General news

• Ebola spreading ‘fast’ in DR Congo, WHO warns

  19-06-2026 14:49 via vanguardngr.com
  The fatal Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading rapidly, the World Health Organization warned Friday, despite accelerating efforts to tackle the virus.The WHO said it was still racing to catch up with the worsening situation gripping northeastern DRC.“The outbreak remains serious” and is “evolving so fast”, said Marie-Roseline Belizaire, the WHO Africa emergencies chief.“However, I have seen a response that is growing stronger every day,&r
  
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• Portugal blasts World Cup backlash as ‘noise’ as Dias defends under-fire Ronaldo

  19-06-2026 20:48 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyePortugal have insisted they are shutting out the growing criticism surrounding the team and captain Cristiano Ronaldo after their disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.According to Reuters, defender Ruben Dias said the squad was treating the backlash following their 1-1 draw against Democratic Republic of Congo as “noise” as they prepare for their second Group K match against Uzbekistan.The European giants were held by DR Congo in their opening game des
  
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• ADC leadership crisis deepens as court fixes July 13 for substantive hearing

  19-06-2026 20:39 via vanguardngr.com
  By Musa Ubandawaki, SokotoSOKOTO: The leadership dispute rocking the Sokoto State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took another turn on Friday as the Federal High Court in Sokoto adjourned proceedings in the matter to July 13, 2026, for substantive hearing after ruling on a series of interlocutory applications filed by parties in the suit.The case, which centres on the lingering leadership tussle within the opposition party, came up before Justice Ahmad Mahmud Gama, who had earl
  
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• 10 longest bridges in Africa

  19-06-2026 20:39 via vanguardngr.com
  By Mary AgbabiakaAfrica is home to some of the world’s most remarkable bridges, connecting cities, facilitating trade, and overcoming geographical barriers.
  Here is a countdown of the ten longest bridges on the continent, starting with the longest.1. 6th October Bridge (Egypt) – 20.5 kmThe 6th October Bridge in Cairo stands as the longest bridge in Africa. Stretching across the Nile River and weaving through the Egyptian capital, the bridge is a crucial transportation link that help
  
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• Ignorance, misinformation fuel rising sickle cell cases in Nigeria

  19-06-2026 20:28 via vanguardngr.com
  The fate of a 26-year-old pregnant woman, Olamide Azeez (not her real name), and her unborn baby remains uncertain due to her ignorance of genotype compatibility before pregnancy.Compounding her situation, Azeez, because of financial constraints, is relying on herbal concoctions provided by a traditional birth attendant.This has raised further concerns about her health and that of her unborn child.There are hundreds of people like Azeez across the country whose lack of knowledge about genotype
  
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• Police debunk abduction reports in Kogi

  19-06-2026 20:23 via vanguardngr.com
  The Police command in Kogi  has debunked reports on social media, alleging that  bandits attacked and abducted   passengers on an 18-seater commercial bus,  along the Kabba–Okene Road.In a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said  that no kidnapping or casualty occurred, as the vehicle had no passengers on board at the time of the incident.She said the situation was non-criminal and was linked to an electrical fa
  
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• 2014 Nyanya bomb blast: Court sentences 37-year old culprit to death by hanging

  19-06-2026 20:12 via vanguardngr.com
  The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced a 37-year-old man, Zakaria Garba, to death by hanging over his involvement in the 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bomb explosions.No fewer than 70 people were killed, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.Justice James Omotsoho, in a judgment delivered in the just-concluded Abuja mass trial of suspected terrorists, also handed down a life imprisonment for Garba in another count of the five-count charge.Justice Omotosho convicted th
  
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• EFCC nabs Nigerian-American over alleged $320,000 vehicle import scam

  19-06-2026 20:00 via vanguardngr.com
  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arrested a Nigerian-American over an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud involving more than $320,000 (about ₦434.9 million).The agency said this in a statement on its website by its Media and Publicity unit on Friday.It said that the suspect was arrested by operatives of the EFCC Ilorin Zonal Directorate upon his return to Nigeria.According to the commission, the suspect, who holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and the United S
  
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• 2027: Adebutu not a threat to APC in Ogun, says youth leader

  19-06-2026 19:46 via vanguardngr.com
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaThe National President of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth League and Convener of the ‘Yayi Youth Vanguard’, Comrade Olamide Lawal, has dismissed suggestions that former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, poses any political threat to the ruling APC in Ogun State, ahead of the 2027 governorship race.Speaking on television programme, Lawal said, Adebutu lacks the political strength and performance record required to ch
  
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• Koeman admits Netherlands must improve ahead of Sweden test

  19-06-2026 19:43 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeNetherlands coach Ronald Koeman has admitted his side must raise their level when they face Sweden in a crucial Group F clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.The Dutch go into the encounter under pressure after surrendering a late lead in a 2-2 draw against Japan in their opening game, while Sweden arrive full of confidence following a 5-1 demolition of Tunisia — their highest-scoring World Cup performance since 1938.According to Reuters, the Netherlands were u
  
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• Tinubu to Wike: You’ve not disappointed me

  19-06-2026 18:55 via vanguardngr.com
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: President Bola Tinubu on Friday gave his strongest public endorsement yet of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, declaring that the former Rivers State governor has justified the confidence reposed in him to transform Abuja into a modern capital city.The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke at the commissioning of Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard) and other road networks in the Katampe District o
  
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• Nigeria to gain as G7 vows tougher action on smuggling networks

  19-06-2026 18:48 via vanguardngr.com
  By Vera AnyagafuNigeria stands to gain stronger protection for its citizens and tighter control over irregular migration routes under a new G7 commitment to dismantle human smuggling networks, world leaders agreed at the 2026 G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.In a joint declaration, G7 leaders pledged concrete action to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute organised criminal groups that profit from smuggling migrants and trafficking in persons.The commitment builds on earlier pledges made at the 2024
  
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• Germany wary of Diomande as Ivory Coast target early WC knockout qualification

  19-06-2026 18:41 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeGermany have identified Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande as a major threat ahead of Saturday’s crucial Group E clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with coach Julian Nagelsmann warning his side against complacency after their emphatic opening victory.The match in Toronto could determine which side secures an early place in the knockout stage after both teams opened their campaigns with victories. Germany thrashed Curaçao 7-1 in their opener, while Ivory Coast edged
  
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• USA, Australia one win away from World Cup last 32

  19-06-2026 18:34 via vanguardngr.com
  USA and Australia will look to book their place in the World Cup knockout rounds on Friday while Brazil aim to kickstart their campaign against Haiti.After tournament co-hosts Mexico sealed their place in the last 32 on Thursday with a 1-0 victory over South Korea, the USA or the Socceroos can join them with a victory in their Group D game in Seattle.After an unconvincing build-up, the Americans made a flying start to the World Cup last week with a stylish 4-1 demolition of Paraguay in Los Ange
  
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• Lagos Water Transport gets €170m EU investment boost 

  19-06-2026 18:27 via vanguardngr.com
  By Godwin OritseAs part of efforts to develop an efficient, resilient, and affordable water transport system, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), are partnering on a €170 million initiative aimed at enhancing urban mobility while delivering significant socio-economic and environmental benefits to residents.
  Speaking on the development, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, L
  
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• The new NRS headquarters: More than a building, a test of national discipline

  19-06-2026 18:18 via vanguardngr.com
  Nigeria has a construction culture problem, but an even bigger maintenance culture problem.For over two decades, the headquarters of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) remained a dream delayed. Twenty-two years after its conception, the building is finally a reality. While this achievement deserves commendation, the bigger question is not how long it took to build; it is whether Nigeria can properly maintain it for the next twenty-two years.Historically, Nigerians celebrate commissioning ceremon
  
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• Turkey bars public World Cup screening over university entrance exam

  19-06-2026 18:13 via vanguardngr.com
  Turkey’s interior ministry has instructed governors nationwide not to permit the installation of giant public screens for the national team’s World Cup match against Paraguay, citing the need to minimise noise and traffic disruption during the country’s university entrance examinations.Local authorities had previously planned to broadcast Turkey’s Group D match against Paraguay on Saturday on large outdoor screens in a number of cities.The ministry directive, issued ahea
  
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• Court orders accelerated hearing in Wabara, Jerry Gana, others’ suit against INEC

  19-06-2026 18:03 via vanguardngr.com
  The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered accelerated hearing in a suit filed by Sen. Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Kabir Turaki faction of the PDP against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the order after counsel to the plaintiffs, Chief Gordy Uche, SAN, informed the court that the suit is time-bound based on INEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections which gave July as ulti
  
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• Ancelotti to shake up Brazil side for Haiti after disappointing opener

  19-06-2026 18:01 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeBrazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he will make changes to his starting lineup for the Selecao’s second World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Haiti following their disappointing draw with Morocco.According to Corriere dello Sport, Ancelotti admitted Brazil “can and must do better” after opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco and revealed that fresh faces could be introduced against Haiti.“We’ll make some changes, perh
  
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• Impunity fueling genocide claims in Nigeria – UN expert

  19-06-2026 17:52 via vanguardngr.com
  Spreading violence and impunity for armed groups is undermining religious freedom in Nigeria, the UN’s top expert on the matter said Friday, adding it was understandable that some victims “describe this as persecution or genocide”.The comments by the United Nations special rapporteur on religious freedom, Nazila Ghanea, came after US President Donald Trump angered Nigeria last year by condemning what he called a Christian “genocide” in the country.Nigeria, which is
  
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• By-election: Enugu govt orders movement restriction in 6 LGAs

  19-06-2026 17:52 via vanguardngr.com
   Enugu State Government has announced the restriction of human and vehicular movement in the six Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Enugu North Senatorial District during Saturday’s by-election.The directive is contained in a statement issued in Enugu by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and made available to newsmen on Friday.The LGAs involved are Igbo-Etiti, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Nsukka, Udenu and Uzo-UwaniAccording to the statement, the re
  
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• How UK probe destroyed my reputation — Alison-Madueke

  19-06-2026 17:41 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeFormer Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has opened up on the personal toll of the corruption investigation by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, NCA, saying the lengthy probe damaged her reputation, restricted her freedom and disrupted her life despite ending in acquittal.Speaking in an interview with the BBC days after a London court cleared her of all bribery charges, Alison-Madueke said the investigation left lasting emotional and p
  
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• Security tightened at Niger airport after attack

  19-06-2026 17:31 via vanguardngr.com
  Flights resumed amid tight security Friday at the international airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, a day after a deadly attack on the sensitive site claimed by jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda.Gunmen opened fire near the airport entrance’s security checkpoint early Thursday, triggering a long battle with security forces that spilled into the surrounding area and left at least 11 soldiers and two civilians dead, as well as 22 attackers, according to the defence ministry.The Group for th
  
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• My anti-corruption fight upset cabals in oil sector — Alison-Madueke

  19-06-2026 17:26 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeFormer Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has suggested that her efforts to tackle corruption in Nigeria’s oil industry and the powerful interests affected by those reforms contributed to the legal and political battles that followed her tenure in office.Speaking in an interview with the BBC days after a London court acquitted her of all bribery charges, Alison-Madueke said the UK’s National Crime Agency, NCA, failed to properly understand
  
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• University of Ibadan confirms abduction of female student

  19-06-2026 17:15 via vanguardngr.com
  The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Ibadan (UI) has confirmed the abduction of a 300-level female law student while returning from a religious conference in Imo.The SUG President, Mr Temidayo Adeboye, disclosed in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday that the victim, simply identified as Tomisin, was abducted alongside seven others.According to the president, Tomisin was travelling with the National General Director of the Scripture Union Student Fellowship, Mr Uwe
  
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• Meet three Norway stars whose fathers played at USA 1994 World Cup

  19-06-2026 17:04 via vanguardngr.com
  Norway’s 2026 World Cup squad has produced a unique football story, with three players following in the footsteps of their fathers, who also represented the Scandinavian nation on football’s biggest stage.Forwards Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth, with midfielder Kristian Thorstvedt, are all sons of former Norway internationals who featured at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, making them the first known trio of second-generation players to appear together for
  
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• Trump mocks Meloni over photo op; ‘Neither I nor Italy beg,’ PM fires back

  19-06-2026 17:01 via vanguardngr.com
  Italy reacted angrily on Friday after reported comments by US President Donald Trump mocking Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with the foreign minister cancelling a planned US visit.Meloni said she was “frankly stunned” by Trump’s comments to Italian channel La7.According to a written transcript of the phone interview provided to AFP by the network, he said Meloni “begged me for a picture” at the G7 summit this week and he agreed only because he “felt sorry for
  
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• Insecurity: Oshiomhole advocates review of NSCDC Act

  19-06-2026 16:42 via vanguardngr.com
  By Omeiza AjayiChairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has advocated a review of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC Establishment Act, arguing that the word “civil” in the agency’s name no longer reflects the realities of the threats its operatives confront.He made the call at the National Defence College NDC on Friday in Abuja while delivering remarks at the launch of a book titled “Nigeria’s Security Dilemma: Rivalries an
  
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• Terrorism: Bandit kingpin’s mum, sister bag 40-year jail terms

  19-06-2026 16:36 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriThe Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday convicted and sentenced the mother and sister of late bandit kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo to forty years in prison each.The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, were found to have passed information through telephone conversations to Battujo in aid of his terrorist acts, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Prohibition) Act, 2022.The court, in
  
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• Ebola spreading ‘fast’ in DR Congo, warns WHO

  19-06-2026 16:27 via vanguardngr.com
  The fatal Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading rapidly, the World Health Organization warned Friday, despite accelerating efforts to tackle the virus.The WHO said it was still racing to catch up with the worsening situation gripping the northeastern DRC.“The outbreak remains serious” and is “evolving so fast”, said Marie-Roseline Belizaire, the WHO Africa emergencies chief.“However, I have seen a response that is growing stronger every da
  
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