midsection.

The development affected the transmission line, prompting the company to activate emergency measures.

TCN said it has begun moving materials and deploying personnel to the site for the reconstruction of the damaged tower. At the same time, engineers are working to dismantle the fallen structure to allow for safe and quick repairs.

The company, however, assured that efforts are underway to stabilise power transmission in the affected corridor.

“We assure that we will work assidously to restore flexibility and redundancy in that corridor as alternative line is still in service evacuating bulk power. Updates will be provided as work progresses,” the statement said.

TCN noted that while the damaged line is being fixed, another transmission line remains operational and is still carrying bulk electricity supply.

The company added that updates will be provided as repair work continues.

Major power line hit by storm in Lagos, TCN activates emergency response

Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has threatened that its members will embark on a total and indefinite strike acros

Paris Saint-Germain have registered their interest in signing Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, PSG have placed Martinelli on their shortlist as they look to reinforce their attacking options ahead of the summer window.

The report added that Luis Campos, the club’s football advisor, has already held talks with the Brazilian’s representatives about a potential move to the French capital.

In addition, PSG have also discussed a deal for RB Leipzig’s highly rated 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

Martinelli, who joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano for just £6 million back in 2019, is currently in his seventh season at the Emirates Stadium.

The 24-year-old has made over 271 appearances for the Gunners and has found the net 62 times.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Arsenal may be willing to part ways with Martinelli this summer, and would also listen to offers for the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Ligue1: PSG to sign Arsenal star

Kelechi Iheanacho fired a brace as Celtic thrashed St. Mirren 6-2 to book a place in the final of the Scottish Cup.

Iheanacho replaced Yang Hyun-jun in the 83rd minute.

Celtic led 2-0 through goals from Daizen Maeda, and Anthony Ralston.

Mikaël Mandron however scored twice for St. Mirren in the second half to send the game into extra -time.

Iheanacho fired Celtic in front again in the 96th minute.

The Nigeria international scored his second of the game in the 101th minute.

The 29-year-old has now scored six goals across all competitions for the Hoops this season.

Scottish Cup: Iheanacho’s brace powers Celtic to final

U.S. federal authorities have arrested Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old Iranian national and lawful permanent resident, at Los Angeles International Airport over her alleged role in an arms trafficking scheme linked to Tehran.

Prosecutors say Mafi, who resides in Woodland Hills, California, acted as an intermediary in arranging sales of Iranian-manufactured military equipment to foreign buyers.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, she allegedly brokered sales of Iranian-manufactured military equipment, including Mohajer-6 armed drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition, destined for Sudan’s Ministry of Defense.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the arrest, stating that Mafi is accused of violating 50 U.S.C. § 1705. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Mafi became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in 2016. Court documents reference her alleged involvement in a multimillion-dollar drone deal, including one reportedly valued at over $70 million.

She is scheduled to make her initial appearance in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles on Monday afternoon, April 20, 2026.

Mafi is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The case remains under investigation, and further details are expected as the federal complaint proceeds.

U.S. Arrests Iranian Woman In Alleged Sudan Arms Trafficking Case is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 13 passengers abducted from a Benue Links commercial bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the victims were among 17 passengers kidnapped last Wednesday while travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo in Benue

More details later 

Virgil van Dijk scored a dramatic 100th-minute winner as Liverpool won the first Premier League Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Beto had cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s strike for Everton before Van Dijk got on the end of Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner in added time.

Just two minutes after Everton had Iliman Ndiaye’s goal disallowed for offside, Salah got on the end of Cody Gakpo’s ball to give Arne Slot’s side the lead against the run of play in the first-half.

David Moyes’ side equalised when Beto got on the end of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s ball, before Van Dijk got the winner in the 248th instalment of this historic rivalry.

Liverpool are seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea and in a strong position to secure Champions League football next season.

Everton started strongly and came close, with Giorgi Mamardashvili making important saves to deny Beto and James Garner.

They thought they had taken the lead when Ndiaye’s strike hit the back of the net in the 27th minute and the home fans went wild, but the video assistant referee (VAR) deemed that Jake O’Brien was offside in the build-up and the goal was disallowed.

Two minutes later the majority of the stadium was silenced after Dwight McNeil lost the ball in his own half and Gakpo combined with Salah, who scored his ninth goal in a Merseyside derby. No player in the Premier League era has more.

Everton were gifted a way back into the game as Liverpool were punished for some sloppy defending when Beto got on the end of Dewsbury-Hall’s ball across goal.

To make matters worse for Liverpool, Mamardashvili was injured when Everton equalised and, with Alisson Becker sidelined, on came Freddie Woodman for his first appearance in a Premier League game since 2021, when he played for Newcastle.

The 29-year-old was tested by Ndiaye as both managers made changes in their search for a winner, with Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha blazing over in added time.

In the 10th minute of 11 added on, Van Dijk scored to break Everton hearts.

Liverpool have scored six 90th-minute winners against Everton in the Premier League – the most for one side against any team in the competition’s history.

Van Dijk’s 100th-Winner Sinks Everton is first published on The Whistler Newspaper