Nigeria News (Standard)
US Government Confirms Use of Elon Musk’s Grok AI in Iran Military Strikes, Pentagon Cites National Security Need
Federal court filing reveals xAI system guided over 2,000 munitions in recent operations as legal dispute stalls data centre
Federal court filing reveals xAI system guided over 2,000 munitions in recent operations as legal dispute stalls data centre
A newly released US government court filing has confirmed that Grok, the artificial intelligence system developed by Elon Musk’s xAI company, was deployed to support military strike operations against Iran. The revelation came in a June 15 legal brief by the US Department of Justice amid an environmental case involving xAI’s data centre in the United States.
The Department of Justice stated that shutting down power at xAI’s facility could undermine national security because the data centre supports AI systems already assisting military targeting programmes. According to testimony from Cameron Stanley, Chief of AI Operations at the Pentagon, Grok has been integrated into Project Maven—the US military’s AI-powered targeting programme—replacing previous technology provided by Anthropic. Stanley said under oath that the Grok Gov Model enabled US forces to deploy over 2,000 munitions to 2,000 targets within a four-day window during Operation Epic Fury, a recent operation targeting Iranian sites. He further praised the model for improving operational efficiency and speed.
The disclosure comes as xAI faces a lawsuit from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which claims the company operates dozens of gas turbines without proper environmental permits. The NAACP argues these turbines violate clean air laws and increase pollution in Black-majority communities near the data centre. xAI has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that its turbines are temporary equipment not subject to standard permitting requirements.
Federal prosecutors maintain that efforts to halt xAI’s operations threaten American military and economic security. The legal document shows that after Anthropic refused to let its Claude AI be used for autonomous lethal strikes or large-scale surveillance, federal agencies expanded partnerships with companies like Google, OpenAI and xAI. Since then, Grok has become central to Project Maven’s work.
The growing use of artificial intelligence in warfare has sparked debate within the global technology sector. Over 600 Google staff previously signed a petition against supplying AI for classified military projects. Despite this pushback, Pentagon officials disclosed that Anthropic’s Claude model was still active in some Iran-related operations as recently as March before being phased out for alternatives like Grok.
Musk recently merged xAI with his aerospace company SpaceX, deepening ties between his ventures as both continue securing major government contracts in defence and national security. The case highlights ongoing concerns about AI oversight and transparency as advanced technologies reshape modern conflict.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oshiomhole Denies Forgery of Senators’ Signatures in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Saga
Former APC National Chairman dismisses allegations of manipulated signatures linked to Senate decision on Kogi lawmaker
Former APC National Chairman dismisses allegations of manipulated signatures linked to Senate decision on Kogi lawmaker
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has refuted claims that signatures of his colleagues were forged in the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The incident, which has generated heated debate within the Senate, occurred in Abuja on Wednesday.
The matter unfolded after reports circulated alleging that some senators’ signatures were falsified to push through a resolution suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Senate was thrown into debate over the authenticity of the process, with concerns raised about due procedure and transparency. Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisted there was no forgery involved and called for calm among lawmakers and the public.
The suspension saga has drawn attention due to its implications for legislative conduct and internal democracy within Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber. Many Nigerians have expressed concern about possible manipulation within the National Assembly, especially given recent tensions between ruling and opposition parties.
Oshiomhole said at a press briefing that all signatures appended to the Senate’s decision were authentic and properly obtained. He maintained that “no senator’s signature was forged or used without consent,” urging critics to verify facts before spreading unsubstantiated allegations. As at press time, no official statement had been released by Akpoti-Uduaghan or her aides regarding Oshiomhole’s position.
The Senate is expected to further review its internal procedures in light of this controversy. Political observers say the outcome may shape future disciplinary processes for lawmakers accused of misconduct, as well as public trust in legislative proceedings.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Firefighters, Seadogs Launch Safety Campaign in Amuwo-Odofin, Urge Residents on Prevention
Federal Fire Service partners National Association of Seadogs to educate Mile 2 Estate community on household fire hazards
Federal Fire Service partners National Association of Seadogs to educate Mile 2 Estate community on household fire hazards
Fire safety experts and the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) have called on Lagos residents to prioritise fire prevention, warning that negligence and ignorance remain major causes of outbreaks. The message was delivered at a fire safety sensitisation event held on Monday at Mile 2 Estate in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, where officials from the Federal Fire Service (FFS) Lagos Command joined NAS to address the community.
During the campaign, organisers explained that while some fires are accidental, a significant number result from careless handling of flammable materials and lack of adherence to basic safety guidelines. Mr. Oghene Michael, Operations Officer of Festac Fire Station, led a lecture highlighting the dangers of common household items such as cooking gas, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), curtains, clothing and furniture. “Many materials we use every day can catch fire easily if not handled properly,” Michael said at the event. He stressed that gases in particular can be especially dangerous due to their ability to spread quickly and ignite with minimal spark.
The programme included demonstrations on fire extinguisher use and advice on safe storage of combustible items. Residents were urged to avoid storing PMS or gas cylinders inside living spaces and to ensure electrical wiring met safety standards. Organisers also cautioned against leaving cooking unattended or overloading electrical sockets — practices they identified as frequent contributors to domestic fire incidents in Lagos.
According to NAS representatives, the collaboration with FFS is part of a broader commitment to community safety across Lagos State. They noted a rise in reported household fires during recent dry seasons, which have caused property loss and displacement for affected families. “We want people to see prevention as their responsibility, not just something for government agencies,” one official said.
The FFS Lagos Command advised residents to report fire emergencies promptly using official hotlines and encouraged regular participation in safety trainings. As at June 2026, authorities say heightened awareness and early intervention remain key strategies for reducing casualties and property damage from fires in densely populated urban areas like Amuwo-Odofin.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Opposition Lawmakers Accuse Tinubu of Focusing on 2027 Election Over Nigeria’s Current Challenges
PDP and LP representatives claim urgent national issues are sidelined as president meets stakeholders in Warri, Delta State
PDP and LP representatives claim urgent national issues are sidelined as president meets stakeholders in Warri, Delta State
Opposition lawmakers have accused President Bola Tinubu of placing more attention on his 2027 re-election ambitions rather than addressing pressing national problems. This criticism surfaced on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held with Ijaw and Urhobo leaders in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.
The lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) said the president’s recent engagements, including high-profile consultations in the South-South zone, appear aimed at consolidating his political base ahead of the next general elections. According to them, these moves come at a time when Nigerians are demanding concrete action on economic hardship, insecurity, and failing infrastructure.
The opposition’s concerns follow President Tinubu’s meeting with traditional rulers and community representatives in Warri, which was intended to address local grievances and foster support for ongoing federal projects. However, PDP and LP members argue that such events are being prioritised over urgent interventions required to tackle inflation, unemployment, and security threats across various regions.
No official response has been issued by the presidency regarding these allegations. Meanwhile, government allies maintain that the president remains committed to delivering on his campaign promises and stabilising Nigeria’s economy. They insist that stakeholder engagement is necessary for inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Observers say the mounting criticism signals intensifying political rivalry as preparations for 2027 gather pace. Many expect both sides to ramp up public campaigns in coming months while Nigerians watch closely for policy actions that address their daily struggles.
Oshiomhole Denies Forgery of Senators’ Signatures in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Saga
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