General news

• Ayra Starr clinches UK Platinum Certification for ‘Rush’

  07-05-2025 14:00 via vanguardngr.com
   Afrobeat superstar Ayra Starr has earned the prestigious Platinum Certification in the United Kingdom for her  hit single “Rush”,  for surpassing 600,000 units in combined sales and streams.The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) officially recognise “Rush” with a platinum plaque, making the “Sability”  crooner  first Nigerian female artist to achieve this remarkable feat in the UK.The hit song marked Ayra Starr’s debut on the
  
  Read more

• More than 500 mothers, babies harmed, lost in UK’s largest maternity inquiry

  24-06-2026 21:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  More than 500 mothers and babies suffered potentially avoidable harm or died due to poor care at a UK hospital, according to a damning report published Wednesday, in the country’s latest maternity scandal.At least 156 cases involved the death of babies and six mothers also died at two units run by Nottingham University Hospitals Trust in central England.The independent probe was the largest maternity inquiry in the history of the state-run National Health Service (NHS) involving over 2,50
  
  Read more

• No nation can finance its development on external dependence alone — FG

  24-06-2026 21:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA — The Federal Government on Wednesday said no nation can finance its development on the basis of external dependence alone.The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, stated this in his remarks at a high-level capacity-building session with chairpersons of state revenue services and the joint revenue board, on the occasion of an experience-exchange visit by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to
  
  Read more

• British Airways pilot jailed eight years for raping groomed minor

  24-06-2026 20:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Emmanuel OkogbaA former British Airways pilot has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison after grooming and sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl he met online.Kwame Yeboah, 30, a Ghana-born ex-England youth basketball player, contacted the victim through video chat site Omegle before continuing explicit conversations on Instagram. He later drove from Berkshire to Merseyside, where he twice raped the girl in his car after checking into a hotel.Liverpool Crown Court heard Yeboah emot
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Accord, APC absent as police convene Osun peace parley ahead of governorship poll

  24-06-2026 20:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Shina AbubakarOSOGBO — The absence of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) dominated discussions on Wednesday as the Osun State Police Command convened a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at curbing rising political violence ahead of the state’s governorship election.The peace parley, organized by the police, brought together representatives of political parties, civil society organizations, media practitioners, students and other stakeholders to promote peace
  
  Read more

• One killed, another injured in suspected herdsmen attack on Benue community

  24-06-2026 20:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter DuruMAKURDI — Tension has enveloped Tse Orhungul settlement on the outskirts of Yogbo in Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State following an attack by suspected armed herders that left one person dead and another seriously injured.The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, was reportedly triggered by a dispute over cattle allegedly grazing on a maize farm near the community.Residents said a group of youths discovered the cattle destroying cr
  
  Read more

• IGP raises alarm over rising killings of police officers nationwide

  24-06-2026 20:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Chinedu AdonuENUGU — Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has expressed concern over the increasing number of police officers being killed in the line of duty, saying the Nigeria Police Force continues to suffer casualties while combating insecurity across the country.Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Forensic and Investigation Centre built by Godfrey Okoye University in partnership with the Enugu State Government, the IGP said police personnel h
  
  Read more

• Police deny inviting traditional ruler over Oyo schoolchildren abduction probe

  24-06-2026 20:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adeola BadruIBADAN — The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that a traditional ruler in Oriire Local Government Area was invited for questioning in connection with the ongoing investigation into the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in the area.In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, described the reports as false, misleading and unfounded, insisting that the tradition
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Senate passes bill to double police trust fund allocation to 1%

  24-06-2026 20:27 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry UmoruABUJA — The Senate has passed a bill seeking to increase the statutory allocation to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) from 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent of revenue accruing to the Federation Account, in a move aimed at strengthening police funding, improving operational capacity and enhancing the welfare of personnel.The legislation, titled Police Trust Fund Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026 (SB. 1030), was read for the third time and passed following the considerati
  
  Read more

• How thugs killed my husband — Widow of slain Accord party member

  24-06-2026 20:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ….Adeleke Offers Educational Support to Four ChildrenBy Shina AbubakarOSOGBO — The widow of an Accord Party member allegedly killed by gunmen in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, has recounted the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death, alleging that he was shot in her presence by assailants linked to local political violence.The deceased, Aderogba Ajayi, an indigene of Esa-Oke and member of the Accord Party, was reportedly killed on Tuesday night by
  
  Read more

• NiDCOM vows justice for Nigerians abroad after Canada murder conviction

  24-06-2026 20:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Folarin KehindeThe Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians living abroad and ensuring justice for victims of crimes in foreign countries following the conviction and sentencing of a man for the killing of two Nigerians in Canada.In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM said the Ontario Court of Justice sentenced the offender to life
  
  Read more

• Trials of two Ebola treatments to start in DRC next week – WHO

  24-06-2026 20:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Trials of two separate potential treatments to fight the deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo are expected to begin next week, the World Health Organisation said on Wednesday.A total of 1,048 Ebola cases, including 277 deaths, have been confirmed in DR Congo since the outbreak was declared on May 15 — although many experts believe the true toll is significantly higher.This outbreak is down to the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus — for which there are
  
  Read more

• We will safeguard state police from being abused by governors — Senate

  24-06-2026 19:59 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Senate Passes State Police Bill…As lawmakers approve constitutional amendment to establish Federal and State Police Services nationwideBy Henry UmoruABUJA — The Senate on Wednesday said the proposed state police system would be protected from abuse by governors through stringent constitutional safeguards, federal oversight mechanisms and judicial review provisions, as lawmakers passed the constitutional amendment bill establishing state police services across the country.Th
  
  Read more

• 2027: Nobody gives power, you must take it — Wike tells PDP candidates

  24-06-2026 19:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and National Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, urged party members to prepare for a fierce political battle ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that political power is never given but taken through struggle, sacrifice and hard work.Addressing the PDP’s 109th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting in Abuja, Wike told party faithful that opposition politics deman
  
  Read more

• US revokes passports of citizens owing over $2,500 in child support

  24-06-2026 19:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Emmanuel OkogbaThe United States Department of State, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced that Americans with significant outstanding child support debts may have their passports revoked or be denied new passport issuance.In a notice issued by the State Department, authorities stated that citizens who owe more than $2,500 in child support are not eligible to receive a U.S. passport.“To be eligible for a U.S. passport, you must pay any o
  
  Read more

• APC suspends Kebbi chairman, Zuru LG party chair over alleged infractions

  24-06-2026 19:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Haruna Aliyu, Birnin KebbiThe Kebbi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the suspension of its State Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Kana-Zuru, and the APC Chairman of Zuru Local Government Area, Hon. Aliyu Abubakar Abiola.In a statement signed by the State Party Secretary, Alhaji Sa’idu Muhammad Kimba, and made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the party said the suspension followed complaints received from stakeholders within the Zuru Emirate.
  
  Read more

• Olympics to offer all Games competitors $10,000 grants

  24-06-2026 19:16 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The International Olympic Committee, which has been under growing pressure to introduce prize money to the Olympics, on Wednesday announced it was setting up a grant for every athlete who takes part in the Games.“Every athlete at the Olympic Games will be eligible for a new $10,000 (8,800 euros) ‘Fit for the Future Olympian Grant’,” said the IOC on its website, adding that the total fund would be worth $140mn for each four-year Olympic cycle.“All Olympians, no matt
  
  Read more

• FG discovers major Platinum, Gold, Nickel deposits in Kaduna, seeks fresh investments

  24-06-2026 19:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gabriel EwepuABUJA — The Federal Government has announced major mineral exploration breakthroughs in Kaduna State, revealing the discovery of significant deposits of platinum, gold, nickel, copper, lithium, rare earth elements and other strategic minerals.Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, disclosed this on Wednesday at the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026) in Abuja, themed “One Africa, One Resource Vision.”Accordin
  
  Read more

• We have never posted officers to any checkpoint around port environment — AIG Okunade

  24-06-2026 19:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Efe OnodjaeThe Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Maritime, AIG Okunade Ronke, has denied allegations that officers were deployed to illegal checkpoints around port access roads, insisting that no such authorization exists within the system.Her clarification came as the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Ports Authority stepped up a coordinated operation aimed at dismantling illegal checkpoints and unauthorised roadblocks along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors i
  
  Read more

• Tincan customs generates N111.2bn in May, as CAC Anani vows higher performance

  24-06-2026 19:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Efe OnodjaeThe TinCan Island Port (TCIP) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a revenue collection of N111.2 billion in May 2026, consolidating its status as one of the Service’s top-performing commands.The newly deployed Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Joseph Anani, disclosed this on Wednesday during his maiden interactive session with maritime journalists at the command headquarters, saying the result reflects improved compliance by stakeholders, operational
  
  Read more

• Security, tax, environmental concerns stall reopening of Oshodi Resettlement Market

  24-06-2026 19:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Esther OnyegbulaBusiness activities remained at a standstill on Wednesday as the Oshodi Resettlement Market in Lagos remained shut following its closure by the Lagos State Government over the alleged assault of officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI.A visit to the market showed all entrances under lock and key, with official closure notices displayed at various entry points.Traders were seen loitering around the market premises, while oth
  
  Read more

• Ogun Govt reiterates ban on graduation charges in schools

  24-06-2026 19:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Ogun State Government has reiterated its directive prohibiting public and private schools from charging students any fee for graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties.The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, reaffirmed this while receiving members of the Grand Union of Private Schools Association (GUPSA) at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday.He explained that the directive followed widespread complaints and controversies from parent
  
  Read more

• Video: Cubana Chief Priest launches campaign-branded luxury cars for Tinubu

  24-06-2026 19:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Popular socialite and nightlife entrepreneur, Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has generated widespread reactions on social media after showcasing customised luxury vehicles branded in support of President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated re-election campaign.Cubana Chief Priest, who is reportedly the Director of the City Boy Movement in Imo State, has remained a vocal supporter of President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while also expressing intere
  
  Read more

• Pipeline rupture disrupts Water Supply in Sokoto

  24-06-2026 18:59 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ….government begins emergency repairsBy Musa Ubandawaki, SokotoThe Sokoto State Government has commenced emergency measures to restore water supply following the rupture of a major pipeline that transports raw water to treatment facilities, disrupting water distribution across Sokoto metropolis and neighbouring communities.The Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Iya (Iyan Sokoto), gave the assurance on Wednesday during an inspection of the damaged pipeline section al
  
  Read more

• Actress Ini Dima-Okojie welcomes baby boy

  24-06-2026 18:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nollywood actress Ini Dima-Okojie has announced the birth of her baby boy with her husband, Abasi Ene-Obong.The actress broke the news on Wednesday in an emotional birthday message posted on Instagram, reflecting on her transition into motherhood and the life-changing experience of welcoming her first child.Known for marking her birthdays with elaborate photoshoots and carefully curated concepts, Ini said this year was different. Instead, she chose to share a photograph taken on the day her son
  
  Read more

• Troops neutralise three IPOB/ESN operatives, recover arms, IEDs in Anambra

  24-06-2026 18:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiTroops of Sector 5, Joint Task Force South-East Operation Udoka, in collaboration with other security agencies, have neutralised three suspected operatives of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during a gun battle in Anambra State.The operation was carried out on June 23, 2026, following credible intelligence on armed criminals allegedly disguising themselves in military camouflage and Nigeria Police unifo
  
  Read more

• Zedcrest Securities Brings Stocks Trading to the Zedcrest Wealth App, Expanding Access to Capital Markets

  24-06-2026 18:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Zedcrest Securities, the stockbroking subsidiary of Zedcrest Group, has launched stocks trading on the Zedcrest Wealth App, enabling clients to buy and sell shares of over 150 companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) directly from their mobile devices.The launch represents another milestone in Zedcrest Group’s vision of building a more connected financial services ecosystem that improves access to capital, investment opportunities, and financial markets across Africa. By bringing t
  
  Read more

• Over 150 baby deaths linked to UK maternity scandal – Report

  24-06-2026 18:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  More than 500 mothers and babies suffered potentially avoidable harm or died due to poor care at a UK hospital, according to a damning report published Wednesday, in the country’s latest maternity scandal.At least 156 cases involved the death of babies, and six mothers also died at two units run by Nottingham University Hospitals Trust in central England.The independent probe was the largest maternity inquiry in the history of the state-run National Health Service (NHS), involving over 2,
  
  Read more

• Atiku to Tinubu: Blaming Journalists for hardship is like blaming a thermometer for a fever

  24-06-2026 18:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: Presidential candidate of the African Drmocratic Congress ADC, Atiku Abubakar has said President Bola Tinubu’s decision to attack the media for reporting insecurity and economic hardship across the country is as absurd as blaming a thermometer for a fever, warning that denial does not change reality but merely postpones solutions.Atiku, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Wednesday, said it was both astonis
  
  Read more

• Troops rescue three kidnap victims, recover weapons in Zamfara, Sokoto operations

  24-06-2026 18:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiABUJA — Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued three kidnapped victims and foiled a planned terrorist attack during separate operations in Zamfara and Sokoto states.The operations, carried out as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the North-West, also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and other operational items.In a statement, the Media Information Officer of the operation, Lt
  
  Read more

Follow @GeneralNews_NGR on Twitter!