General news

• FG tightens rules, warns appointees against foreign trips without SGF’s approval

  19-08-2026 17:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: The Federal Government has tightened regulations guiding official foreign travels by government appointees, warning that none of its appointees will be allowed to embark on official trips abroad without prior approval from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF.The warning was contained in a circular dated August 13, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Senator George Akume, and addressed to the Chief of S
  
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• Osogbo gunfire: Davido says incident had nothing to do with Adeleke

  19-08-2026 21:16 via punchng.com
  
  Davido clarifies that the Osogbo gunfire incident outside Ataoja’s palace had no connection to him or Governor Ademola Adeleke. Read more on the attack.Read More: https://punchng.com/osogbo-gunfire-davido-says-incident-had-nothing-to-do-with-adeleke/
  
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• Gas leakage: NHRC pledges to address Rivers community’s concerns

  19-08-2026 21:16 via punchng.com
  
  The NHRC pledges to restore livelihoods in Rivers’ Bile community due to persistent gas leakage. Residents demand an urgent halt to the leakage.Read More: https://punchng.com/gas-leakage-nhrc-pledges-to-address-rivers-communitys-concerns/
  
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• 7 ways UK’s new visa rules could affect Nigerian, other foreign students

  19-08-2026 21:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  International students have become an increasingly important part of the UK’s migration picture, with more recent students choosing to remain in the country after completing their studies under the UK visa system.An analysis by the Migration Observatory, based on Home Office data obtained through Freedom of Information requests, shows that recent cohorts have been more likely to move from student visas into work visas than students arriving before Brexit.The analysis also highlights the gr
  
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• PSG-Rennes Ligue 1 opener moved over poor pitch condition

  19-08-2026 21:00 via punchng.com
  
  Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 title defence opener against Rennes has been moved due to poor pitch conditions. Get the latest on PSG Ligue 1 fixtures and pRead More: https://punchng.com/psg-rennes-ligue-1-opener-moved-over-poor-pitch-condition/
  
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• ‘Itch’ to return to Premier League is gone – Kane

  19-08-2026 21:00 via punchng.com
  
  Harry Kane admits his desire to return to the Premier League and break the scoring record has faded since moving to Bayern Munich. The England captain is hRead More: https://punchng.com/itch-to-return-to-premier-league-is-gone-kane/
  
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• FG moves to decriminalise attempted suicide, targets 15% reduction by 2030

  19-08-2026 20:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  —-Okays Revised National Biotechnology Policy 2026By Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA— THE Federal Government on Wednesday, moved to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, targeting a 15 per cent reduction in suicide cases by 2030 as part of efforts to shift the country’s response to mental health challenges from punishment to care and support.This is as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Mr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, has said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) ha
  
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• FG plans building materials hubs across six zones

  19-08-2026 20:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Says initiative will cut construction costs, boost local productionBy John AlechenuABUJA — The Federal Government has reiterated its plan to establish Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs across the six geopolitical zones to reduce construction costs and expand access to affordable housing.The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, disclosed this on Wednesday at the 56th Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Builder
  
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• UK lists 6 things available to eligible asylum seekers in Britain

  19-08-2026 20:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The UK has outlined six things eligible asylum seekers can access if they have friends or family members living in Britain and are considering staying with them.According to the guidance, asylum seekers do not necessarily have to remain in Home Office accommodation if they have a suitable alternative with friends or relatives.The change will not affect the outcome of an asylum application, while eligible applicants can continue to receive weekly financial support for food and other essential it
  
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• UK asylum seekers can stay with friends, family — Home Office

  19-08-2026 20:44 via punchng.com
  
  New UK Home Office guidance allows asylum seekers to stay with friends or family, offering financial support and flexibility. Learn how UK asylum seekers cRead More: https://punchng.com/uk-asylum-seekers-can-stay-with-friends-family-home-office/
  
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• Lagos exams board schedules common entrance screening test for August 21

  19-08-2026 20:44 via punchng.com
  
  The Lagos State Examinations Board announces the Common Entrance Screening Test from August 21-24. Candidates can now print their exam slips for the LagosRead More: https://punchng.com/lagos-exams-board-schedules-common-entrance-screening-test-for-august-21/
  
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• FULL LIST: Burna Boy, Tems make 2026 MTV VMA nominees list

  19-08-2026 20:44 via punchng.com
  
  Nigerian music stars Burna Boy and Tems earn nominations at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. Burna Boy for “Dai Dai” and Tems for “Raindance.”Read More: https://punchng.com/full-list-burna-boy-tems-make-2026-mtv-vma-nominees-list/
  
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• 2027: NDC unveils Abia candidates, promises quality leadership 

  19-08-2026 20:44 via punchng.com
  
  The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled its candidates for the 2027 general election in Abia State, promising quality leadership and a new narrRead More: https://punchng.com/2027-ndc-unveils-abia-candidates-promises-quality-leadership/
  
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• Apapa Customs records N28.1bn single-day revenue

  19-08-2026 20:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Godwin OritseThe Apapa Area One Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded its highest-ever daily revenue collection of N28.1 billion, generated on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.The latest feat surpassed the command’s previous record of N20.1 billion, recorded in September 2025, shortly after the assumption of office of the current Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba.The milestone came barely weeks after the command recorded an unprecedented N323 billion mont
  
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• Police arrest two suspected robbers, recover pistols, cartridges in Ogun

  19-08-2026 20:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaABEOKUTA — Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command’s Anti-Robbery Team have arrested two suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate allegedly involved in carjacking, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms in parts of the state.The suspects, identified as Adeyinka Onakomaya, 46, and Olayiwola Kehinde, 48, were arrested during a follow-up operation linked to the recovery of a stolen red Toyota Matrix after an armed robbery incident repor
  
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• Anambra CP orders probe into shooting of Onitsha traders

  19-08-2026 20:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Nwabueze OkonkwoONITSHA — The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting of two traders by policemen attached to the Bridge Head Police Division in Onitsha on Wednesday.The victims, who sustained gunshot injuries to their legs and hands, are currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.The CP gave the order after visiting the victims in the hospital, where he
  
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• Appeal Court asked to reverse FG’s fresh allocation of 4 oil wells

  19-08-2026 20:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriABUJA— The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has been asked to overturn the Federal Government’s recent decision to allocate four new oil wells in the Niger Delta region.The disputed oil wells, whose allocation the appellate court was asked to look into, are: Yorla South (PPL 2A32/OML 11) in Rivers State, Akiapiri (PPL 2A48/OML 25) and Diebu Creek East (OML 32) in Bayelsa State, and Idiok (PPL 2A41/OML 67) in Akwa Ibom State.The appeal was lodged by two firm
  
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• Northern senators condemn Plateau killings, demand urgent action

  19-08-2026 20:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Urge investment in drones, CCTV, early warning systemsCall for dialogue among farmers, herders, traditional institutionsCommend Tinubu’s visit, Federal Government interventionsBy Henry UmoruABUJA — The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has condemned the latest attacks in Plateau State, calling for urgent measures to end the recurring cycle of violence in the state.The Forum, comprising senators from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also called for increase
  
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• I’m not afraid of anybody, Onaiyekan rebuts presidency criticism

  19-08-2026 20:21 via punchng.com
  
  Cardinal John Onaiyekan stands firm against Presidency criticism, stating he’s “not afraid of anybody” after his comments on the Tinubu meeting.Read More: https://punchng.com/im-not-afraid-of-anybody-onaiyekan-rebuts-presidency-criticism/
  
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• FUOYE denies VC’s arrest following Osun election

  19-08-2026 20:21 via punchng.com
  
  FUOYE management refutes claims of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joshua Ogunwole’s arrest following his role as Osun election returning officer.Read More: https://punchng.com/fuoye-denies-vcs-arrest-following-osun-election/
  
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• Doctors urge FG to subsidise insulin as prices surge to ₦25,000

  19-08-2026 20:21 via punchng.com
  
  Endocrinologists have called on the Federal Government to subsidise insulin and introduce a dedicated policy to improve access to the life-saving medication for Nigerians living with Type 1 diabetes. The doctors said the rising cost of insulin was placing a significant financial burden on young people living with the condition. They warned that inability toRead More: https://punchng.com/doctors-urge-fg-to-subsidise-insulin-as-prices-surge-to-%e2%82%a625000/
  
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• Tinubu gives committee 90 days to produce 5-yr strategic defence plan

  19-08-2026 20:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  —As FEC approves 600 housing units for Armed ForcesBy Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA — PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has established a drafting committee with a 90 day mandate to produce a five-year strategic defence cooperation plan designed to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, improve coordination among defence and intelligence institutions and enhance the country’s response to emerging threats.The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed
  
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• FEC approves committee to draft five-year defence plan

  19-08-2026 20:05 via punchng.com
  
  President Tinubu’s FEC has approved a committee to draft a five-year strategic defence plan, enhancing Nigeria’s security. Learn more about this crucial deRead More: https://punchng.com/fec-approves-committee-to-draft-five-year-defence-plan/
  
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• Golden Shoe winner Kane hopes for Ballon d’Or after ‘best season ever’

  19-08-2026 20:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has set his sights on the Ballon d’Or after receiving his second European Golden Shoe in Munich on Wednesday.The England captain collected the prize after scoring the most goals in Europe’s top divisions last season.Kane won the 2023-24 award after a prolific first season at Bayern, but said this year’s honour “tasted even better than the first”.The 33-year-old scored 36 goals in 31 Bundesliga games last term, the third most in a Ge
  
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• Ebola cases in DR Congo rise to 5,021, Africa CDC says

  19-08-2026 20:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Our CorrespondentABUJA — The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has risen to 5,021, with 2,378 deaths recorded in the country’s latest outbreak, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Wednesday.The outbreak, declared on May 15, is the DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak and is believed to have been spreading for several weeks before it was officially detected.The outbreak has affected regions in the north and
  
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• Trump says will meet North Korea’s Kim later this year

  19-08-2026 20:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he would meet Kim Jong Un later this year, seeking to revive the bond he claims to have struck with the leader of nuclear-armed North Korea in his first term.Trump told reporters at the White House it was important to “get along” with Kim, adding in an unusually precise assessment that Pyongyang now had 57 “very powerful” nuclear weapons.But Trump’s sudden focus on Kim and his scaling back of joint US-South Korean milit
  
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• Police shoot two in Onitsha over alleged resistance to arrest

  19-08-2026 20:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Chimaobi NwaiwuNNEWI — There was pandemonium on Wednesday at the Bridge Head area of Onitsha, Anambra State, following the alleged shooting of two persons by policemen at the popular Ogbogwu Market Junction.The incident reportedly caused a blockade of the Onitsha end of the Onitsha-Asaba-Enugu Expressway, disrupting vehicular movement between Onitsha and Asaba for several hours.Initial information gathered by Vanguard indicated that the two victims, said to be loaders at the market, we
  
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• Shakira, Christina Aguilera concerts in Abu Dhabi cancelled

  19-08-2026 19:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Entertainment rganisers have announced the cancellation of a UAE concert by US singer Christina Aguilera and a festival featuring Shakira in Abu Dhabi, amid the ongoing Middle East war.Iran has pressed attacks on Emirati ships in recent weeks, after a ceasefire fell apart last month.The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday said it is suspending all trade and financial dealings with Iran after reporting an Iranian missile attack directed at its ships.Against this backdrop, the organisers of the Offli
  
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• Lagos Govt raises alarm over expired products in circulation

  19-08-2026 19:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …LASCOPA begins monitoring, enforcementBy Olasunkanmi AkoniLAGOS — The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, has raised the alarm over the alleged manipulation of production and expiry dates on expired and near-expired products being sold in markets and retail outlets across the state.The agency said devices and chemicals used to erase and reprint product dates were being circulated online, raising concerns that unsafe products could f
  
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• Senate frowns at NFF, NSC over dismal  performances of Nigeria Soccer teams

  19-08-2026 19:50 via vanguardngr.com
  
  —Holds Emergency meeting with Dikko and GusauBy Henry UmoruABUJA- THE Senate has expressed its disappointment and dismay over the dismal performances of Nigeria’s Soccer teams, from the Super Eagles’ failure to feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to the Super Falcons’ non-qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.Senator Abdul Ningi,  Bauchi Central, has, against this backdrop, held an emergency meeting with the Chairman of the National Sports
  
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