General News
Multiple U.S. Fighter Jets Crash in Kuwait Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
The Kuwaiti government has confirmed that multiple American fighter jets crashed in the country early Monday, sparking fresh concerns amid the escalating regional conflict involving the United States and Iran.
According to a statement from Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence, the aircraft went down shortly after dawn while engaged in active operations. Authorities did not immediately disclose the cause of the crashes but confirmed that the pilots survived the incidents.
Two separate videos broadcast by Al Jazeera appeared to show fighter jets crashing at different locations. Unofficial sources also claimed a third aircraft may have gone down, though no verified footage had emerged at the time of reporting.
One of the videos reportedly showed what appeared to be an F-15 Eagle descending rapidly with flames visible near its tail before impact. However, officials have not formally confirmed the specific aircraft models involved.
The crashes come against the backdrop of intensifying hostilities in the Middle East. Iran reportedly struck an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia, igniting a major fire and further raising fears of a broader regional escalation.
The three-day conflict has already resulted in significant casualties, with Iranian officials reporting multiple deaths. American forces have also suffered fatalities, while Israeli authorities confirmed at least 10 deaths linked to ongoing hostilities.
The growing instability has severely disrupted air travel across the region, with more than 1,500 flights reportedly cancelled as airlines reroute or suspend operations over safety concerns.
Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the aircraft crashes, as regional tensions show no immediate signs of easing.
Hon. Mohammed Bello El Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of waging a smear campaign against Malam Nasir El Rufai, his father, by weaponizing his constitutional right to silence. In a lengthy statement issued on Monday and signed on behalf of the El-Rufai family, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai said it was deeply unfortunate that a constitutionally established agency had descended into what can only be described as a circus of chicanery, alleging that the ICPC was prosecuting a media war rather than adhering to the rule of law.
Addressing claims by the Commission that Nasir El-Rufai refused to cooperate with investigators, the lawmaker said the allegation betrayed a misunderstanding of basic constitutional protections. He argued that the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to remain silent, insisting that exercising that right cannot lawfully be construed as non-cooperation or guilt.
Our father has consistently told law enforcement agencies: Charge me if you have anything against me. You have had more than two years to investigate me. Take me to court, the statement said, adding that the ICPCs inability to do so explained what the family described as lies and obfuscation.
Furthermore, the family alleged that the entire search was based on a forged and legally defective warrant, purportedly issued by a magistrate who lacked the jurisdiction of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. They said their lawyers had already challenged the warrant in court, arguing that any evidence arising from it was inadmissible.
Describing the ICPCs conduct as a credibility deficit, the statement accused the agency of forgery, abuse of office and the peddling of falsehoods, and claimed it was acting on behalf of unnamed political interests. The family said it would pursue all available legal remedies and expressed confidence that the Nigerian judiciary would uphold their rights.
Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Banking Regulations, signed the statement on March 2, 2026, describing himself as a proud son of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
The ICPC has yet to respond publicly to the latest allegations.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled plans to stage a nationwide mock presidential election as part of its build-up to the 2027 general elections.
The electoral body said the exercise will simulate real voting conditions across the country to evaluate its result transmission technology and address operational gaps identified in previous elections.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, made the disclosure in Abuja during the Citizens’ Townhall on the Electoral Act 2026. He explained that the mock poll would serve as a nationwide stress test of the commission’s digital infrastructure, particularly the electronic transmission of results.
Amupitan assured Nigerians that the commission is prioritising transparency, improved logistics, and technological upgrades to ensure the 2027 elections meet higher standards of credibility and efficiency.
He added that data and feedback from the simulation would guide further refinements in planning, deployment of personnel, and management of election-day processes.
INEC also confirmed a revised timetable for the 2027 polls. Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027.
According to the commission, early system testing and strategic preparation remain central to restoring public trust and guaranteeing a smooth, transparent electoral process nationwide.
National Police Council Ratifies Disu’s Appointment as Acting IGPThe National Police Council has ratified the appointment of Olatunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police.
The decision was reached during a council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
The session marked the third National Police Council meeting under his administration since assuming office.
Disu was nominated by the President last week following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun. He is expected to appear before the Senate for confirmation, the final step before he can assume the position in a substantive capacity.
The National Police Council is vested with the responsibility of overseeing the organisation, administration, and operational control of the Nigeria Police Force, including the appointment and discipline of senior officers.
Governors of Kwara State, Ogun State, Lagos State, Ondo State, Enugu State, and Plateau State were in attendance, alongside the Ministers of Police Affairs, the Federal Capital Territory, and Interior.