On February 3, 2026, a devastating terrorist attack struck the Woro and Nuku communities in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Gunmen, identified by officials as either Boko Haram or the Islamic State-affiliated Lakurawa group, massacred at least 170 people and abducted dozens after residents reportedly rejected demands to adopt extremist ideologies. United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the "heinous" attack and reaffirmed the UN's unwavering solidarity with Nigeria in its fight against terrorism. In an X post, Antonio Guterres said, “I strongly condemn the terrorist attack of 3 February in Kwara State, Nigeria. “My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims & to the people & government of Nigeria. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.” The U.S. Mission in Nigeria described the massacre as "horrific" and "senseless violence." We express our deepest condolences to the families...

On February 6, 2026, 18 Senegalese football fans detained in Morocco began a hunger strike to protest their continued detention and the handling of their case following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. Context of the Hunger Strike Reason for Protest: The detainees claim they are being denied their "right to justice". They have reportedly been waiting since January 18 to learn the official charges against them. Language Barrier: Their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, stated that the fans were questioned by Moroccan police in French and Arabic, which they do not understand, as they only speak Wolof. Legal Delays: A scheduled court hearing on Thursday was postponed due to an ongoing lawyers' strike in Morocco, further delaying their trial. Details of the Detention Initial Arrests: The supporters were arrested in Rabat following chaotic scenes at the AFCON final, where Senegal defeated Morocco. Alleged Charges: They are being prosecuted for "hooliganism" and vi...

       Babajide Sanwo-Olu -  Governor of Lagos State The Lagos State Government has stated that content creators, including skit makers and influencers, could face criminal prosecution for using children in online content that violates child rights, is exploitative, or depicts harmful scenarios. This action addresses concerns about using minors in digital material that could degrade, sexualize, or endanger their safety. Content creators who feature children in material involving abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes, or dangerous situations may face prosecution under existing laws. The government noted that sexual abuse or exploitation of a child can result in a prison sentence. Enforcement will be carried out by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), and law enforcement. The government views involving children in content that harms their dignity, safety, or mental well-being as a criminal act. A joint s...

As of February 3, 2026, the U.S. military has officially confirmed the deployment of a "small team" of troops to Nigeria. Key Details of the Presence Mission: The team is focused on counter-terrorism efforts, providing intelligence gathering, planning support, and "unique capabilities" to assist Nigerian forces in their fight against ISIS-affiliated groups. Confirmation: The announcement was made by General Dagvin Anderson, head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), following a mutual agreement between the U.S. and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. Context: This deployment is the first public acknowledgment of U.S. ground forces in Nigeria since President Trump ordered airstrikes on Islamic State targets in the country on Christmas Day 2025. Location/Size: Officials have not released the specific size of the team or their exact location within Nigeria, though recent military activity has been concentrated in the northwest, particularly in Sokoto State. Recent Timeline Lat...

  Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on February 3, 2026, that he has ordered the start of nuclear talks with the United States. This decision follows a period of heightened military tension and direct threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that "bad things" would happen if a deal were not reached. Status of the Negotiations Proposed Meeting: Negotiations are tentatively scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2026, likely in Turkey. Iranian Conditions: Pezeshkian emphasized that talks will only proceed in an environment "free from threats and unreasonable expectations". U.S. Stance: The White House confirmed that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to participate in conversations later this week. Mediators: The diplomatic effort has been supported by interventions from Turkey, Egypt, Oman, and Qatar. Key Context & Tensions Recent Military Incidents: Despite the push for diplomacy, a U.S. F-35C fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone in the ...

Nigerian-American driver Ugo Ugochukwu, 18, has secured the 2026 Formula Regional Oceania Championship title in New Zealand, delivering a dominant and consistent season with M2 Competition.  The former McLaren junior driver won four of 15 races, finishing on the podium at every round to secure the title by 15 points over rival Freddie Slater. Key Details of Ugochukwu's 2026 Season: Performance: Ugochukwu maintained high consistency, reaching the podium at every round and securing four race wins. Championship Decider: Despite a technical breach and 13th-place grid drop in the final round due to a suspension failure, he secured the necessary points to win. Upcoming Move: Following this victory, Ugochukwu is moving to the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Campos Racing. Background: Born in the US to a Nigerian supermodel, Ugochukwu previously won the 2024 Macau Grand Prix. Ugochukwu's win in the New Zealand-based series underscores his rapid development in international motorsport, ...