General news

• Burna Boy to perform at first-ever World Cup final halftime show

  09-07-2026 13:19 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy will join a star-studded lineup featuring Justin Bieber, Shakira, Madonna and BTS at the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show.FIFA announced on Wednesday that the historic 11-minute performance will take place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.Justin Bieber will co-headline the show alongside Madonna, Shakira and South Korean pop group BTS.“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a w
  
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• Searching phones without warrant unlawful, Police tell personnel

  09-07-2026 23:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Police Command in Plateau has warned its personnel against unlawfully demanding and searching citizens’ mobile phones.Mr Bassey Ewah, the Commissioner of Police in the state, gave the warning while addressing its personnel in Jos.Mr Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Jos.“No personnel of this command has the legal authority to search mobile phone of any citizen on the road without a court warrant,
  
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• Catholic Archbishop of Benin dies one month before retirement

  09-07-2026 23:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ozioruva AliuCatholic Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Fr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, has died barely one month before his retirement.He was said to have died in his sleep while on vacation abroad.He would have turned 70 on August 25 which would have also signalled his retirement in line with the Catholic Church’s doctrine.A statement by the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, titled “Notification of Death” officially announce
  
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• I won’t betray Nigerians’ trust, reforms will make future better – Tinubu

  09-07-2026 23:27 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling promises made to Nigerians, declaring that he would never betray their trust.Tinubu spoke on Thursday through Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the inauguration of executives of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, established to promote the Renewed Hope agenda across the country.He insisted that the ongoing reforms would eventually deliver lasting national prosperity.“My administration remains committed to building a str
  
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• NIS suspends US visa application centres indefinitely

  09-07-2026 23:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the indefinite suspension of the services of Online Integrated Solution (OIS Services), the operator of Nigeria’s Visa Application Centres in the United States, effective from July 1.This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI), Mr Akinsola Akinlabi.Akinlabi said that the development affected prospective travellers and Nigerians residi
  
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• Tinubu meets security chiefs at Aso Villa over insecurity

  09-07-2026 23:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to review the country’s security situation.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the meeting focused on developments across various theatres of operation and ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.Those in attendance included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa;
  
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• Iran says projectile hit military base near Bushehr

  09-07-2026 22:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iranian state media reported Thursday that a US-Israeli projectile hit military headquarters on the outskirts of Bushehr, hours after clashes between the United States and Iran flared.“Moments ago, a military headquarters on the outskirts of Bushehr was attacked and hit by a projectile of the American-Zionist enemy,” state news agency IRNA quoted deputy governor of Bushehr Ehsan Jahanian as saying.A US defence official however said that the US military was not currently carryin
  
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• PFIPC scandal: ADC calls for independent panel of inquiry

  09-07-2026 22:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Dickson OmobolaAfrican Democratic Congress, ADC, on Thursday called for the constitution of an independent panel of inquiry into the activities of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, an alleged fake agency headed by Adeniyi Adeyemi.The call comes two days after President Bola Tinubu directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to investigate the matter and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days.National Publicity Se
  
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• Don’t release your PVC to anyone for money – Adeleke tells residents

  09-07-2026 21:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Shina AbubakarOsun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has raised alarm over alleged plot by the opposition party to compromise voters’ register by mopping up Permanent Voters’ Cards across the state, calling on the populace not to release their cards to anyone for pecuniary gains.The governor, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Thursday, said there is an ongoing coordinated move by the opposition, “to buy up voters’ voting cards and extract PIN
  
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• Kida calls for national support as D’Tigers begin FIBA World Cup qualifiers

  09-07-2026 21:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Ahmad Musa Kida, has called on Nigerians to rally behind the senior men’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, as they begin their campaign in the FIBA Africa Basketball World Cup Qualifiers.
  D’Tigers have been drawn in Group E alongside Cameroon, South Sudan, Cabo Verde, Tunisia, and Guinea in what promises to be a highly competitive qualifying series.
  Nigeria will begin its campaign against regional rivals Cameroon
  
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• Photos: Another batch of Nigerians evacuated from S’Africa arrive Lagos

  09-07-2026 21:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Emmanuel AdegboyeAnother batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrived Thursday night on an Air Peace aircraft at the cargo section of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
  The post Photos: Another batch of Nigerians evacuated from S’Africa arrive Lagos appeared first on Vanguard News.
  
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• PFIPC: Resign now, SDP National Chairman tells Gbajabiamila

  09-07-2026 21:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry UmoruFollowing the crisis rocking the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, due to budgetary allocation and operations, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Professor Sadiq Gombe, has asked the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to resign immediately.Answering questions from journalists on Thursday in Abuja after the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC meeting, Gombe aid, “I think if decorum prevai
  
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• APC’s concern is 2027, not kidnapping, not hunger, ADC insists

  09-07-2026 21:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olayinka AjayiNational Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, has berated the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, for not addressing fresh reports on 17 million Nigerians living in abject poverty.Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Abdullahi insisted that what the ruling party is after is the “next election.”He said, “We have to ask ourselves if they truly believe in democracy. When we say we shall b
  
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• Portuguese referee appointed to officiate Argentina vs Switzerland clash

  09-07-2026 21:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  FIFA has confirmed the officiating team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland.Portuguese referee João Pinheiro has been appointed to take charge of the highly anticipated encounter, which will determine one of the tournament’s semi-finalists.Pinheiro will be assisted by fellow Portuguese officials Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia, while Canada’s Drew Fischer has been named as the fourth official.Argentina and Switzerland will meet on July 11
  
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• Influencer extradited to US over $8m scam targeting elderly Americans

  09-07-2026 20:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Ghanaian social media influencer Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, has been extradited to the United States to stand trial over allegations that he masterminded a romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million (£5.9 million).Kumi has denied all the charges against him.According to US prosecutors, he allegedly used artificial intelligence tools to create fake online identities, targeting victims through social media and online dating platforms before gain
  
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• Banditry: Ndume backs defence minister’s shoot-on- sight order

  09-07-2026 20:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  —Says sustained offensive will crush terrorists
  —Urges Tinubu to talk to Nigerians regularlyBy Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA — FORMER Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume on Thursday, threw his weight to the order by the Minister of Defence, Ge. Christopher Musa (retd) to the military to shoot on sight any terrorists or bandits, saying sustained military pressure, not negotiations or concessions, remains the surest path to ending insecurity in Nigeria.Fielding question from State House
  
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• US to guide Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon zones – Officials

  09-07-2026 20:48 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The United States will oversee the withdrawal of Israeli forces from “pilot zones” in the south, with the first to get underway within days, Lebanese and US officials said Thursday.A US official said that new talks between Israel and Lebanon would go ahead next week, after a diplomatic source earlier told AFP that Lebanon had demanded an Israeli pullout from the zones before taking part.Under a framework agreement reached on June 26, Israel will gradually withdraw from areas of sout
  
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• ADC faction withdraws from Edo LG election over credibility concerns

  09-07-2026 20:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo, led by Mr Kennedy Odion, has withdrawn from Saturday’s local government election, citing “concerns over the credibility and independence of the electoral process”.Mr Osagiede Osaze, Publicity Secretary of the faction, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Benin that his group, in particular, had reservations about the election timetable.“We have also demanded that the Edo State Independent Electora
  
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• SDP intensifies reforms, mobilisation ahead of 2027 elections

  09-07-2026 20:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry UmoruABUJA — The national leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to party unity, internal reforms and preparations for the 2027 general elections following its second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.Speaking at the meeting, the SDP National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said the party had recorded significant progress within the past four months, including holding two NEC meetings, conducting its National Convention, elect
  
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• State Police key to tackling insecurity, says Mutfwang

  09-07-2026 20:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Golok NanmwaJOS — Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has reiterated the need for the establishment of state police, describing it as a critical step towards addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.Mutfwang spoke during the ARISE Television Town Hall Programme on “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security,” where he highlighted Plateau State’s efforts to strengthen security and shared his views on the proposed policing ref
  
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• APC will overcome internal disputes, win Kwara in 2027 — Prof. Sulaiman

  09-07-2026 20:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Demola Akinyemi, IlorinA former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, has expressed confidence that the party will retain power in the 2027 general elections despite the controversy surrounding its governorship primary.Sulaiman said disagreements arising from the primary would not diminish the APC’s electoral prospects, expressing optimism that aggrieved members would eventually reconcile in the interest of the party.Speaking
  
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• Don’t turn state police into political weapon- Senator Natasha

  09-07-2026 20:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …seeks safeguards, sustainable funding
  John Alechenu
  ABUJA – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has cautioned against deploying state police to intimidate political opponents or citizens, and urged the National Assembly to build strong constitutional safeguards into any law establishing such a force.
  The Kogi Central Senator said this at a Conference with the theme: “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security,” organised by Arise News and ThisDay
  
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• FG, NDDC target $500m Niger Delta Agric Fund

  09-07-2026 20:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  —July 15 summit to attract global investors, international oil companies — PresidencyBy Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA — The Federal Government in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Thursday announced the unveiling of $500 million agricultural investment summit for the region in Abuja.This is as the presidency said the summit is expected to draw participants from around the world, including international oil companies and global agribusiness firms th
  
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• Court fines Adamawa ADC governorship aspirant ₦3m over campaign posters

  09-07-2026 20:18 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Umar Yusuf, YolaA Magistrate Court sitting in Yola has fined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, Engr. Omar Suleiman, ₦3 million for violating the state’s environmental regulations by pasting campaign posters on public structures.The court, presided over by Magistrate Musa Adamu, held that the matter was administrative rather than criminal in nature.Suleiman had initially been arraigned over the alleged offence, but during proceedings, th
  
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• Atiku appoints Omega Odunze as SA on South-East Community Mobilisation

  09-07-2026 20:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has appointed Omega Odunze as his Special Assistant on Community Mobilisation (South-East), as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 presidential election.The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office and shared by the former Vice President’s media aide, Paul Ibe.According to the statement, the appointment, which took effect from April 1, 202
  
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• I rejected ₦300m ransom demand for my kidnapped brothers — Zamfara Gov

  09-07-2026 20:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ABUJA — Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has revealed that he refused to pay a ₦300 million ransom demanded by kidnappers who abducted his brothers in 2019, maintaining that paying ransom only fuels kidnapping and other criminal activities.The governor disclosed this on Thursday while speaking at the ARISE News/THISDAY Town Hall Conference on State Police and National Security in Abuja, where he reiterated his opposition to negotiating with bandits and renewed his support for th
  
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• Don’t turn State Police into political weapon, Natasha warns

  09-07-2026 20:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Calls for constitutional safeguards, sustainable fundingBy John AlechenuABUJA — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has cautioned against the use of state police as a tool for political intimidation, urging the National Assembly to incorporate strong constitutional safeguards into any legislation establishing the proposed policing system.The senator, who represents Kogi Central, made the call at a conference on “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Securit
  
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• FIFA hands England’s Quansah two-game ban after red card

  09-07-2026 20:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  England defender Jarell Quansah will miss Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, and the last four should the Three Lions progress, after being handed a two-game ban by FIFA.Quansah was shown a straight red card against Mexico in the last 16, but only after a VAR review.The absence of the Bayer Leverkusen man adds an extra headache to Thomas Tuchel’s selection at right-back.Chelsea captain Reece James has missed the last three games after picking up a hamstring injury an
  
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• Tinapa coming back to life before December- Gov Otu

  09-07-2026 19:59 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Gov Bassey Otu of Cross River has promised that the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort will come back to life before the end of the year.The governor made the promise while fielding questions from newsmen in Calabar on Thursday.He disclosed that his administration had engaged in lengthy negotiations to recover and reposition the business resort that the state recently recovered from Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).Otu explained that the decision to focus on reviving Tinapa was d
  
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• Roads grow GDP, fund them timely, Ogbuagu tells FG

  09-07-2026 19:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Calls for sustained civil service reforms, digital transformationBy John AlechenuABUJA — Retiring Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation at the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise investment in the road sector, describing it as a key driver of economic growth.Ogbuagu made the appeal at a valedictory ceremony held in his honour at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.He expressed gratit
  
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