Jack Burgess

The Nigerian army says it rescued 33 people abducted by gunmen in Tsafe, Zamfara state, after troops and police intercepted the kidnappers while they were moving the hostages. The gunmen fled into nearby bush after an exchange of fire, and no hostages were injured. The rescue comes amid widespread ransom kidnappings and banditry in north-western Nigeria, following the release of more than 300 other abductees in separate operations. President Bola Tinubu has announced substantial pay increases for soldiers as insecurity becomes a major political issue ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Nigerian army says it rescued 33 people who were kidnapped by armed men while travelling through Tsafe in north-western Zamfara State. Troops and police intercepted the kidnappers as they moved the hostages, prompting the gunmen to flee into nearby bushes; all victims were recovered without casualties, while efforts to track the abductors continue. The rescue comes amid frequent ransom kidnappings and wider insecurity across Nigeria. Authorities have recently reported freeing more than 300 other abductees, while President Bola Tinubu has announced substantial salary increases for junior soldiers as part of efforts to improve the security response.

Oman says negotiations with Iran over a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz are progressing, but Iranian officials warn that any agreement would not immediately reopen the waterway. Iran says reopening depends on conditions including compensation from the United States, an end to threats and naval blockades, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The talks follow the collapse of a US-Iranian ceasefire and renewed attacks. Donald Trump suggested a deal could come soon, while JD Vance said discussions remained unresolved and described efforts to establish a safe traffic scheme. The United Arab Emirates also accused Iran of striking an Adnoc-affiliated tanker, while UK maritime authorities reported another vessel hit near Oman.

Oman says talks with Iran on establishing a secure shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz are progressing, but Iran warns that any agreement would not immediately reopen the waterway. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says negotiations are nearing completion, while insisting that reopening depends on additional conditions, including compensation from the United States. Iran's security chief lists further demands, including an end to threats, removal of a naval blockade and release of frozen assets. US President Donald Trump expresses optimism, but Vice-President JD Vance says negotiations remain unresolved. The dispute follows reports of an alleged Iranian missile attack on an ADNOC-affiliated tanker and a separate ship strike off Oman, although no casualties were reported.

Typhoon Dolphin caused power outages affecting at least 44,000 buildings and injured five people in Japan’s Okinawa and Amami islands. Flights were cancelled, while strong winds toppled trees and overturned a car. The storm, classified as a very strong typhoon with winds of up to 162 km/h, is expected to reach China’s eastern coast, prompting port, ferry and school closures. Hong Kong also recorded a record high temperature as the typhoon drew warm air over the city.

Typhoon Dolphin caused power cuts across at least 44,000 buildings and injured five people in Japan's Okinawa region, while disrupting flights and overturning vehicles. Classified as a very strong typhoon, it brought winds of up to 162km/h and warnings of high waves, storm surges and lightning. The storm was expected to reach China's eastern coast, prompting the closure of ports, schools, ferry services and an airport. Hong Kong also recorded a record high temperature as the typhoon pushed warm air across the city.

Emergency evacuations are underway in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as super typhoon Bavi approaches with forecast winds up to 257km/h. Authorities warn of catastrophic damage, flooding, and dangerous conditions lasting many hours around landfall. Evacuation centres have opened as one site reached capacity. Forecasts from the US National Weather Service and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center indicate the storm could intensify further, reflecting a trend toward more powerful cyclones linked to warmer sea temperatures and a strong El Niño. Residents and tourists are preparing for impact while recalling a destructive super typhoon earlier in the year.

Evacuations are under way in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as super typhoon Bavi approaches with forecast winds up to 257 km/h. Officials warn of catastrophic damage, severe flooding and high waves, urging residents to move to shelters as conditions worsen. The storm, classified as a super typhoon by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, is expected to make landfall early Monday. Residents and tourists describe disrupted travel plans and financial strain as businesses prepare. Scientists link rising storm intensity to climate change and warmer ocean temperatures.