General news

• David v Goliath as Cape Verde face Messi’s Argentina at World Cup

  03-07-2026 10:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A classic David versus Goliath encounter will take centre stage at the World Cup on Friday as tiny Cape Verde face Lionel Messi and Argentina with a place in the last 16 at stake.Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout rounds, face the defending champions in Miami dreaming of pulling off what would be the greatest upset in World Cup history.The Atlantic archipelago have become one of the fairytale stories of this year’s expanded 48-team tournament, confounding expectati
  
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• PFICP Scandal: ‘FG has questions to answer’ -Falana, Atiku, NDC, others demand probe

  04-07-2026 03:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  •Want Gbajabiamila to step aside pending investigation•Staff of disowned agency speak  about Adeyemi, operationsBy Omeiza AjayiMore Nigerians yesterday expressed outrage over the scandal rocking the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC which the presidency claimed was fake but was allocated N24b in the 2026 national budget.Read Also: Nigeria’s challenge is low revenue, not high debt – World BankAmong those who reacted
  
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• Jurisdiction — Where Federal Police Authority ends and State Police begins

  04-07-2026 03:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gift ChapiOdekina, AbujaFor decades, Section 214 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution contained one of the most consequential sentences in the country’s federal architecture: that there shall be a police force for Nigeria, and that “no other police force shall be established for the Federation or any part thereof.” That single clause has been the legal wall blocking every attempt at state policing for twenty-five years.Read Also: ‘Kidnappers slept off after
  
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• Delta: Renewed herdsmen attacks in Ughelli North heighten calls for government action

  04-07-2026 02:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Akpokona OmafuaireThe cries of residents across several communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State are becoming louder by the day. What started years ago as occasional disputes between farmers and herders has gradually evolved into a persistent security challenge that continues to threaten lives, livelihoods, and peace in the area.Read Also: ‘Kidnappers slept off after long walk’ – Victims narrate escapeFor many residents of communities such
  
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• Argentina survive Cape Verde scare to reach World Cup last 16

  04-07-2026 02:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Argentina were given a huge scare before ending Cape Verde’s fairytale run as Lionel Messi netted his 20th World Cup goal in a 3-2 win after extra-time to reach the last 16.Messi’s sublime control and finish for his seventh goal at this tournament in four games put the defending champions in command, but the Blue Sharks doggedly refused to go away.Deroy Duarte’s strike on the hour mark forced Argentina to expand more energy than they would have wanted in the sapping Miami heat.
  
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• Every man his own Escobar: A review of Carlos Barragan’s ‘The Yahoo Boys’

  04-07-2026 02:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  When the Spanish journalist Carlos Barragan announced recently on LinkedIn that The Yahoo Boys, his book about the online scammers of Lagos, had just been released, the comment section beneath his post was animated. There was praise for this first book by a young journalist, but also curiosity from some Nigerian commenters about his motives, as well as defensive queries about why, of all the subjects under the Nigerian sun, Barragan had chosen to write about the already globally notori
  
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• These military recruits are misfits, VC laments attack on UNIOSUN hostels

  04-07-2026 02:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Juliet UmehWithin the space of one week, Osun State University, UNIOSUN, has found itself grappling with two disturbing incidents that have sparked outrage and renewed questions about the safety and welfare of students in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.Read Also: ‘Kidnappers slept off after long walk’ – Victims narrate escapeThe first was an alleged midnight invasion of private student hostels by military recruits, during which students claimed they were as
  
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• Oba of Benin receives 18 looted artefacts after 125 years

  04-07-2026 02:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ozioruva AliuThe Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, has received 18 cultural artefacts repatriated from Switzerland after 125 years in foreign custody. He emphasized that the royal objects are not mere curiosities but vital records of governance, spirituality, and artistry of the Edo people, taken by force during colonial incursions.Among the returned items is an ancestral head of a Benin Oba, looted during the 1897 British punitive expedition against the Benin R
  
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• South Africa Returnees: We’re battling stigma of being labelled criminals 

  04-07-2026 02:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  •FG profiles 1,000, promises skills training, trauma counselling By Dickson Omobola & Matilda IkediobiFederal Government has said its agencies are committed to the reintegration of Nigerians who voluntarily returned from South Africa through livelihood support, skills acquisition programmes, psychosocial and mental health counselling to help them recover from the trauma they experienced.Read Also: Video: ‘They vowed to shoot remaining Africans’ — Nigerians recoun
  
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• 2027: Peter Obi urges Nigerians to register to vote

  04-07-2026 00:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Pays surprise visits to INEC centresLabour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has urged eligible Nigerians to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise, describing voter registration as the foundation for achieving good governance.Obi made the appeal on Friday after paying unscheduled visits to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter registration centres at the Civic Centre, Nibo, and Nrijiofor Primary School, Nri, in Anambr
  
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• ‘Kidnappers slept off after long walk’ – Victims narrate escape

  03-07-2026 23:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ozioruva Aliu, BENIN CITY
  Some persons, who were kidnapped at their farms in Estako West Local Government Area of Edo State, said they escaped after their kidnappers slept off.Read Also: US pulls troops from Nigeria after counterterrorism operationThey narrated their ordeal at a briefing in Benin on Friday. According to the kidnap victims, their abductors were tired after making them to walk all night.One of the victims, Destiny Braimah, who spoke on behalf of the victims, said he was r
  
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• Trump riffs on predecessors in children’s podcast appearance

  03-07-2026 23:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Donald Trump riffed on his White House predecessors in a children’s podcast Friday, while also joking about his weight and musing as to whether his body is swimsuit-ready.Speaking with Usha Vance on “Storytime with the Second Lady,” as America celebrated its 250th birthday, the billionaire property tycoon opened with his favorite topic — real estate, of course.The pair were sitting in the White House Oval Office, explained the 80-year-old grandfather of 11.&ldq
  
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• Again, four killed, 10 injured in fresh Benue herdsmen attack

  03-07-2026 23:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter Duru, MakurdiSuspected armed herders have reportedly killed four persons and injured 10 others in renewed attacks on communities in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.The attacks, which lasted two days, targeted farmers working on their farmlands in Anyiase, Moon Council Ward, and later passengers attempting to flee the affected communities.A community elder and survivor, Terzungwe Ajir, told journalists that the first attack occurred at about 3:20 p.m. on Thursday when the as
  
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• Court of Appeal upholds hijab ban in University of Ibadan International School

  03-07-2026 23:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adeola BadruThe Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has overturned an earlier High Court judgment that permitted students of the International School, University of Ibadan, ISI, Oyo State, to wear the Islamic headscarf, popularly known as the hijab, as part of the school’s uniform.The court declared that the institution is a private school and, therefore, entitled to enforce its dress code.The appellate court, in a split decision of two to one delivered on Friday, held that the Supreme C
  
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• France braced for extreme heat threat in World Cup clash with Paraguay

  03-07-2026 23:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  France coach Didier Deschamps promised Friday his team would be able to adapt to the potential impact of extreme weather on their World Cup last-16 tie against Paraguay on Saturday as a brutal heatwave hits the northeastern United States.The sides are due to meet Saturday in Philadelphia, the same time as the city celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence, and with weather warnings in place in the area due to the conditions.“We knew it would be very hot. I think tomorrow it
  
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• Court orders Saraki’s arraignment over Kwara’s alleged defamation suit

  03-07-2026 23:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A Kwara High Court sitting in Ilorin has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and ordered his arraignment.Read Also: Kwara drags Saraki to court over defamationJustice M. O. Folorunsho delivered the ruling on Friday, holding that the court possessed the jurisdiction to hear the criminal case before it.The judge dismissed the defendant’s preliminary objection in its entirety after considering the arguments presented by both the defence and p
  
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• Egypt beat Australia 4-2 on penalties to reach World Cup last 16

  03-07-2026 23:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the winning penalty as Egypt made history by beating a dogged Australia 4-2 on penalties to reach the World Cup last 16 on Friday.A tense affair in which Egypt and their off-colour captain Mohamed Salah wasted the better chances had ended 1-1 after 120 minutes in Texas.Lionel Messi’s Argentina loom next for Egypt, as long as the reigning champions avoid a massive upset against tournament debutants Cape Verde in their last-32 encounter.The Pharaohs will celebrate
  
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• LAUTECH students among 11 suspected cultists arrested as police foil planned attack

  03-07-2026 23:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adeola BadruThe Oyo State Police Command has arrested 11 suspected members of the outlawed Eiye Confraternity, all identified as students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, following a coordinated operation that thwarted an alleged planned attack within the university community.The operation, carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons allege
  
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• ‘You brought me into politics and stood by me’ – Tinubu mourns Kola Oseni

  03-07-2026 23:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to elder statesman and progressive politician, Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, describing him as the man who introduced him to politics and stood firmly by him throughout his political journey.In a personal tribute released on Friday following Oseni’s death, the President expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his longtime ally, describing him as a visionary administrator, democrat, friend and brother whose contributions to Lagos State and Nige
  
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• NDLEA warns public against fake auction offers using officials’ names

  03-07-2026 22:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters impersonating its officials to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through fake auction offers for forfeited vehicles.In a statement issued on Friday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the scammers have been using the names of senior NDLEA officials, particularly the Secretary to the Agency, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to circulate fraudulent letters and messag
  
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• Nigeria’s challenge is low revenue, not high debt – World Bank

  03-07-2026 22:34 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The World Bank has said Nigeria’s biggest fiscal challenge is weak revenue mobilisation rather than excessive borrowing, urging the government to prioritise efforts to boost revenue generation to support sustainable economic growth.Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said Nigeria’s debt profile remains moderate by international standards and is significantly different from countries experiencing
  
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• HURIWA warns U.S. troop pullout could fuel fresh terror attacks

  03-07-2026 22:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Chioma ObinnaThe Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over the withdrawal of most United States troops from joint counterterrorism operations in Nigeria, warning that the move could create a security vacuum for terrorist groups to regroup and launch fresh attacks.In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group said the development should not be interpreted as a sign that the war against
  
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• Fubara commends Army over fight against oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism

  03-07-2026 22:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has commended the Nigerian Army for its efforts in tackling pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering, saying the operations are producing positive results.Fubara made the remark while receiving the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt on Friday.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lt-Gen. Shaibu was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Em
  
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• Emir Sanusi urges Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship

  03-07-2026 22:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …SSU Unveils Innovation-Focused ProgrammesBy Musa Ubandawaki, SokotoThe Chancellor of Sokoto State University (SSU) and Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi, has urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation and self-reliance as essential tools for national development and economic transformation.Speaking at the convocation lecture held on Friday as part of the university’s combined 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th convocation ceremonies in Sokot
  
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• Abiodun appoints six new permanent secretaries

  03-07-2026 22:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaOgun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved the appointment of six new Permanent Secretaries as part of efforts to strengthen the leadership capacity of the state’s civil service and sustain ongoing public sector reforms.The appointments, announced on Friday by the Head of Service, Mr. Iskeel Saka, fill vacancies created by the statutory retirement of former Permanent Secretaries.The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are Dr. Solomon Oluseyi Sokunbi, Mr. A
  
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• Outrage in Sokoto as deadly bandit attacks spark protest, displace residents

  03-07-2026 22:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Musa Ubandawaki, SokotoResidents of Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Friday staged a mass protest over renewed bandit attacks that reportedly claimed several lives, displaced scores of villagers and heightened fears across affected communities.The protesters blocked the Sokoto–Jega–Yauri highway, a major route linking Sokoto with Kebbi and Niger states, demanding urgent government intervention to halt the escalating insecurity in the area.The protest disrupted veh
  
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• INEC extends voter registration by 2 weeks, unveils full self-service option

  03-07-2026 22:19 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration CVR by two weeks, moving the deadline from 10th July to Friday, 24th July, 2026.National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee IVEC at the commission, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, disclosed this on Friday night in Abuja.He said the extension followed a review of the exercise and feedback received from the Commission’s stat
  
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• Ortom condemns killing of ex-Benue SSG, demands arrest of attackers

  03-07-2026 22:16 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter Duru, MakurdiFormer Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has condemned the killing of former Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Prof. David Salifu, describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity in Benue and neighbouring states.Ortom, in a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Paul Terhide, said he received with “deep shock and sadness” the news of Salifu’s death following an attack by suspected terrorists along the W
  
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• Ogun 2027: Adeola visits Obasanjo, Amosun, seeks support

  03-07-2026 22:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaThe All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, on Friday visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Governor Ibikunle Amosun in Abeokuta to seek their blessings, guidance and support ahead of the poll.Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, said he would incorporate the advice and recommendations offered by Obasanjo into his administration’s plans if elected governor.The APC ca
  
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• Subscribers recount ordeal during airtime lending shutdown

  03-07-2026 22:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Innocent AnabaMany Nigerian telecom subscribers have recounted the hardship they faced following the temporary shutdown of airtime and data lending services occasioned by the regulatory dispute between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and stakeholders in the telecommunications industry.Among those affected is Lagos-based employee, Farouk Rabiu, who described the suspension of the service as a frustrating experience after he was unable to borrow airtime to ac
  
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