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Russia, North Korea Ink Defense Pact
Writing by Sediq Mutari....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a significant development on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un finalized a mutual defense treaty, marking a pivotal moment in international relations.
During a summit in Pyongyang, Putin’s first visit to North Korea in 24 years, the two leaders signed a strategic treaty encompassing military cooperation. Kim expressed his “full support” for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, underscoring the depth of their agreement.
“This is truly a historic document,” remarked Putin during a press conference in the North Korean capital. He highlighted provisions for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against either nation, as reported by Russian news agencies.
The alliance between North Korea and Russia dates back to the former’s establishment after World War II, and it has grown stronger since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Accusations from the United States and its allies about North Korea supplying ammunition and missiles to Russia for the Ukraine conflict have further complicated international dynamics.
The signing of this new treaty is likely to raise concerns about potential military support from North Korea.
Putin hinted at the possibility of “military-technical cooperation with the DPRK” under the new agreement, using North Korea’s official name.
Kim hailed Putin as the “dearest friend of the Korean people” and pledged unwavering support for Russia in the Ukraine war, despite the sanctions imposed on Moscow.
In turn, Putin expressed gratitude for North Korea’s steadfast support, criticizing Western “blackmail” and calling for a reassessment of UN sanctions against North Korea.
“The indefinite restrictive measures imposed by the US and its allies at the UN Security Council towards the DPRK should be reevaluated. Today, we stand united against the hegemony and neo-colonial practices of the United States and its allies,” Putin declared.
Following the summit, Putin proceeded to Vietnam for a state visit, as captured in AFP video footage showing his arrival in Hanoi early Thursday morning.
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) began nationwide on Thursday, with over 2.2 million candidates expected to participate across accredited centres.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The exam, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will run from April 16 to April 22 in multiple daily sessions.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, urged examination officials to remain highly committed and professional, noting that the success of the exercise depends largely on their dedication.
He gave the charge during a virtual final briefing for technical officers ahead of the examination, where he also praised staff, ad hoc personnel, service providers, and technical advisers for their roles in the successful conduct of the mock exam.
Oloyede said many of the issues recorded during the mock exercise were due to poor assessment of centres by some technical officials.
He further stated that incentive packages would be awarded to teams that perform exceptionally, particularly in handling exam materials and submitting timely reports.
Reiterating JAMB’s zero-tolerance stance on malpractice, he warned candidates against bringing prohibited items into examination halls.
He also disclosed that biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems have been deployed to protect the integrity of the exercise.
Candidates whose biometrics cannot be verified, he added, will be rescheduled to write the exam at approved centres.
Meanwhile, a NAN correspondent monitoring proceedings at Aduvie International School, Jahi, reported that the first session scheduled for 8:30 a.m. began slightly behind schedule at about 8:40 a.m.
The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, on Thursday inspected security deployments at Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the inspection is part of proactive measures to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and hitch-free conduct of the ongoing examinations.
The UTME is scheduled to run nationwide from April 16 to 18, 2026.
During the exercise, CP Sanusi assessed security arrangements put in place to safeguard candidates, examination officials, and CBT facilities.
He also engaged with centre supervisors, assuring them of adequate security presence throughout the examination period.
Adeh added that the CP reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, warning that any attempt to disrupt the examinations would be met with decisive action in line with the law.
Over 700 former terrorists who have undergone deradicalisation and rehabilitation are set to be reintegrated into their communities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Nigerian military has also dismissed reports alleging that beneficiaries of Operation Safe Corridor are being recruited into military institutions.
According to African Independent Television, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier-General Yusuf Ali, made this known during a media tour of the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre in Gombe, North-East Nigeria.
He said many Nigerians still misunderstand the Federal Government’s structured counter-terrorism initiative, which is designed to restore peace in communities affected by insurgency.
Brigadier-General Ali explained that the programme focuses on rehabilitation and peaceful reintegration of repentant individuals into society.
During the tour, some of the participants also shared accounts of their involvement in offences that led to their admission into the programme.
The facility inspection was part of preparations for the graduation of over 700 clients who have completed the deradicalisation and rehabilitation process and are set for reintegration.
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