General news

• Army revises recruit training curriculum to end terrorism

  18-06-2026 10:48 via vanguardngr.com
  The Nigerian Army has reviewed recruit training curriculum to strengthen the capacity of newly enlisted soldiers to effectively tackle terrorism, insurgency and emerging security threats nationwide.Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), said this on Thursday during the Beating of Retreat and Award Ceremony for the 90 Regular Recruits Intake at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.Olatoye said the curriculum review was part of efforts to align recruit training with Nigeria&
  
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• Yiaga Africa, IPC raise alarm over vote buying, journalist safety in Ekiti poll

  18-06-2026 18:23 via vanguardngr.com
  By Rotimi OjomoyelaAdo-Ekiti — Civil society organisations have raised concerns over vote buying, journalists’ safety, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) ahead of Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election.Yiaga Africa has identified vote buying as one of the major threats to the credibility of the poll, urging security agencies and anti-corruption bodies to take proactive steps to curb the practice.Speaking during a pre-election briefing in Ado-Ekiti, the
  
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• US Supreme Court backs gun ownership by marijuana users

  18-06-2026 18:19 via vanguardngr.com
  The US Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday that a habitual user of marijuana cannot be barred from owning a gun.The 9-0 ruling is a victory for supporters of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, which says Americans have the right to keep and bear arms.The case before the court involved Ali Hemani, a Texas man who was indicted for being unlawfully in possession of a Glock pistol after admitting that he used marijuana about every other day.An appeals court ruled that barring Hemani,
  
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• What Cucurella, Silva, Konate add to Mourinho’s project at Real Madrid

  18-06-2026 18:11 via vanguardngr.com
  Since hiring Jose Mourinho as coach in early June, Real Madrid have moved quickly to reinforce ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.Los Blancos signed Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate to reshape their squad after going two straight seasons without winning a major trophy.AFP Sport looks at what the new additions can add and what might be next for the record 15-time European champions this summer.Cucurella’s intensityReal Madrid signed Chelsea left-back Cucurella for around 55 mi
  
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• Niger airport attack killed 11 soldiers, two civilians – Defence ministry

  18-06-2026 18:04 via vanguardngr.com
  An attack on the international airport in Niger’s capital early Thursday killed at least 11 soldiers and two civilians, while 22 assailants also died, the defence ministry said.A large-scale operation by the army is under way and the “international airport, which is fully secure, remains open to air traffic”, the ministry said in a statement read out on TV.AFP
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• Mexico, Korea eye World Cup knockout berths

  18-06-2026 18:04 via vanguardngr.com
  Mexico and South Korea will aim to punch their ticket to the World Cup knockout rounds on Thursday when they meet in Guadalajara knowing that a win would guarantee a last 32 berth.The Group A rivals head into the fixture at the Estadio Akron fresh from respective victories over South Africa and the Czech Republic in their opening games last week.The expanded 48-team format for this year’s World Cup — and the fact that the eight best-ranked third-placed teams will advance from the gr
  
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• EFCC probes self-styled prophet accused of defrauding church members of N70.3m

  18-06-2026 17:57 via vanguardngr.com
  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into a self-acclaimed prophet, Godwin Sunday Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko, over allegations that he defrauded members of his ministry of N70.39 million.The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday, saying operatives of its Enugu Zonal Directorate were investigating multiple petitions against the cleric.According to the EFCC, Ajuluchu
  
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• US backs CNG expansion, urges Nigeria to embrace alternative energy

  18-06-2026 17:52 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ediri Ejoh & Precious EnaikeThe California Secretary of Transportation, Toks Omishakin, yesterday commended efforts to expand Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure in Nigeria, describing it as a practical and timely solution to rising fuel costs and global energy challenges. This came as the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Portland Gas Limited, Folajimi Mohammed, calls for maximum utilization of the country’s natural gas reserves.Speaking during a visit to Portlan
  
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• Ekiti 2026: INEC distributes sensitive materials

  18-06-2026 17:49 via vanguardngr.com
  The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti has commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials ahead of Saturday’s June 20 governorship election.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the distribution of the materials took place at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Ado-Ekiti.The distribution commenced as early as 8:00a.m. under the supervision of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, and was witnessed by various security ag
  
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• Ekiti Poll: Mark, Aregbesola bash APC, predict ADC victory

  18-06-2026 17:41 via vanguardngr.com
  By Rotimi OjomoyelaFormer Senate President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, David Mark, and former Osun State Governor and party National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, have criticised the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in Ekiti State, expressing confidence that the ADC will win the upcoming governorship election.The party leaders made the remarks on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during a mega rally ahead of the June 20 off-cycle governorship poll, whe
  
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• Chiwetalu Agu, Uzor Arukwe pay tribute to Alexx Ekubo

  18-06-2026 17:38 via vanguardngr.com
  Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has expressed deep sorrow over the reported passing of fellow actor Alexx Ekubo, describing him as a passionate performer whose talent and dedication left a lasting mark on the film industry.In a heartfelt message shared on his Facebook page, Agu said he was “deeply saddened” by the news, noting that Ekubo was “young, talented, and full of promise.” He added that the late actor gave his craft “passion, sacrifice, and heart,&rdq
  
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• 2027: Lagos NDC leaders reject move to alter primary result, back Balogun’s candidacy

  18-06-2026 17:20 via vanguardngr.com
  By Henry ObettaLeaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lagos State have thrown their weight behind Mr. Naheem Balogun as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 elections, insisting that the outcome of the party’s direct primary must be respected.The leaders made their position known in a statement issued after a strategic meeting in Lagos by the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos For Naheem Movement, Sunday Efe Forgive.They said there were indications that Ba
  
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• Grand Theft Auto VI presales to begin next week

  18-06-2026 17:19 via vanguardngr.com
  Pre-sales of Grand Theft Auto VI, the feverishly anticipated video game release, will begin on June 25, Rockstar Games said on Thursday.GTA VI, due to be released on November 19 after two delays, is the latest entry in the blockbuster franchise and is set to arrive more than 13 years after GTA V, the second best-selling video game in history.Rockstar Games, owned by New York-based Take-Two Interactive, announced the date in a post on X, saying pre-orders would begin across digital platforms and
  
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• Ekiti Poll: Police vow crackdown on thuggery, vote buying as INEC deploys materials

  18-06-2026 17:16 via vanguardngr.com
  By Rotimi OjomoyelaAdo-Ekiti — The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti governorship election, Abayomi Shogunle, has vowed that security agencies will clamp down on vote buying, political thuggery and other forms of electoral violence during Saturday’s poll.Shogunle gave the assurance on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti during a media engagement organised by the International Press Centre (IPC), saying a comprehensive security arrangement has been deployed across the state to ensure a
  
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• Tears, tributes as Abia government, Nollywood bid farewell to Alex Ekubo

  18-06-2026 17:06 via vanguardngr.com
  By Steve OkoUMUAHIA — Emotion and grief filled Ujari, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State on Thursday as the state government, family members, friends, and top figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry gathered to bid farewell to Nollywood actor Alex Ikenna Ekubo Okwaraeke, popularly known as Alex Ekubo.Ekubo, one of Nigeria’s most popular screen actors, died at the age of 40 following complications from advanced kidney cancer after a prolonged illness.The burial a
  
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• Panic as fire guts Polaris Bank tower on Lagos Island

  18-06-2026 17:02 via vanguardngr.com
  By Olasunkanmi AkoniPanic erupted on Thursday when fire gutted part of a multi-storey building housing Polaris Bank Tower at 61/65 Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State.Eyewitness videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke billowing from the building, forcing occupants and business operators to scamper to safety.The incident reportedly occurred around 11:45 a.m., triggering a swift response from emergency services in the area.Personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, al
  
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• Associates of late Maj-Gen Rabe Abubakar demand stronger action on insecurity

  18-06-2026 16:50 via vanguardngr.com
  By Kingsley OmonobiSome coursetmates, colleagues and associates of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), former Director of Defence Information, have called for urgent reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture, describing his death in bandits’ captivity as a stark reminder of the country’s worsening insecurity.The group, represented by retired Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, Ambassador A. Mohammed Musawa and retired Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, made the call on Thursd
  
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• Customs arrests three over smuggled rifles, seizes N3.22bn contraband in Oyo/Osun

  18-06-2026 16:45 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adeola BadruThe Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested three suspects in connection with the attempted smuggling of three pump-action rifles, while another suspect was detained over alleged recruitment fraud and public impersonation.The Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan.He said the suspects linked to the firearms case are currently
  
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• World Cup 2026: Every major record broken during Round 1

  18-06-2026 16:29 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeThe opening round of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered far more than goals and upsets, it gave football fans breathtaking and exciting action to delight in.As the first World Cup featuring 48 teams, the tournament has already rewritten parts of football history, with several players and nations setting new records or reaching significant milestones during the first set of group-stage fixtures.From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo extending their legendary World
  
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• NHRC warns hate speech threatens democracy ahead of 2027 elections

  18-06-2026 16:22 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriABUJA — Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday warned that hate speech poses a threat to democracy.The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, described hate speech as not only a direct violation of human rights but also a serious threat to the nation’s peace, unity, and development.Speaking on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the NHRC’s boss maintained that hate
  
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• Insecurity near Jos worsening, Berom youth leader warns as slain vigilantes are buried

  18-06-2026 16:13 via vanguardngr.com
  By Golok NanmwaTwo vigilantes killed during Wednesday’s attack on Rantya community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State have been laid to rest amid growing concerns over insecurity in communities surrounding Jos, the state capital.The burial ceremony, marked by grief and tension, attracted family members, youths and local security volunteers, who lamented the recurring attacks in parts of Jos South and called for stronger security measures.Speaking at the funeral, the Natio
  
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• World Cup: Ivory Coast star Wahi denied Canadian visa ahead of Germany clash

  18-06-2026 16:05 via vanguardngr.com
  Forward Elye Wahi will miss Ivory Coast’s second World Cup match against Germany after he was denied a visa to enter Canada, the Ivorian federation said on Thursday.“The administrative authorisations necessary for his entry into Canadian territory have not been obtained at this stage,” the Ivorian federation (FIF) said, adding that he would not be able to “travel with the delegation to Canada” for Saturday’s match in Toronto.The FIF gave no reason for his vis
  
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• Ghana pushes for concrete slavery reparations

  18-06-2026 16:00 via vanguardngr.com
  Ghana on Thursday held a landmark global conference seeking to translate growing political support for slavery reparations into practical commitments towards justice.The United Nations in March adopted a landmark resolution that recognised that the transatlantic slave trade was “the gravest crime against humanity”.Since the adoption of the resolution in March, the campaign for reparatory justice has gathered “unprecedented momentum”, said Ghana’s Foreign Minister S
  
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• Reps move to strengthen DSS operations through funding, training bills

  18-06-2026 15:59 via vanguardngr.com
  By Gift ChapiOdekina, AbujaThe House of Representatives has commenced legislative consideration of three key bills aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Department of State Services (DSS), with lawmakers emphasizing the need for sustainable funding, enhanced intelligence training, and indigenous research to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.The bills were the focus of a public hearing organized by the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence on T
  
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• Faces at the burial of Alex Ekubo in Abia State

  18-06-2026 15:55 via vanguardngr.com
  The remains of late actor Alex Ekubo arrived in Abia State ahead of his burial rites on Thursday drawing family members, friends, colleagues and admirers to his hometown in Arochukwu Local Government Area.His body was received at his father’s residence in Arochukwu, where mourners gathered in an atmosphere of grief and remembrance to pay their final respects to the actor.Ekubo’s death sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from fello
  
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• Defence Ministry, NSA, NUJ seek stronger Media-Security partnership to tackle insecurity

  18-06-2026 15:44 via vanguardngr.com
  By Gift ChapiOdekina,AbujaThe Federal Government, security agencies and media stakeholders on Thursday renewed calls for stronger collaboration between journalists and security institutions as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges and strengthen national stability.The call was made at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja under the theme, “Media and Sec
  
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• Bayelsa resolves Twon-Brass leadership crisis, orders withdrawal of court cases

  18-06-2026 15:39 via vanguardngr.com
  By Samuel Oyadongha, YenagoaThe Bayelsa State Government has resolved the protracted leadership dispute in Twon-Brass Kingdom following its intervention and an agreement by all parties involved to immediately withdraw ongoing court cases related to the crisis.The government also directed all state-recognised communities to operate with constitutions that align with the provisions of the Bayelsa State Community Administration and Chieftaincy Law to promote effective grassroots leadership and red
  
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• Discovered in Round 1: The World Cup’s surprise breakout stars

  18-06-2026 15:21 via vanguardngr.com
  By Enitan AbdultawabThe FIFA World Cup has always been a stage where global superstars shine, but it is equally a tournament that creates new heroes overnight.While much of the pre-tournament attention was focused on established names such as Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane, the opening round of matches produced a fresh cast of players who seized the spotlight with remarkable performances, historic moments and inspiring stories.Below is a list of players who have broken out in this W
  
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• Gunfire erupts at airport in Niger capital

  18-06-2026 14:53 via vanguardngr.com
  Gunfire rang out for several hours at the airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, early on Thursday, residents said, five months after jihadists launched a large attack at the sensitive site.Niger has been ruled for three years by a military junta which has struggled to contain jihadist violence that has rocked the west African country for around a decade.The firing had stopped and calm was restored by mid-morning but residents said a large military presence had been put in place at the airpo
  
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• Golden Penny honours dealers, unveils new pasta variant

  18-06-2026 14:52 via vanguardngr.com
  *…pledges N45bn support to deepen market reachBy Esther OnyegbulaGolden Penny Foods Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its nationwide distribution network, announcing plans to invest about N45 billion in 2026 to support dealers and expand product availability across Nigeria, as the company honoured outstanding distributors at its annual dealers’ awards ceremony.The event, themed “Reset, Rebound and Win Big,” brought together distributors, business pa
  
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