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British PM, Health Secretary test positive for COVID-19

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..More govt officials, aides expected to go into isolation

The Boris Johnson-led assault on the coronavirus pandemic in Britain took a twist on Friday after the prime minister and Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that they had tested positive for the virus.

Their announcements came on a day the coronavirus death toll in the country jumped by 181 to 759 in what was described as Britain’s darkest day of the crisis yet.

Almost 3,000 more patients were diagnosed.

But Johnson vowed to keep working with messages of support flooding in for him.

More government officials including secretaries are expected to go into isolation after coming in contact with the PM following his appearance in the parliament on Wednesday.

“Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus. I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus. Together we will beat this,” Johnson said on Twitter.

He was also on video, saying:  “Hi folks, I want to bring you up to speed on something that is happening today, which is that I have developed mild symptoms of coronavirus. That is to say a temperature and a persistent cough. And on the advice of the chief medical officer, I have taken a test.

“That has come out positive so I am working from home. I am self isolating. That is entirely the right thing to do.

“But be in no doubt that I can continue, thanks to the wizardry of modern technology to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fight back against coronavirus.”

A Downing Street source said: “After experiencing mild symptoms yesterday, the Prime Minister was tested for coronavirus on the personal advice of England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty.

“The test was carried out in No 10 by NHS staff and the result of the test was positive. In keeping with the guidance, the Prime Minister is self-isolating in Downing Street,” the source added.

Mr. Johnson’s pregnant partner Carrie Symonds is believed to be in self-isolation, although it is not known when they last saw each other or if she has been checked.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wished him “a speedy recovery and hope his family are safe and healthy.

“Coronavirus can and does affect anyone. Everyone be safe. Our own health depends on everybody else.”

Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted: “Thoughts and prayers of whole nation with @BorisJohnson having tested positive for coronavirus.

“We are so grateful for your strong leadership at this time of crisis and know you will back with your trademark optimism before long! Thinking of you and Carrie.”

Ex-Chancellor Sajid Javid posted: “Whole Javid family and country thinking of you @BorisJohnson & @carriesymonds.

“Thank you for your strong leadership at a time of crisis. Get well soon!”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Twitter: “Sorry to hear this and hope you feel better soon.

“Thank you for everything your Government is doing to help us fight this.

“This is a reminder that anyone can get #COVID19. We must all follow the rules and stay at home to support our amazing NHS staff to save lives.”

Shortly after Mr. Johnson made his status public, Hancock did same.

“I’ve tested positive. Thankfully my symptoms are mild and I’m working from home & self-isolating,” he said on Twitter.

The Queen, who last saw Johnson on March 11, was said to be in good health yesterday.

The 93-year-old monarch, whose son Prince Charles also has the infection, is said to be “following all the appropriate advice with regards to her welfare.”

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “Her Majesty the Queen remains in good health. The Queen last saw the Prime Minister on March 11 and is following all the appropriate advice with regards to her welfare.”

The UK’s coronavirus death toll went up to 759 yesterday after officials announced 181 more victims of the infection.

Almost 15,000 Britons have been infected, with 2,921 cases recorded in 24 hours.

Scotland yesterday confirmed eight more deaths, Wales six and Northern Ireland three – the rest occurred in England.

Spain death toll rises by 769 in single day

The Spanish Health Ministry said at least 4,858 people have died from coronavirus in Spain, with 64,285 cases recorded.

Seven hundred and sixty-nine people were recorded dead yesterday though the rate of increase was slower than in the previous two days.

On Thursday, Health Minister Salvador Illa, had said analysis of recent data from Spain indicated a “phase of stabilization” in the trend of diagnoses.

250,000 French citizens fined for ignoring coronavirus lockdown

NEARLY a quarter of a million French citizens have been fined for ignoring the government’s strict coronavirus lockdown rules.

French authorities said on Thursday that 365 people had been killed by the novel coronavirus within 24 hours, taking the hospital death toll to 1,696.

Nearly a quarter of a million French people have also been fined for flouting the government’s strict instructions to stay at home amid the worsening coronavirus pandemic, according to Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.

“Police have fined more than 225,000 people for non-respect of the confinement measures,” Mr Castaner said.

He added: “The lockdown should remain in place until we have won the battle against the virus.”

Restaurants, bars, shops, beauty salons and schools have been shut nationwide and people ordered to stay at home other than to buy food, medicines, travel to work, exercise or for urgent medical care.

Deaths in Italy rise by 919, highest daily tally since start of outbreak

Italy which has the highest number of confirmed cases in Europe yesterday recorded total deaths of 919 -the highest daily tally since the epidemic broke out on February 21.

The death toll in the country now stands at 9,134, the Civil Protection Agency said yesterday.

Until now the highest daily tally was the 793 recorded on March 21.

The total number of confirmed cases rose to 86,498 from a previous 80,539, taking Italy’s total past that of China, where the coronavirus epidemic emerged at the end of last year.

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UPDATED: Police Arrest Adeyemi Over Alleged False Claim as PFIPC Director-General in Osun

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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), in Osun State.

Adeyemi, who had been the subject of an intensive manhunt by security agencies, was apprehended following intelligence-led operations weeks after investigations into allegations about the purported federal agency’s activities.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the suspect was arrested without incident by a team of IRT operatives and has been moved into police custody for further interrogation.

He confirmed the arrest while speaking to our correspondent in Abuja.

His arrest followed days of coordinated efforts by security operatives, who had earlier raided his family residence while tracking his whereabouts. Reports indicated that investigators questioned his family members during the search for the suspect.

Adeyemi came into national prominence after controversy erupted over the operations of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, an organisation widely described by government officials as having no legal backing or official recognition.

The controversy deepened following allegations that the suspect claimed close links with top government officials and allegedly used the platform to project influence in government circles.

Oyo police rescue abducted farmer after joint security operation
The matter also generated public attention after claims surfaced that huge sums of money were exchanged in connection with promises of government appointments. Those allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.

The Presidency had earlier distanced itself from the activities of the organisation, while the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, denied any connection with the group or its activities, maintaining that neither the office nor the Presidency authorised the operations of the PFIPC.

Police investigators are expected to interrogate Adeyemi on the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operations of the organisation, the authenticity of documents allegedly used in its activities, and claims that some individuals were deceived into believing it was an official government body.

Investigators are also expected to determine whether other suspects were involved in the alleged scheme and whether additional offences, including impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, forgery and conspiracy, may have been committed.

As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue a detailed official statement on the arrest or announce possible charges against the suspect. Demographics

The arrest is, however, expected to advance investigations into one of the most controversial cases involving the alleged use of a non-existent government agency to project influence within the Presidency.

Adeyemi is expected to remain in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment before a competent court.

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Breaking : Nigerian Soldiers Kill ISWAP Cameraman, Uncover Foreign Terrorist Network in Borno

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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province cameraman and recovered video materials indicating the presence of three foreign facilitators, including a Palestinian Arab identified as a trainer and a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor for the terrorist group in Borno State.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the operational success was recorded on Saturday following a failed infiltration attempt by members of ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Goni said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.

The statement read, “Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.

“The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre.”

The failed attack, he said, occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position.

“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses,” Goni said.

According to him, the attempted looting further lends credence to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group.

“The neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the failed assault led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing highly sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.

“Preliminary forensic analysis of the last available video recorded prior to the attack indicates that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds), alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators. They include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established,” he added.

He said the presence and active involvement of the foreign nationals further reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages.

“Following the successful engagement, troops immediately dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses,” he added.

The Army spokesman said troops recovered the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items during the operation.

He further stated that initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery revealed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during their withdrawal.

“This has since been corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many others sustaining gunshot wounds during the engagement,” he said.

According to him, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care, adding that both personnel remained in stable condition.

“The failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for ISWAP and caps a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations and intensified military pressure across the North East Theatre,” he said.

He added that the outcome underscored the increasing difficulty the terrorists faced in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops while further degrading their combat capability, morale and freedom of action.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North East,” he assured.

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BREAKING: Security Forces Rescue Kidnapped Pupils, Teachers in Oyo Forest Operation

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Eight kidnappers arrested

Ibadan, Oyo State – Nigerian security agencies have successfully rescued a group of kidnapped pupils and teachers following a coordinated operation in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Photos circulating after the operation show the rescued victims gathered in a rural forest location alongside security personnel shortly after they regained their freedom.

According to available information, the victims were abducted by suspected kidnappers before security operatives launched an intensive search-and-rescue mission. The operation, carried out through coordinated efforts by security agencies, led to the safe recovery of the pupils and their teachers.

The rescued victims have since been reunited with security officials and are expected to undergo medical examinations and trauma counselling before being reunited with their families.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any arrests were made during the operation or if a ransom was paid. However, investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The successful rescue has been welcomed by residents of the area, who commended the swift response of the security agencies while calling for increased security around schools and rural communities to prevent similar incidents.

The incident once again highlights the persistent security challenges facing some parts of the country, particularly the threat of school-related kidnappings, which have raised concerns among parents, educators, and community leaders.

Security agencies have assured the public that efforts are continuing to track down the perpetrators and strengthen measures aimed at protecting schools and vulnerable communities across the country.

Further official details are expected as the authorities provide updates on the operation.

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