General news

• FG assures Christians of action on security, welfare concerns

  18-06-2026 19:52 via vanguardngr.com
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — The Federal Government has assured Christians that it is aware of their concerns over insecurity and other socio-economic challenges facing the country, pledging continued engagement to address issues relating to safety, welfare and economic opportunities.The assurance was given by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja.The meeti
  
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• Insecurity: Oba of Benin summons native doctors, priests, others

  19-06-2026 23:39 via vanguardngr.com
  The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has summoned native doctors, traditional priests, and priestesses to an urgent meeting over the worsening security crisis in Edo and Nigeria.This is contained in a statement signed by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of Benin Traditional Council Secretary Frank Irabor on Friday.The statement noted that the meeting would be held at 12 p.m. sharp on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Oba’s Palace.The palace said the meet
  
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• Military pensioners under siege as fraudsters hunt for BVNs, ATM details

  19-06-2026 23:35 via vanguardngr.com
  By Victor Ahiuma-YoungMilitary pensioners across the country are facing a growing threat from fraudsters seeking to steal their personal and banking information under the guise of processing pension benefits.Read Also: Terrorism: Bandit kingpin’s mum, sister bag 40-year jail termsThe Military Pension Board, MPB, has raised the alarm over what it described as an identity theft scheme targeting retirees and their next of kin, warning them against disclosing sensitive details such as Bank Ve
  
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• USA beat Australia 2-0 to reach World Cup knockouts

  19-06-2026 23:29 via vanguardngr.com
  The United States advanced to the World Cup knockout rounds with a game to spare following an impressive 2-0 win over Australia Friday, stoking the hopes of an already hyped host nation.The US join fellow tournament co-hosts Mexico as the first teams to progress, and could be assured top spot in Group D if Turkey fail to beat Paraguay later Friday.Excitement had been running high from last week’s US thrashing of Paraguay.And a glorious day in the Pacific Northwest did not disappoint the r
  
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• Osun APC calls on EFCC to freeze accounts over alleged ₦13.7bn payroll fraud

  19-06-2026 23:16 via vanguardngr.com
  By Shina Abubakar, OsogboThe Diaspora Committee of the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze accounts allegedly linked to a reported ₦13.7 billion “ghost workers” salary scheme in the state.The committee made the call in a statement issued on Friday in Osogbo by its Secretary, Tunmise Ajiboye.It alleged that a consultant engaged by the state government in 2023 to audi
  
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• Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Borno, inflict heavy losses

  19-06-2026 23:11 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ndahi Marama, MaiduguriTroops of Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have repelled an attempted invasion by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers during a failed assault in Borno State.A security source confirmed on Friday that the incident occurred in the early hours of June 19, 2026, when terrorists launched coordinated attacks on military locations around Dutsen Kura and the Chara Road axis in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area.The
  
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• PCN seals 724 facilities in Kwara, warns against unlicensed medicine outlets

  19-06-2026 22:58 via vanguardngr.com
  By Demola Akinyemi, IlorinThe Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 724 pharmaceutical and patent medicine facilities in Kwara State during a statewide enforcement exercise, while warning members of the public against patronising unlicensed medicine outlets.The Registrar of the Council, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, gave the warning in Ilorin during a press briefing on the outcome of the four-day enforcement operation.He said the exercise was carried out across 10 local government area
  
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• IGP replaces Placid, appoints CSP Iniedu as new police spokesman

  19-06-2026 22:53 via vanguardngr.com
  By Kingsley Omonobi & Efe OnodjaeThe Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force.Iniedu takes over from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid, who has been redeployed to the Lagos State Police Command.The change comes barely three months after Placid’s appointment as Force PRO on March 8, 2026
  
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• Kwara police arrest eight suspected cultists, recover weapons

  19-06-2026 22:45 via vanguardngr.com
  By Demola Akinyemi, IlorinOperatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested eight suspected cultists and recovered firearms and other weapons during coordinated operations across Ilorin metropolis.In a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, the police said the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence that led operatives to their hideout in the Akuo and Fagba areas of Ilorin.According to the statement, investigations are o
  
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• Enugu North by-election: APC confident of victory — Ben Nwoye

  19-06-2026 22:39 via vanguardngr.com
  By Alumona UkwuezeNSUKKA — The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ben Nwoye, says the party is fully prepared to win the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.Nwoye, a former APC Chairman in Enugu State, expressed optimism on Friday while speaking with journalists in Nsukka, saying the party’s candidate, Ikeje Asogwa, stands out among contenders in the race.He described Asogwa as a credible and exp
  
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• Spain’s Yamal says ‘too soon’ to play full match at World Cup

  19-06-2026 22:38 via vanguardngr.com
  Spain star Lamine Yamal said Friday it is “too soon” for him to play a full 90 minutes as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, ahead of the European champions’ World Cup game against Saudi Arabia.Luis de la Fuente’s men were held to a surprise goalless draw by debutants Cape Verde in their Group H opener and will be hoping to get up and running on Sunday when they face the Saudis.On Monday, Barcelona winger Yamal made his first appearance since suffering th
  
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• Lawyers begin indefinite protest over virtual court hearings in Enugu North

  19-06-2026 22:37 via vanguardngr.com
  Say Remote Proceedings Have Affected Justice DeliveryNSUKKA — Lawyers in Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State have commenced an indefinite protest over the continued use of virtual hearings in High Courts across the district, saying the practice is affecting the administration of justice.The affected judicial divisions include Nsukka, Obollo-Afor, Enugu-Ezike, Ogbede and Orba.Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nsukka Branch, Barr. Christopher Agbo, who spoke on Frid
  
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• FG orders security reinforcement at NIPSS, other institutions after attack

  19-06-2026 22:26 via vanguardngr.com
  By Golok NanmwaJOS — The Federal Government has directed an immediate review and strengthening of security architecture around the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and other critical national institutions following a recent gunmen attack on the facility.Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the directive on Friday during a visit to NIPSS, where he met with management, staff and participants of Senior Executive Course 48, 2026, in the aftermath of the incide
  
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• Troops neutralise 15 terrorists, rescue 25 victims nationwide

  19-06-2026 22:19 via vanguardngr.com
  …Conduct Air Patrols Over Abuja–Kaduna Rail Corridor After Train DerailmentBy Kingsley OmonobiABUJA — The military has announced that troops operating across multiple theatres of operation nationwide in the past one week neutralised 15 terrorists, arrested 28 suspects and rescued 25 kidnapped victims in coordinated counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations.The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday while giving an update on ong
  
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• Church will continue to speak truth to power — Anglican Bishop of Enugu

  19-06-2026 22:09 via vanguardngr.com
  …Says 19th Enugu Anglican Synod to Focus on Revival, National IssuesBy Chinedu AdonuENUGU — The Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Samuel Ike, has declared that the Church will continue to speak truth to power in Nigeria, stressing that doing so remains part of its moral and spiritual responsibility.Bishop Ike said although the Church respects constituted authority, it cannot remain silent on issues affecting the wellbeing of citizens and the nation.He made the remark
  
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• FCT Police boss gives metro DPOs two weeks to curb robbery, traffic-related crimes

  19-06-2026 21:59 via vanguardngr.com
  By Kingsley OmonobiABUJA — The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, has given Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) under the Metro Area Command a two-week deadline to tackle robbery and other security challenges within the nation’s capital.The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, following a security meeting between the police commissioner and the 17 D
  
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• Taraba suspends mining activities over security threats

  19-06-2026 21:53 via vanguardngr.com
  By Femi BolajiJalingo — The Taraba State Government has suspended all mining activities across the state following what it described as credible intelligence indicating security threats capable of undermining peace and stability.The directive was announced on Friday in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Gebon Timothy Kataps.According to the statement, Governor Agbu Kefas approved the suspension as part of efforts to safeguard lives and maintain public order.The g
  
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• Neymar working remotely at the World Cup – Brazil president

  19-06-2026 21:51 via vanguardngr.com
  Brazilian star Neymar is “the first player in the world to be called up to the national side and be working remotely”, Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva joked on Friday.Neymar, Brazil’s record goalscorer with 79 goals, only returned to training with the squad at the World Cup in the United States this week after recovering from a calf injury.The 34-year-old missed the opening 1-1 draw with Morocco and has also been omitted by coach Carlo Ancelotti from the squad for th
  
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• Ekiti Guber: We are contesting election despite INEC portal issue — SDP

  19-06-2026 21:51 via vanguardngr.com
  …Alleges Withdrawal Claim Orchestrated by APC, Party ImpostorsBy Henry UmoruABUJA — The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party has vowed to participate in Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election despite what it described as the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to open its portal for the upload of the party’s polling agents.The party also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress and alleged impostors within
  
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• Tension in Osun as PDP LG chairmen move to reclaim councils

  19-06-2026 21:43 via vanguardngr.com
  – Police warn parties against lawlessness.By Shina Abubakar OsogboA fresh crisis hits local government council secretariats across Osun State following attempts by members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and some elected officials under the platform to take over the administration of the third tier of government in the state.It would be recalled that the APC council officials had approached a Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo to determine whether their tenure started in October 2
  
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• Tinubu extends CG Customs, Adeniyi tenure by 6 months

  19-06-2026 21:30 via vanguardngr.com
  By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, AbujaPresident Bola Tinubu has granted six months extension to the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi.The six months extension was made public via a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.According to the statement, as Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi’s first tenure extension ought to have expired on August 1, 2026.“The six-month extension, which will expire in F
  
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• Algeria file complaint over referee’s decision on Messi tackle

  19-06-2026 21:15 via vanguardngr.com
  Algeria have lodged a complaint with FIFA over “refereeing injustice” in their opening World Cup loss to Argentina, particularly a tackle by Lionel Messi, an Algerian football federation source told AFP on Friday.Messi caught Algeria defender Aissa Mandi on the calf with a studs-up challenge from behind in the 30th minute of Tuesday’s match but was not booked.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who had already given reigning world champions Argentina the lead, went on to
  
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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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