.…..as Israel Conducts Coordinated Strikes

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States has initiated what President Donald Trump described as “major combat operations” against Iran, with Israel simultaneously announcing its own preemptive strikes on Iranian targets.

President Trump made the announcement early Saturday morning in an eight-minute video posted on his Truth Social platform, stating: “A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran.

Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.

“The U.S. leader vowed to “raze their missile industry to the ground,” annihilate Iran’s navy, dismantle its missile capabilities, and prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

He also urged Iranians to “take over your government” and suggested the operations could foster regime change, describing the campaign as “massive and ongoing” with potential for several days of action.

The strikes come after weeks of stalled diplomatic negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, during which the U.S. demanded significant concessions including dismantling key nuclear facilities and halting enrichment that Tehran rejected. U.S. officials had previously amassed substantial military assets in the region, including carrier strike groups, amid threats of force if talks failed.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that his country launched a “pre-emptive” attack on Iran to neutralize existential threats, with explosions reported in multiple cities including the capital Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah.

Smoke plumes were visible rising over Tehran, and witnesses described blasts near key government sites.

An Israeli source indicated coordination with the United States, framing the joint effort as targeting Iran’s military infrastructure, nuclear sites, and proxy networks.

Iranian state media and officials reported widespread attacks and vowed a “crushing” retaliation, with the armed forces preparing to respond. Iranian missiles have reportedly been launched toward Israel in response, triggering sirens and shelter instructions across the country.

The operation marks a significant escalation in the long-standing U.S.-Iran confrontation, building on prior strikes including U.S. actions against Iranian nuclear facilities last year.

International reactions are emerging rapidly, with concerns about a broader regional conflict involving Iran’s proxies and potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge from the region and official statements are released.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Shafiu Usman, the suspected mastermind of the December 14, 2025, attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The assault, which occurred during a Sunday worship service, resulted in the abduction of over 20 worshippers, including children and elderly congregants.

The incident heightened fears over insecurity in Nigeria’s North-Central region, where armed groups have targeted communities and places of worship.

Security sources confirmed that Usman was apprehended at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had been evading capture following the attack.

Intelligence-led tracking by DSS operatives led to his arrest after he fled Kogi in the aftermath of the operation.

During interrogation, Usman reportedly confessed to planning and orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack. He also admitted involvement in multiple other kidnapping incidents across Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States.

The suspect further revealed his collaboration with Ibrahim Dange Battijo, a notorious bandit leader operating in Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara States.

“Shafiu admitted to involvement in kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling,” a security source stated. “He said Ibrahim Battijo supplied him with arms and ammunition.

“The arrest highlights the DSS’s intensified efforts to combat banditry, terrorism, and cross-state criminal networks. Recent operations in Gombe State have reportedly dismantled arms trafficking syndicates, rescued kidnap victims, and disrupted multi-state syndicates linked to similar crimes.

Usman remains in DSS custody and is expected to face arraignment in due course as investigations continue. Authorities have not provided details on the status or release of the abducted worshippers from the incident.

This development comes amid ongoing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, where attacks on religious gatherings and rural communities persist despite military and intelligence operations.

….. Police Rescue One, Arrest Suspect

Suspected gunmen stormed a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of Wednesday, abducting six worshippers during an ongoing midnight service.

The attackers reportedly invaded the church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway at approximately 12:50 a.m., forcefully taking the victims to an unknown destination while the service was in progress.

Confirming the incident to journalists in Akure on Wednesday, the Ondo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, stated that the command received prompt reports of the abduction and swiftly responded.

“Upon receiving the report, operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” Jimoh said.

He disclosed that sustained joint efforts have yielded positive results: one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued, and one suspect linked to the incident has been apprehended.

The arrested individual is assisting investigators with useful statements.

“Operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of all perpetrators involved,” the police spokesperson added.

Jimoh urged residents of the area to remain calm and vigilant while cooperating fully with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information to aid the ongoing efforts.

The incident has heightened tension in the agrarian Uso community, amid recurring security challenges in parts of Ondo State. Authorities have not yet released details on the identities of the victims or the motive behind the attack.

Further updates are expected as rescue operations continue.