VENEZUELA: GOVERNMENT CLAIMS RELEASE OF 400+ PRISONERS, RIGHTS GROUPS DISPUTE NUMBERS

Venezuela’s government says it has freed more than 400 prisoners as part of a broader release process following domestic political developments. However, independent human rights groups and monitoring organizations say the actual number of releases is significantly lower.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez made the announcement earlier today, adding that some considered political detainees were also released. The government frames the move as part of a peace initiative and has denied that those freed were political prisoners.
Meanwhile, Human rights organizations report that far fewer releases have been independently confirmed with some estimates putting the number of actual releases in the range of 60 to 116. Some groups reported as few as 49 confirmed cases so far.
The discrepancy comes amid longstanding demands from opposition leaders and civil society for the release of political prisoners, a key condition in negotiations tied to Venezuelan political reforms. Advocacy groups also warn that hundreds of other detainees remain in custody, many facing restricted rights, ongoing charges, or barred from public expression.
The differing numbers have sparked debate over transparency and the pace of change, with international observers calling for clearer reporting and independent verification of all releases.

AT LEAST 30+ KILLED AFTER CRANE COLLAPSES ONTO MOVING TRAIN IN THAILAND

At least 30 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, in northeastern Thailand, authorities say.
The accident occurred on Wednesday morning when a large launching gantry crane, part of a highspeed rail construction project, fell onto Special Express Train No. 21 as it traveled from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani Province. The impact derailed several carriages and caused a fire in the wreckage.
According to the latest health office report from Nakhon Ratchasima, at least 32 people are confirmed dead, 64 injured, and three reported missing. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to evacuate survivors and search through the wreckage.
Passengers aboard the train numbered roughly 195, including commuters heading to work and school. Local officials said the crane was part of an elevated segment of Thailand’s planned Bangkok–Nong Khai highspeed rail network, a project jointly supported by Thai and Chinese partners.
However, Thai authorities have ordered a full investigation into the cause of the collapse, with early focus on safety oversight and contractor responsibilities. Condolences have been shared by government leaders, and emergency medical assistance continues for the wounded.

TRUMP SAYS U.S. CONTROL OF GREENLAND “VITAL” FOR AIR DEFENCE

U.S. President Donald Trump says American control of Greenland is “vital” to national security and key to his proposed Golden Dome air and missile Defence system, intensifying tensions with allies.
His comments came ahead of scheduled talks at the White House between U.S. officials including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as the visiting Danish and Greenlandic diplomats.
The remarks have drawn pushback from Denmark and Greenland, both of which emphatically reject the idea of U.S. ownership and reaffirm their ties to Denmark and NATO. European leaders have also voiced concern that unilateral moves could undermine alliance unity.
In response to U.S. security concerns, Danish officials say they are strengthening military capabilities in Greenland and discussing increased NATO presence in the Arctic.
Trump’s focus on Greenland echoes earlier remarks from his administration suggesting that control of the Arctic island would bolster U.S. Defence and deter rivals such as Russia and China rationale cited in relation to the Golden Dome project.
However, the proposal has alarmed NATO partners, with Officials from Greenland and Denmark urging diplomatic cooperation and respect for sovereignty, emphasizing that security in the region should be addressed through NATO and mutual Defence arrangements rather than unilateral acquisition.
With high-level talks underway in Washington, the dispute over Greenland’s future and its role in Arctic security remains a flashpoint in U.S.–European relations and a key issue to watch as diplomatic engagements continue.

CHELLE SPELLS OUT PENALTY PREPARATIONS AND TACTICAL PLAN FOR NIGERIA VS MOROCCO

Super Eagles Head coach Éric Chelle has outlined Nigeria’s preparations for their AFCON semi-final against Morocco, focusing on readiness for a potential penalty shootout and tactical flexibility. In a detailed pre-match press conference, Chelle revealed that the squad has conducted intensive spot-kick training, emphasizing composure and execution under pressure.

Beyond penalties, Chelle acknowledged Morocco’s strong home advantage and disciplined defensive structure. He confirmed that Nigeria might adopt a cautious approach, allowing Morocco to maintain possession in certain phases while looking for opportunities to strike on the counter. The tactical plan is partly shaped by the absence of Ndidi, whose suspension leaves a midfield leadership void. Chelle intends for Osimhen and senior players to step up in guiding the squad.
Chelle’s remarks also underline the importance of mental resilience. With Nigeria having defeated Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals and displayed clinical finishing, Chelle stressed the need to balance attacking ambition with defensive discipline, especially against a Moroccan side known for set-piece prowess and swift transitions.

Football analysts suggest that Nigeria’s adaptability, penalty preparedness, and ability to exploit Morocco’s occasional defensive gaps will determine the outcome of this high-stakes semi-final.

OSIMHEN ACKNOWLEDGES MOROCCO’S ADVANTAGE AHEAD OF AFCON SEMI-FINAL

Nigeria’s forward, Victor Osimhen, has acknowledged the challenge posed by host nation Morocco ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final in Rabat. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Osimhen admitted that the Atlas Lions hold a clear advantage as the home side, citing their formidable record in the tournament and the electric atmosphere at the Stade de Rabat.
Osimhen’s comments come as the Super Eagles prepare to build on an impressive run in AFCON 2025, having won all five of their group-stage and knockout matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding just two. With regular captain Wilfred Ndidi suspended for the semi-final, Osimhen is expected to take a leadership role on the pitch, guiding a squad that blends youth with experience.
Analysts note that Nigeria’s key to overcoming Morocco may lie in quick counter-attacks and exploiting spaces behind Morocco’s high defensive line, a tactic Osimhen has thrived in throughout the tournament. Nigerian fans, both at home and in Morocco, will look to Osimhen to inspire the team as they bid for a fourth AFCON title.

SUPER FALCONS TO DISCOVER 2026 WAFCON GROUP OPPONENTS IN RABAT DRAW

Defending champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons will learn their group-stage opponents for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Thursday, DAILY POST reports.
The draw ceremony, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will take place in Rabat, Morocco, which will host the tournament for the third consecutive edition.
The 2026 edition marks a historic expansion, with 16 national teams participating for the first time, up from 12 in previous tournaments.
Alongside Nigeria and Morocco, the competing nations are Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
The WAFCON 2026 finals are scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April, with teams competing across multiple venues in Morocco. The expanded format promises a more competitive tournament and increased opportunities for African women’s football to grow on the continental stage.
CAF officials have indicated that the draw will also determine the match schedule, group composition, and seeding positions, which are expected to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s title Defence.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football with multiple WAFCON titles, will be aiming to retain their crown as the competition intensifies with the expanded lineup.

INFORMATION MINISTER URGES SUPER EAGLES AHEAD OF AFCON SEMI-FINAL CLASH WITH MOROCCO

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged the Super Eagles to remain focused and confident as they prepare for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final encounter against Morocco tonight.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Idris encouraged the national team ahead of the crucial match, scheduled for 9:00 p.m. in Rabat, assuring them of the support of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. He praised the team’s performance so far in the tournament, describing their journey as inspiring.
The minister also reminded the players of Nigeria’s rich football history at the continental level, urging them to draw confidence from past successes.
Idris further called on the team to approach the match with unity and determination, stressing that millions of Nigerians would be rooting for them.
Meanwhile, Chairman and Founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has announced financial incentives for the team following their quarter-final win.
Nigeria will take on Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the winner advancing to the final.
The Super Eagles booked their place in the last four after a 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals. The team has won all five of its matches in the tournament so far, scoring 14 goals under head coach Éric Chelle.

OFFICIALS SUSPENDS THREE HEALTH WORKERS OVER DEATH OF PATIENT AFTER SURGERY

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has suspended three officers involved in the treatment of Aishatu Umar, a housewife whose death has been linked to alleged medical negligence following a surgical procedure at Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, Kano. The suspensions take effect immediately.
The board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, confirmed the action in a statement on Wednesday, following a preliminary investigation ordered by Executive Secretary Mansur Mudi Nagoda.
The Board established that the unfortunate incident involving the late Aishatu Umar did occur at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre. In line with our commitment to accountability, professionalism, and patient safety, the Board has suspended three personnel directly involved in the case from clinical activities with immediate effect,” Suleiman said.
The matter has been referred to the Kano State Medical Ethical Committee for further investigation and disciplinary action, in accordance with professional guidelines and existing laws.
The Board expressed condolences to Umar’s family and reassured the public that negligence will not be tolerated. It also pledged to strengthen internal monitoring, enforce professional standards, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to family accounts, Umar, who was married with five children, died around 1am on Tuesday after experiencing persistent abdominal pain following surgery at the facility in September 2025. Her relative, Mohammed, said Umar had suffered severe pain for four months before her death.

OSUN TARGETS OVER 2 MILLION CHILDREN FOR MEASLES–RUBELLA VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

The Osun State Government has announced that 2,048,840 children aged nine months to 14 years will be targeted in the upcoming Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign.
The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola, during a media briefing on Tuesday ahead of the statewide campaign, which will cover all 30 Local Government Areas and the Modakeke Area Office.
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral disease similar to measles but generally milder. While symptoms include rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, the disease can be dangerous for pregnant women, potentially leading to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in newborns, causing blindness, deafness, heart defects, or brain damage.
Akintola further emphasized that the MR vaccine is safe and effective, providing protection against both measles and rubella.

FG ENFORCES 0.5% LEVY ON WHOLESALE PETROLEUM PRICES UNDER NEW REGULATIONS

The Federal Government has intensified regulatory oversight of fuel suppliers and wholesale customers in the downstream petroleum sector with the enforcement of a 0.5 per cent levy on the wholesale price of petroleum products and natural gas. The levy is provided under the newly published Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Operations Regulations, 2025.
Under the regulations, suppliers of petroleum products are required to collect and remit the levy at wholesale points. Compliance with the levy is now a condition for licensing and continued operation in the sector.
Section 47 of the Petroleum Industry Act establishes the Authority Fund, managed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), into which all monies accruing to the commission must be paid.
The law specifies that one of the sources of the fund shall be “0.5 per cent of the wholesale price of petroleum products sold in Nigeria, which shall be collected from wholesale customers.”
The Federal Government said the levy will strengthen regulatory supervision and support sector development while ensuring transparency and accountability in the downstream petroleum market