NEWS

Pakistan has launched airstrikes on the Afghan capital, Kabul, and other major cities, with its defense minister declaring an “open war” against the Taliban-led government.

The escalation follows months of tit-for-tat border clashes and retaliatory attacks that have left dozens dead on both sides.

Explosions were reported in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia provinces early on February 27, 2026, with Pakistani forces targeting Taliban defense locations.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Pakistan’s patience had “run out,” describing the situation as “open war” after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border positions.

Islamabad claims the strikes killed over 130 Taliban operatives, while Afghan officials report civilian casualties, including women and children in Paktia.

The Pakistani military released images of the operation, which it named “Ghazab lil-Haq” (Righteous Fury), marking the first time Islamabad has directly targeted Taliban installations rather than militants allegedly backed by them.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government condemned the strikes as aggression, with spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirming Pakistani air attacks on Kabul and other areas.

This escalation threatens to destabilize the region, similar to ongoing US military deployments supporting Nigeria against ISWAP.

The clashes intensified after Afghan forces launched retaliatory strikes following earlier Pakistani bombings near the border.

Both sides have traded accusations, with Pakistan alleging unprovoked attacks on its territory and Afghanistan claiming self-defense.

This conflict threatens to destabilize the 2,600-kilometer border region, already a hotspot for militants and smuggling. Analysts warn that the escalation could draw in regional powers, with implications for security in South Asia.

The United States and other international actors have called for restraint, urging dialogue to prevent a full-scale war.

The situation remains fluid, with heavy gunfire and shelling reported near the Torkham border crossing.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed that its armed forces are ready to “crush any aggressive ambitions,” while Afghanistan’s leadership has vowed to defend its sovereignty.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has expanded its Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers to over 1,000 nationwide for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), up from about 800 in 2025.

This increase aims to reduce congestion, minimize travel burdens for candidates, and ensure a smoother registration and examination process.

Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede announced the development during a training program for test developers at the University of Ibadan, emphasizing the board’s commitment to efficiency and credibility.

Registration for the 2026 UTME began on January 26, 2026, and will close on February 28, 2026, with no extensions planned.

Over 1 million candidates have already registered, surpassing expectations and reflecting the board’s improved infrastructure.

JAMB has completed the automation of its question-setting process, marking the final phase of a 10-year digitization effort to enhance examination integrity.

The board has also barred CBT centers without remote monitoring capabilities from participating under the “No Vision, No Registration, No UTME” policy to curb infractions.

The expansion addresses longstanding issues, such as students traveling across states for exams, which often leads to missed opportunities due to distance, cost, or timing.

The Borno State Government is contributing by constructing a N1 billion administrative and CBT center in Maiduguri, further boosting capacity.

Officials urge candidates to register early and verify accredited centers to avoid fraudulent practices.

This initiative is part of JAMB’s push for landmark examinations, with more than 1.5 million candidates projected.

Stakeholders commend the move, though some call for fee reductions from N3,500. As the registration deadline approaches, candidates are advised to secure ePINs promptly to avoid last-minute stress.

While JAMB works to improve access through more CBT centers, the registrar is now urging candidates to protest admission bias when they believe their UTME scores have been unfairly overlooked.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a nationwide free cancer screening program in Ebonyi State, targeting early detection of breast, cervical, and prostate cancers for 1,000 residents.

The initiative, flagged off by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) in Uburu on February 25, 2026, aims to address the alarming rise in cancer cases across the country.

According to Prof. Robinson Onoh, Chief Medical Director of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), Nigeria recorded 127,000 cancer cases and 79,000 deaths between 2022 and 2025.

The screening focuses on vulnerable groups, including women, men, children, the elderly, indigents, and pregnant women, as part of broader efforts to improve healthcare access and reduce mortality through prevention and early intervention.

The program is part of a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Health and hospitals like DUFUTH, which have already provided free medical treatment to over 8,000 individuals in its first phase of outreach.

Kachollom commissioned new facilities at DUFUTH, including electric stretcher trolleys and a physiotherapy center, during the event.

The screening will continue across zones until the end of February 2026, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups to combat the disease’s high fatality rate.

Health experts highlight that early detection significantly improves survival rates, urging Nigerians to participate in such initiatives. The government has committed to expanding the program, with similar screenings planned in other states to foster national health equity.

This development underscores Nigeria’s push for proactive healthcare measures amid rising non-communicable diseases.

“The screening focuses on vulnerable groups amid broader health challenges like Lassa fever outbreaks in Edo and Plateau.”

As reported by Punch Newspapers here, the ministry’s efforts are geared toward sustainable cancer care.

The University of Abuja has expelled 28 students for various disciplinary offenses, including cult-related activities, drug possession, examination malpractice, and result forgery.

The decision was approved by the university’s Senate at its 191st Regular Meeting on January 28, 2026, following recommendations from the Student Disciplinary Committee.

Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob, stated that the expelled students were found culpable of serious misconduct, such as threat to life, assault, conspiracy, burglary, theft, possession and use of hard drugs, and falsification of O-Level results for admission.

Additionally, the Senate withdrew certificates from 15 graduates for similar infractions, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to upholding academic integrity and campus safety.

Nine students were exonerated after investigations, while 33 others received warnings for lesser violations like conspiracy, hostel racketeering, and fighting.

The university’s actions aim to maintain a conducive environment free from disruptive behaviors.

This development comes amid broader concerns about cultism and drug abuse in Nigerian universities, where such issues often lead to violence and academic disruptions.

The university’s actions aim to maintain a conducive environment, similar to recent bans on Neolife and Faith Heroic Group in Nigerian universities.”

UniAbuja’s firm stance reflects ongoing efforts to enforce codes of conduct and protect the student body. Students are advised to adhere to regulations, with the institution vowing to continue monitoring and disciplining offenders.

A viral video by influencer Flora the Digital Banker has ignited discussions about the potential replacement of the Nigerian Naira with the Eco currency starting in 2027.

The video claims that Nigeria and 11 other West African countries will adopt the Eco as a single currency, modeled after the Euro, to promote economic integration and stability.

While the claim has spread widely on social media, experts clarify that 2027 is a target date, not a guaranteed launch, amid ongoing preparations and challenges.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has long pursued the Eco as a common currency for its 15 member states, aiming to facilitate trade, reduce transaction costs, and foster price stability.

At the December 2025 summit in Abuja, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the 2027 rollout, but the process has faced multiple delays since the initial 2020 target.

Central bank governors, including Nigeria’s, met in Monrovia in February 2026 to finalize technical and institutional frameworks, focusing on fiscal and monetary convergence criteria like inflation control and deficit limits.

Nigeria, as ECOWAS’s largest economy, plays a pivotal role but has raised concerns about external influence, particularly from France, which backs the CFA franc used by eight WAEMU countries.

Reports indicate the Eco could launch in phases, potentially excluding WAEMU nations initially, with Nigeria and Ghana leading the first wave.

This phased approach addresses sovereignty issues, as Nigeria opposes any foreign control over the currency’s management or printing.

Proponents argue the Eco would enhance cross-border transactions and shield against dollar dominance, but critics highlight risks like loss of monetary policy independence and economic disparities among members.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) emphasizes the need for robust preparations to avoid instability.

While the influencer’s call for public engagement is timely, fact-checks confirm no immediate Naira scrapping in 2027; it’s an aspirational goal subject to consensus. Stakeholders urge vigilance as ECOWAS advances the plan.

Watch the viral video from influencer Flora the Digital Banker below, where she discusses the alleged ECOWAS Eco currency plans: