The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has urged the federal government to harness the power of technology to strengthen its security framework and build a safer, more resilient Nigeria.

Bradley Markwald, the embassy’s senior regional security officer, said this at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of ASIS International, Chapter 273, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Markwald noted that with Nigeria’s vast population, rich resources, and extensive geographic expanse, safeguarding national security presents complex challenges and unique opportunities.

“By incorporating satellite-based imagery from platforms like the NigeriaSat-X and the European Space Agency’s Copernicus programme, we can monitor vast swathes of land, borders, and critical infrastructure in real-time.

“Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, equipped with thermal imaging and Al-powered tracking software, can be deployed for surveillance in remote areas, providing intelligence on movements and activities of potential security threats.

“The integration of sensor networks along Nigeria’s borders, highways, and ports could offer a proactive approach to security by detecting unusual activity such as unauthorised vehicle movements or crossing of borders in real-time,” Mr Markwald said.

He added that technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors could alert authorities to possible incursions or natural disasters that may threaten national security.

According to him, these tools would not only enhance defensive posture but also help keep Nigerian citizens and businesses safer by enabling timely interventions.

The security expert also called for modernising border control, adding that effective border control was essential to Nigeria’s national security strategy and that technology could significantly improve this area.

Mr Markwald said that the United Arab Emirates had implemented an eGate system that employs facial and fingerprint recognition to streamline immigration while enhancing security.

He added that for Nigeria, adopting cost-effective solutions like Suprema ID’s BioMini Slim 3 fingerprint scanners could make a significant difference.

The governing body of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation has reappointed Mr Robert Floyd as its executive secretary.

The statement indicated that Mr Floyd’s reappointment reaffirmed his leadership for a second term and that the extension would ensure he continues through 2029.

The organisation disclosed this in a statement by Gunnar Vrang, CTBTO’s spokesman.

Commenting on the outcome of the 63rd Preparatory Commission session on Wednesday in Vienna, the organisation said it had banned all nuclear explosions everywhere, by everyone, and for all times.

It added that adherence to the treaty is nearly universal, with 187 signatories and 178 ratifying states.

To enter into force, the organisation said, the treaty must be ratified by all 44 countries listed in its Annex 2, for which nine ratifications are still required.

Mr Floyd said, “I am truly honoured and I look forward to continuing our important work together with member states, advancing our shared mission of a nuclear-test-free world and a world of peace and security, now and for generations to come.

“I will remain focused on working with all of you to secure the entry into force of this critical treaty. In times of global uncertainty, it is essential that we protect and strengthen what we have built together: this organisation, our work, the International Monitoring System (IMS), and the invaluable skills within our team.”

The CTBTO chief also outlined several key priorities for his second term, including establishing and certifying the remaining IMS facilities. He emphasised the importance of sustaining the unique global monitoring network and expanding capacity-building opportunities for states that have signed the CTBT.

He also highlighted the upcoming On-Site Inspection Integrated Field Exercise (IFE) in Sri Lanka, designed to rigorously test the application of OSI techniques, mechanisms, systems, and procedures as a critical step in further developing verification capabilities.

Mr Floyd reiterated his commitment to promoting diversity, known as “the three Gs” – ensuring geographic, gender and generational representation across the organisation.

Mr Floyd, an International Gender Champion network, has led the CTBTO since August 2021. Before joining the organisation, he served as director-general of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), Australia’s authority on treaties that control weapons of mass destruction.

Governor Babagana Zulum has approved the reinstatement of 23 health workers previously suspended for being absent from duty at Gwoza General Hospital.

Mr Zulum gave the approval on Tuesday while inspecting the hospital’s newly renovated maternity and child centre and other ongoing projects.

The workers were initially suspended after the governor found them absent during a previous visit.

“Complaints were made about the 23 medical workers who were absent during my last visit. No one is perfect, so the government has pardoned them, although no arrears will be paid,” stated the governor.

Addressing the staff, Mr Zulum emphasised the importance of dedication to duty and assured them of improved working conditions and incentives.

In response to a staffing shortage revealed by Nuhu Wakawa, the hospital’s principal medical officer, Mr Zulum directed the immediate deployment of four additional doctors and ten nurses.

He also announced plans to upgrade the hospital to train nursing students from the new nursing school under construction.

“The commissioner for health and the chief medical director of the Hospitals Management Board will handle this deployment,” he added.

He, however, promised to recruit community health workers from Gwoza to strengthen local healthcare.

During his visit, Mr Zulum inspected a crusher plant under construction in Pulka, which is expected to produce up to 300 tonnes of stone per hour and will support new road networks across Borno.

He also visited a 500-unit mass housing project in Wala B, Gwoza LGA, and the proposed site for a high Islamic school in Bama.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure and educational development.

A federal judge in Louisiana has suspended a contentious law that sought to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms.

The legislation passed earlier this year and was seen as a bold move by the state, making Louisiana the first in decades to mandate such religious displays in schools.

The ruling, issued by U.S. District Court Judge John W. deGravelles, declared the law unconstitutional.

Judge deGravelles, appointed by then-President Barack Obama, stated that the law, set to go into effect on January 1, 2024, would force students to view religious texts daily without any practical way to avoid them.

In his ruling, the judge described the law as “coercive,” arguing that it imposed an undue burden on students’ rights.

He noted that while the state could explore other ways of teaching about the Ten Commandments, requiring their display in classrooms was excessive.

The law would have required every public school classroom, elementary through college, to display posters of the Ten Commandments, at least 11 by 14 inches in size, with the commandments prominently featured.

The posters would also have included a statement highlighting the historical role of the commandments in early American education.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican, responded swiftly, announcing plans to appeal the decision.

She expressed confidence that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, known for its conservative leanings, would take a different view.

Supporters of the law, largely conservative Christian groups, have framed the legislation to reaffirm the Ten Commandments’ historical importance in American culture and education.

However, opponents argue that it violates the constitutional separation of church and state.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday returned to Abuja from an official trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he attended the Joint Arab-Islamic summit.

The president arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at about 8:00 p.m. and was welcomed by members of his administration.

Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff, and Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, were on hand to welcome Mr Tinubu.

Others were FCT minister Nyesom Wike and APC national chair Abdullahi Ganduje.

Mr Tinubu was accompanied on the trip by foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, and information minister Mohammed Idris.

Also in the president’s entourage was NOA boss Mohammed Mohammed.

United States President-elect Donald Trump has announced that tech billionaire Elon Musk will serve in the Department of Government Efficiency.

Musk will be joined by American patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, and together they will lead the department.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Trump on Tuesday, 12th November 2024, which was shared via Musk’s X handle early on Wednesday.

The Republican noted that their appointments will help his administration “dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excessive regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies.”

Trump, 78, who defeated Vice President and Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential election, added that the department, popularly called DOGE, would work with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large-scale structural reform and create an entrepreneurial approach to government never seen before.”

The statement read, “I am pleased to announce that the great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (‘DOGE’). Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excessive regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies — essential to the ‘Save America’ movement. This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in government waste, which is a lot of people!” stated Mr Musk.

“It will become, potentially, ‘The Manhattan Project’ of our time. Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of ‘DOGE’ for a very long time. To drive this kind of drastic change, the Department of Government Efficiency will provide advice and guidance from outside of government and will partner with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to drive large-scale structural reform and create an entrepreneurial approach to government never seen before.”

“I look forward to Elon and Vivek making changes to the federal bureaucracy with an eye on efficiency and, at the same time, making life better for all Americans. Importantly, we will drive out the massive waste and fraud that exists throughout our annual $6.5 trillion of government spending. They will work together to liberate our economy and make the US government accountable to ‘We the People.’”

“Their work will conclude no later than 4th July 2026. A smaller government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. I am confident they will succeed!”

Musk, the owner of social media platform X, electric car manufacturer Tesla, and internet company Starlink, was vocal in his support for the Trump-Vance presidential ticket in the last election.

He donated $75 million to the pro-Trump spending group, according to Reuters.

Other appointees in Trump’s cabinet include:

Lee Zeldin — Environmental Protection Agency Administrator
Mike Waltz — National Security Advisor
Susie Wiles — White House Chief of Staff
Tom Homan — Border Czar
Elise Stefanik — Ambassador to the United Nations
Stephen Miller — Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy

Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for rescue operations in Taraba State have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers.

The kidnappers were reportedly apprehended after a distress call from residents of Chachanji village regarding the abduction of two individuals by a group of around 10 armed men on motorcycles on 7 November.

In a statement posted on X.com on Tuesday, the army said 14 motorcycles, two bags of Indian hemp, and a locally made pistol were recovered during the rescue operation.

The statement partly read, “Upon making contact with the armed group, the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to withdraw deep into the bush, leaving behind their locally fabricated pistol and two bags of Indian hemp.

“The troops’ thorough exploitation of the area prevented further criminal activity and disrupted the kidnappers’ operations.”

The statement, however, revealed that in a follow-up operation, the troops arrested the 12 suspects and seized 14 motorcycles at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village, close to Agu Centre, on 9 November.

“During an intensive investigation, the arrested suspects admitted to being part of the kidnapping operation and identified their leader as Veior John Gata, a notorious terrorist who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for orchestrating criminal activities in parts of southern Taraba and Benue states,” the statement added.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in a fatal truck accident in the Aiyetoro area of Epe, Lagos State, on Monday.

In a post on X.com on Tuesday, Sanwo-Olu extended his condolences to the families affected by the accident.

He wrote, “I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences in light of the tragic traffic accident that occurred in the Aiyetoro area of Epe, Lagos State, yesterday, Monday, 11 November 2024.

“Reports indicate that a cement truck suffered brake failure, resulting in the unfortunate loss of lives and injuries sustained.

“With deep sorrow, I extend my sympathies to the families of those affected. I also pray for the departed souls and for the speedy recovery of those injured.

“May the families find solace in the love and support surrounding them, and may the cherished memories of their loved ones bring them some comfort as they navigate their grief.”

Ten people have lost their lives and one sustained injuries in a fatal road accident at Yanfari village in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Tuesday.

Adam said the accident, which occurred on Monday, involved a Toyota Hummer bus and a parked trailer.

He explained that the accident happened when the Toyota Hummer bus with registration number HDJ 631 YDD, travelling from Kano to Hadejia, collided with a parked trailer with registration number RGN180 ZC, causing the bus to somersault.

He stated, “The Jigawa State Police Command regrets to announce that on 12 November 2024, at about 21:30 hrs, a fatal motor vehicle accident occurred in Yanfari village, Taura LGA, along the Kano/Hadejia Road.”

According to him, the driver of the vehicle and nine other passengers died at the scene, while one passenger sustained injuries.

“Upon receipt of the tragic report, the patrol team attached to Taura Division rushed to the scene, where 10 bodies were evacuated to Hadejia General Hospital for medical examinations.

“The attending doctor certified them dead, while the remaining passenger was admitted to Majia Primary Health Care Centre and is responding to treatment,” he said.

He added that an investigation has commenced to determine the cause of the accident.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is expected to present the 2025 budget before the state House of Assembly on Wednesday.

The Speaker of the House, Adewale Egbedun, disclosed this on Tuesday during plenary.

According to Mr Egbedun, the governor forwarded a letter dated November 11, with a title “Laying of Year 2025 Draft Budget of Osun State before the House,” to the assembly, intimating the Speaker and state lawmakers of the budget presentation.

The letter read, “I am pleased to inform the distinguished members of the Osun State House of Assembly through the Honourable Speaker of our intention to lay the 2025 draft budget of the state before the house on Wednesday, November 13, having concluded its preparation and approved by the state executive council. This is to confirm with the extant rules and regulations which stipulates that such draft budget should be presented to the House for approval at the end of the year preceding the commencement of the budget implementation.’’

A minute of silence was, however, observed for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, after his tribute was read by Adekunle Oladimeji, the lawmaker representing Irepodun/Orolu State Constituency, where Lagbaja hailed from.

The House thereafter deliberated on the Osun State Property Protection Bill 2024 which eventually scaled first reading, while “Osun State Drug and Medical Supply Management Agency Establishment Bill 2024’ policy thrust was read by the Majority Leader, Babajide Kofoworola.

The Drug and Medical Supply Management Agency Establishment Bill was passed for second reading after lawmakers made contributions and stated the advantages of having the agency in the state.

The house later dissolved into the “committee of whole” where they further considered and deliberated on the Osun State Consumer Protection Agency Establishment Bill 2024.

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has filed a lawsuit against Baltasar Engonga, the former Director General of the country’s National Financial Investigation Agency, for alleged misconduct in connection with a sex tape scandal.

The government stated that the actions of the ex-anti-graft agency chief “violate the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.”

Through the Minister of Information, Press, and Culture, Jerónimo Osa Osa, the government made this known over the weekend.

In a public address covered by local media platform Ahora EG, the Minister of Information announced that the Equatorial Guinean Government, through the State Attorney General’s Office, would initiate a thorough investigation into the acts committed by Baltasar Ebang Engonga.

Ahora EG reported, “This decision comes after several videos went viral in which Ebang Engonga is seen having sexual relations with multiple women, some of whom are married.”

The government reacted on Friday in an official statement, condemning these acts as “violations of the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.”

The government has consequently announced the initiation of legal proceedings against Ebang Engonga and his accomplices through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, aiming to hold them accountable before the law.

“In light of these serious events, which severely undermine family and social cohesion, and considering the negative impact that this situation has on the good image of our country, tarnishing its reputation, the government, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, has commenced a thorough investigation to establish responsibilities at the administrative, civil, and criminal levels, given the possibility of a public health impact,” reported the government spokesperson.

The government further stated it would assess various parameters, such as the distinction between personal and private spheres, prior consent (explicit or implicit), violations of privacy, damage to individuals’ honour and prestige, and the rights of those harmed by these events, including the state itself.

The Lagos government says it will require an investment of $14 billion to $33 billion to meet its energy generation needs by 2030.

Kamaldeen Balogun, general manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board, disclosed this at the 15th Ralph Alabi Memorial Lecture and Induction of new corporate members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers Ikeja Chapter.

Mr Balogun, an engineer, while delivering a keynote address at the event, said that the figure was obtained from the Lagos Bureau of Statistics.

According to him, energy supply is currently Lagos’ single biggest infrastructure and developmental challenge.

He also said that the state receives only 1,000 megawatts daily for an average of 12 hours, against the required 9,000 megawatts.

The general manager noted that this was in the light of the 2023 Electricity Act, which gave powers to the states to generate, transmit and distribute energy within their jurisdiction.

Mr Balogun explained that the Lagos power sector offers opportunities in Independent Power Plants, renewable energy, especially solar, off-grid and mini-grid solutions for underserved areas, and energy storage systems to improve reliability.

He stated that the gas-to-power projects and smart grid technologies also present lucrative investments, expanding distribution networks, adding that public-private partnerships would further drive growth.

Mr Balogun said emerging sectors like electric vehicle infrastructure and waste-to-energy projects offer long-term potential.

“The power deficit in the state, the plans and target of the government create vast investment opportunities in the generation, transmission, distribution and retailing sectors of the power value chain.

“The Lagos Electricity Market Implementation Plan aims to enhance power generation and distribution by promoting private sector involvement and independent power producers. This is to generate 3000MW of electricity to power Lagos State communities within the next 30 months,” he said.

According to him, the electricity market implementation plan focuses on grid modernisation and upgrading infrastructure with smart technologies to improve reliability and efficiency.

The plan encourages renewable energy integration of 1000Mw of power, emphasising solar and off-grid solutions to diversify the energy mix.

The government of the Dominican Republic arrested two Nigerians last weekend following credible intelligence reports that they were suspected drug dealers.

Having ingested scores of bags of cocaine, both men, aged 50 and 44, were scheduled to depart the Caribbean nation to travel to Paris, France, on the same aircraft, but the security operatives aborted their plans.

Agents of the National Directorate of Drug Control (DNCD) examined the suspects using an X-ray machine, which revealed they were carrying foreign substances.

The X-ray scan prompted the agents to transfer them to the Central Hospital of the Armed Forces to determine the foreign substance and force it out.

Healthcare professionals initiated the procedure to extract the substances, and the suspects excreted 150 bags of cocaine, setting them up for prosecution and trial.

But DNCD officials are widening the investigation net to identify other persons that might be connected to the drug trafficking scheme.

Abia State government says it is now an offence for parents in the state not to send their children and wards to school starting from January 1, 2025.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu disclosed this at the Government House, Umuahia, on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu, who said that the decision was part of the ongoing reforms in the educational sector of the state, stated that the issue of poverty is no longer a reason for non-acquisition of free and basic education in Abia State.

He stressed the need for parents to take advantage of the tuition-free policy in the state to send their children and wards to school, warning that defaulting parents would be prosecuted in line with the Abia State Child’s Law 2006.

“In line with the Abia State Child’s Law 2006, it will now be an offence for parents not to send their children and wards to school in Abia State.

“Education is free in Abia State up till the end of Junior Secondary School. There is no reason whatsoever why parents will not send their children to school.

“So, as from the first of January, 2025 when this policy will fully come into effect, defaulting parents will be prosecuted under that law,” he disclosed.

The Commissioner reiterated that the relocation order of the Umuahia campus of the Abia State University to the mother campus at Uturu remained irreversible but assured all affected stakeholders that fears and anxieties generated by the relocation order would be addressed.

He further stated that Governor Otti has directed the state Commissioner for Works to ensure that the failing flyover at Osisioma, constructed by the immediate past administration, is repaired without delay to safeguard the lives of Abians and other road users.

Four young men have died mysteriously at a river in Ekiti community.

The four men, who reportedly came from Lagos for an event in Okemesi-Ekiti, a major town in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti, now Headquarters of Okemesi-Ido-Ile LCDA, were said to have drowned on Sunday, while swimming in Osun River, along Ajindo, Ikoro-Ekiti Road, Okemesi Ekiti.

It was, however, not clear how exactly the adult men got drowned, especially at a near dry season period.

As of the time of filing this report, the names of the young men were unknown.

However, it was gathered that two of the deceased were from Aworogun household in Okemesi-Ekiti, while the other two were from Lagos State.

Confirming the report on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) of the Police Command in Ekiti, DSP Sunday Abutu, said investigations had begun, to unravel the actual cause of death of the four men.

According to the police image maker, “A distress report, received on 10/11/2024, has it that on the same date, a 23-year-old, and a 25-year-old, natives of Okemesi-Ekiti went to River Osun Ajindo/Idoile road to swim alongside two of their friends that came from Lagos State to attend a burial ceremony, which took place at Okemesi.

“The four young men unfortunately drowned.

“Their bodies have been recovered, and deposited in the morgue, while investigation is underway.”

A 55-year-old man, identified as Olubunmi Johnson, has been apprehended by operatives of the Ogun State police command for allegedly setting his wife ablaze in Ota area of the State.

The incident occurred at about 8:30 pm on Friday, following a disagreement between the couple at their residence in Fagbuyi Street, Ilogbo.

The suspect was said to have doused his wife, Kikelomo, with petrol and set her on fire.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident said the command was alerted by the victim’s relatives.

Odutola noted that while the circumstances leading to the dispute were still unclear, the victim was rushed to the hospital by a witness.

She stated that Johnson had been arrested, and an investigation into the case as an attempted murder had begun.

“The police officers from the Ilogbo Division quickly took action, resulting in the arrest of the 55-year-old suspect.

“The husband doused his wife’s body with petrol and set her on fire with a match. Witnesses to the incident immediately rushed her to the hospital.

“Upon receiving the report, our detectives quickly took action and arrested the husband, who has since been detained,” Odutola added.

Five people were killed and one woman injured in the Ukrainian southern city of Mykolaiv as a result of a Russian drone attack, Governor Vitalii Kim said on Telegram early on Monday.

Fires in two buildings have been extinguished, and several residential buildings have been damaged, Mr Kim said, adding that five Russian drones were shot down in the Mykolaiv area.

In the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhya, one person was killed in Russian bombing raids, the military governor of the region, Ivan Fedorov, said on his Telegram channel.

Another 21 people were injured. A total of at least three glide bombs hit the city, he said.

Ukraine has been battling a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has confirmed the death of three people as a truck rammed into vehicles and a building.

LAMATA disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

An 11-second video posted on X by LAMATA showed the damage caused by the crash.

A building at Lagos Road in Ayetoro was affected.

The agency said, “A fatal accident occurred due to a brake failure of a truck descending from Ita-Opo and hit a commercial Tricycle and a parked Toyota Camry, then also rammed into the Ayetoro Market/Complex.”

“Three lives were lost, and they’ve been taken to the morgue at Epe General Hospital.”

The agency said a tow truck was on the ground to evacuate the affected vehicles while traffic had been diverted.

The Yobe government says it will suspend the use of fossil fuels for solar energy to provide power for public secondary schools in the state in 2025.

Baba Malam-Wali, the Secretary to the State Government, disclosed this to reporters during an inspection of some ongoing government projects in schools in Nguru on Monday.

Some schools visited include Government Higher Islamic College, Nguru, Government Day Secondary School Gashua, Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe Campus, and Government Girls Unity College Damaturu.

He said the move was part of the government’s broader plan to improve the state’s education quality.

Mr Malam-Wali highlighted the state government’s multi-faceted approach to educational reform, citing several key initiatives undertaken since 2019, including decongestion of schools.

He said the government had constructed new model schools to address overcrowding in urban areas and has collaborated with traditional rulers to improve pupils’ enrolment in primary schools in rural areas.

The SSG also said the state government paid fees for candidates for the 2025 West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) and National Examination Council (NECO), ensuring no financial burden on parents.

He added that the state had also established additional secondary schools for girls, empowering young women to pursue their academic aspirations without hindrance.

Mr Malam-wali further said the Yobe government had invested heavily in school rehabilitation, including the provision of furniture and other essential facilities.

The SSG said the state free feeding programme for secondary school students was underway, costing the government about N500 million monthly.

Some principals of secondary schools visited in Nguru, who spoke on behalf of their colleagues, expressed gratitude to the state government for its unwavering support.

The principals acknowledged the positive impact of government initiatives on student enrolment, academic performance, and overall school infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Rajab Ismail, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe Council, who led the team of journalists on the inspection, emphasised the importance of accurate and unbiased reporting.

US President-elect Donald Trump spoke to Russian leader Vladimir Putin and urged him not to escalate the war in Ukraine, The Washington Post reported Sunday.

Trump held the call from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Thursday, just days after his stunning election victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris, the report said.

Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, did not confirm the exchange, telling AFP in a written statement that “we do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders.”

The Post, citing several people familiar with the call who spoke on the basis of anonymity, reported that Trump had reminded Putin of America’s sizable military presence in Europe.

They said he also expressed an interest in further conversations to discuss “the resolution of Ukraine’s war soon.”

Trump also spoke by phone with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday and the pair “agreed to work together towards a return to peace in Europe,” according to Scholz’s spokesman.

Trump’s election is set to have a major bearing on the almost three-year Ukraine conflict, as he insists on a quick end to the fighting and casts doubt on Washington’s multi-billion dollar support for Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Trump on Wednesday, with the Republican’s billionaire backer Elon Musk also notably joining them on the call.

The outgoing Democratic administration of President Joe Biden has confirmed that it will send as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

On Sunday, Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the White House aims “to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is ultimately in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table.”

This would include using the remaining $6 billion of funding for Ukraine available, Sullivan said.