At Least 20 Senior Iranian Commanders Killed During Israeli’s Targeted Attacks On Nuclear Infrastructure

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14/06/2025

Israel’s targeted attacks on Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure early Friday took out at least 20 senior Iranian commanders, inflicting a significant blow to Tehran’s governing theocracy.

The Israel Defense Forces strikes took out Gen. Hossein Salami, the leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who had a history of threatening the U.S. and Israel.

Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, was also killed. His death further escalates the gravity of the strikes and their implications for Iran’s military structure.

Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, was also killed, as was Lt. Gen. Gholamali Rashid, who was the head of the IRGC’s Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, which coordinates joint Iranian military operations.

Gen. Hossein Salami, Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh and Lt. Gen. Gholamali Rashid. (Reuters)

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Major Gen. Hossein Salami, third from right, and Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Major Gen, Mohammad Bagheri, far right, are seen during a meeting with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran, on April 21, 2024. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA/Reuters)

ISRAEL LAUNCHES ‘OPERATION RISING LION’ ON IRAN, TARGETING NUCLEAR FACILITIES, TEHRAN

Their deaths came amid Israeli Defense Forces launched a sweeping strike on Iran, called “Operation Rising Lion.” It followed months of attempted, and seemingly failed, nuclear negotiations between the Trump administration and Tehran. Israel said it launched the strikes to target Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure.

Gen. Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the IRGC
Salami was the commander-in-chief of the IRGC since his appointment in 2019 by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, overseeing Iran’s elite military force.

His appointment came shortly after President Donald Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal and designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

Salami first joined the IRGC during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, rising through the ranks to lead the IRGC’s air forces and later its entire command.

The IRGC is one of the country’s most powerful centers. It was created after its 1979 Islamic Revolution and has evolved from a paramilitary, domestic security force into a transnational force that has come to the aid of Tehran’s allies in the Middle East, from Syria and Lebanon to Iraq, per the Times of Israel.

It operates in parallel to the country’s existing armed forces. It controls Iran’s arsenal of ballistic missiles, which it has used to attack Israel twice during the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

ISRAEL HITS THE ‘HEART’ OF IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM IN NATANZ FACILITY STRIKE

Under Salami’s leadership, the IRGC evolved into a powerful transnational force, deeply involved in supporting Iran’s regional allies in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. The Guard also maintains control over Iran’s expansive ballistic missile arsenal, which has been deployed in strikes against Israel — most notably during the Israel-Hamas war — and serves as a central pillar of Iran’s deterrence strategy.

Salami was also known for his aggressive rhetoric toward both Israel and the United States, publicly calling for the destruction of Israel as early as 2016. After the U.S. killed Qassem Soleimani, commander of the IRGC’s elite Quds Force, in a 2020 drone strike, Salami vowed retaliation. Just five days later, Iran launched ballistic missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq and warned that American and Israeli commanders would be targeted in future reprisals.

In one of the most aggressive actions attributed to him, Salami ordered a massive retaliatory strike last year, launching more than 300 drones and missiles after Israel killed seven Iranian generals in an airstrike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria.

Israel’s targeted attacks on Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure early Friday took out several top Iranian generals; Gen. Hossein Salami, the leader of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces. (Iranian Leader Press Office / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images, left, and Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images, right. )

Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of Iranian Armed Forces
Bagheri has served as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces since 2016, coordinating operations across the army, IRGC, and air defenses.

He was a veteran of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and held multiple senior roles in intelligence and strategic command.

Bagheri was instrumental in shaping Iran’s military doctrine and led efforts to modernize its missile and air defense systems. He represented Iran in military coordination with allies like Russia and Syria, particularly during joint operations in the Syrian Civil War.

As the brain behind Iran’s strategic military posture, Bagheri was on Israel’s radar for years as a high-value target.

IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, left, and Lt. Gen. Gholamali Rashid, right. (Reuters)

Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of IRGC Aerospace Force
Hajizadeh oversaw Iran’s Aerospace Force, a powerful military branch responsible for its ballistic missile arsenal, drone programs and space-based military initiatives. He led the branch since 2009.

The IDF said that Hajizadeh had gathered in an underground command center overnight with other senior officials to prepare for an attack on Israel when IAF fighter jets struck the location.

The IDF said that the IRGC aerospace force was responsible for repeated attacks against Israeli civilians. Notably, Hajizadeh and his subordinates commanded Iran’s direct missile and UAV attacks against Israel in October 2024 and direct missile strike in April 2024.

After Soleimani’s killing, he helped coordinate Iran’s ballistic missile retaliation against U.S. bases in Iraq.

Smoke rises after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

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Additionally, when Iran shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet in 2020, Hajizadeh publicly accepted blame, saying the mistake was made by a subordinate. All 176 people on board were killed.

Lt. Gen. Gholamali Rashid, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.
Rashid led the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, a key strategic command center within Iran’s military, tasked with planning and coordinating joint military operations within the Iranian forces.

He was a veteran and influential decision-maker during the Iran–Iraq War and later became part of Iran’s senior military leadership network. He was sanctioned by the Treasury Department in 2019.

Several nuclear scientists were also killed in the strikes, representing a significant blow to Iran’s nuclear development program.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Insecurity, Socioeconomic Challenges Driving Voter Apathy- Report

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13/06/2025

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By Justina Auta

A new report on “Addressing Voter Apathy in Nigeria” has identified insecurity and socioeconomic challenges as key drivers of low voter turnout during elections.

Prof. Freedom Onouha, Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, while presenting the report findings on Friday in Abuja, said the study aimed to address voters’ apathy in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that research was conducted by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).

Onouha identified electoral violence, distrust in electoral process and voters suspicion as key drivers of apathy that stifle electoral process in Nigeria,

He called for the implementation of reforms to restore citizens’ trust in the electoral process.

“There are structural as well as systemic factors that are responsible for voter apathy, but the most important ones is the issue of growing distrust in the electoral system.

“People are beginning to feel that the electoral body is not conducting elections that enable their votes to count.

“The loss of faith in those electoral bodies and electoral process is the number one reason why we are having low voter turnout,” he said.

He said that insecurity was also a major cause of voters’ apathy.

“Increasingly, we are seeing our politicians mobilise violence in a large scale, on a disposed scale, in order to win an election.

“That, in itself, is causing a lot of discomfort. People are not really prepared to risk their lives to vote for election.

“There is always this conclusion that the outcome of the election tends not to reflect in terms of the outcome,” Onouha said.

According to him, there is also the issue of bad governance.

He said that those who eventually win election failed to run the kind of governance that delivered on basic services.

“These tend to make them lose hope or disengage from the electoral process and from the government of the nation, and that in itself, is a major problem for the country,” he said.

He said that addressing these challenges was crucial to restoring the integrity of the electoral system and ensuring that citizens’ voices were heard.

He said that meaningful reforms were essential to restoring public trust and ensuring the integrity of future elections.

“The current administration needs to raise the bar in terms of security, not just now, but also during the elections, because insecurity is the major disincentive why people do not vote.

“The second point is that we need to have a clear-eyed approach to reforming our electoral processes and our electoral institutions,” he said.

“In this regard, if we say we want to transition to electronic voting and we are going to transmit results, we need to do it in such a way that it is seamless, smooth so that people will have confidence on the government.

Also, Dr Fatima Adamu, Executive Director, Nana Girls and Women Empowermen Initiative, an NGO, stressed the need to tackle insecurity, which has affected women’s participation in electoral processes.

“Women really complain bitterly about the violence during campaigns, the same thing during election. So that needs to be addressed.

“Another issue that women raise is lack of voter education and representation of quality leaders, and especially women.

” They feel that they are not giving quality women to contest, and they want the political parties to do so,” she said.

Mr Lennart Oestergaard, Resident Representative of FES, said: “if people do not make use of their right to vote, then that is a challenge, and it has to be addressed.

“This research findings is open to everyone who is interested, civil society, actors, academia and also the government, to take a look at it, and maybe if it’s helpful, take some learnings.”

Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General, IPCR, represented by Dr Ayuba Caleb, said that the institute remained committed to supporting efforts that deepen democratic values and foster a culture of active peaceful citizenship.” (NAN

AMDF Hails Tinubu For Honouring Late Journalist, Kaltho

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13/06/2025

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… Says The Recognition Is a powerful Reminder of the Value of Journalistic Integrity.

By Justina Auta

The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for conferring a posthumous national honour on the late journalist James Bagauda Kaltho.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, AMDF Press Freedom Manager, Mrs Zhiroh Jatau, described the recognition as a powerful reminder of the value of journalistic integrity.

She noted that it also highlighted the sacrifices made by journalists who dare to speak truth to power.

AMDF Executive Director, Sekyen Dadik, noted that the honour underscored the importance of press freedom and the need to protect journalists as they carry out their constitutional duties.

“We commend the President’s gesture, which serves as a reminder of the value of journalistic integrity and the sacrifices made by those who speak truth to power.

“As an organisation that supports and advocates for press freedom, the recognition also inspires us to continue amplifying calls for the safety of journalists in Nigeria and beyond,” Dadik said.

According to him, the honour further motivates ongoing advocacy efforts to protect and support journalists, especially those facing challenges in the line of duty.

Reacting to the conferment of the national honour, Kaltho’s wife, Martha, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu, saying: “At last, my husband has been vindicated.”

Kaltho’s daughters, Ann and Leshi, also expressed gratitude to all those who have stood by the family through difficult times.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AMDF, in 2019, introduced the Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series to immortalise Mr Kaltho, who disappeared between late 1996 and early 1997 due to his investigative journalism.

Until his disappearance, Kaltho was known as a courageous and fearless journalist.

The annual lecture, held every Sept. 19, his birthday, continues to highlight the challenges African journalists face in the course of their work.(NAN)

NLC, Youth Unite To Bridge Generational Gap

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13/06/2025

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By Justina Auta

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), youth activists, and civic leaders have come together to bridge generational and communication gaps for a more inclusive movement for social change in Nigeria.

At a roundtable titled “Reimagining Labour Movements, A Youth-NLC Intergenerational Dialogue for a Better Nigeria,” on Thursday in Abuja, stakeholders emphasised that the collaboration would bring youth energy and innovation into the labour movement.

Organised by Open Minds Young Voices (OMYV) Nigeria, the event highlighted how digital platforms can empower youth to mobilise support, disseminate information, and hold leaders accountable, ultimately driving social change and promoting a just and equitable society.

Dr Sam Amadi, Director of The Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, acknowledged the NLC’s longstanding role in advocating for workers’ rights and democracy but pointed out the existing communication gap with the youth.

He urged the older generation to engage young people respectfully, acknowledging their new perspectives and the evolving nature of activism.

“Young people are the future. Social movements must mainstream them in the struggle for a better Nigeria,” Amadi said, adding that digital technology allowed youths to bypass restrictions and promote good governance and accountability efficiently.

Ms. Linda Raji, OMYV Network Representative, said the roundtable sought to empower youth with direct access to NLC leadership and accurate information, activating their potential as digital advocates and grassroots mobilisers.

Benedict Chukwuma, Assistant Clerk, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, National Assembly, stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue between youth and labour leaders to address Nigeria’s challenges.

He emphasised that such collaboration was vital to building a stronger movement for social justice in the country.

Dr Eche Asuzu, Acting Head of Industrial Relations at NLC, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and mentoring youth to ensure social progress.

The event also featured a panel on “Youth Movements and Labour Organising: Finding Common Ground in a Digital Era.”(NAN)

Posthumous National Honours: Bagauda Kaltho’s Family Expresses Gratitude To President Tinubu

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13/06/2025

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Tinubu Potrait — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria

Wife of the late investigative journalist, Bagauda Kaltho has on behalf of the family expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the posthumous national honour conferred on her husband.

In a statement issued in Billiri, Gombe State on behalf of the family, the wife, Mrs Martha Bagauda Kaltho recalls the renaming of the Lagos State Govt House Press Centre in 1999 to ‘Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre’ by the President when he was Governor of Lagos State tate.
“These actions will remain engraved in our hearts.
“My husband disappeared sometime between late 1996 and early 1997 in line of duty. This national honor is not only a validation of my husband’s unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the defence of democratic ideals, but also a powerful reminder that the sacrifices of those who speak truth to power are never forgotten.
“Though he paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, today’s gesture by the Nigerian government restores a measure of justice to his memory and reminds us all of the enduring value of courageous journalism.
Also, with this honour, all lingering negative speculations surrounding his death have been effectively laid to rest, and those who once peddled falsehoods have been silenced. For me, this is the greatest source of joy, knowing that truth has finally prevailed and his legacy has been vindicated

“I thank all those too numerous to mention who have stood by us all through the trying periods till now.

“May this honour inspire a new generation of journalists to remain fearless in their pursuit of truth, even in the face of adversity”, the statement concludes.

AMDF Commends President Tinubu for Posthumous National Honors On Bagauda Kaltho

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12/06/2025

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Kaltho’s Family Praises Tinubu

The Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF has extended heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for conferring posthumous national honor on late James Bagauda Kaltho, an investigative journalist who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of truth.

The honor was in recognition of Kaltho’s courage, dedication, and commitment to journalism. It also highlights the importance of press freedom and the need to protect journalists as they exercise their constitutional assignment.

A statement by the AMDF’s Press Freedom Manager, Zhiroh Jatau quotes the Executive Director of AMDF, Sekyen Dadik as saying “We commend the President’s gesture, which serves as a reminder of the value of journalistic integrity and the sacrifices made by those who dare to speak truth to power.

“As an organization that supports and advocates for press freedom, the recognition also serves as an encouragement to continue to speak for oppressed journalists and amplify call for safety of journalists in Nigeria and beyond.”

AMDF had in 2019 introduced the Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series to immortalize Mr. Kaltho, who disappeared between late 1996 and early 1997 because of his journalism work. Until his disappearance, he was a courageous and fearless investigative journalist.

The yearly lecture series which holds on September 19th, Kaltho’s birthday, has not only kept his name but has continued to bring to the fore, the challenges African journalists face in the course of their duty.

In her reaction, Kaltho’s wife, Martha who was full of joy on the posthumous honor confered on her husband, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu saying “at last, my husband has been vindicated.”

Kaltho’s daughters, Ann and Leshi also expressed appreciation to all who have been standing with the family in their difficult moments.

AMDF, according to the statement, is of the strong belief that the honor will bring comfort and solace to Kaltho’s family knowing that the struggles and contributions of their father was never in vain.

AMDF Commends President Tinubu for Posthumous National Honor On Bagauda Kaltho

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12/06/2025

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Kaltho’s Family Thanks Tinubu

The Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF has extended heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for conferring posthumous national honor on late James Bagauda Kaltho, an investigative journalist who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of truth.