General news

• Gbenga Hashim welcomes US-Iran peace agreement

  18-06-2026 11:04 via vanguardngr.com
  Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability in the Middle East.Speaking during a short visit to Dakar, Senegal, Dr. Hashim commended the governments and international partners whose diplomatic efforts helped create the conditions for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of tensions.“I welcome
  
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• Tears, tributes as Abia government, Nollywood bid farewell to Alex Ekubo

  18-06-2026 17:06 via vanguardngr.com
  By Steve OkoUMUAHIA — Emotion and grief filled Ujari, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State on Thursday as the state government, family members, friends, and top figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry gathered to bid farewell to Nollywood actor Alex Ikenna Ekubo Okwaraeke, popularly known as Alex Ekubo.Ekubo, one of Nigeria’s most popular screen actors, died at the age of 40 following complications from advanced kidney cancer after a prolonged illness.The burial a
  
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• Panic as fire guts Polaris Bank tower on Lagos Island

  18-06-2026 17:02 via vanguardngr.com
  By Olasunkanmi AkoniPanic erupted on Thursday when fire gutted part of a multi-storey building housing Polaris Bank Tower at 61/65 Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State.Eyewitness videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke billowing from the building, forcing occupants and business operators to scamper to safety.The incident reportedly occurred around 11:45 a.m., triggering a swift response from emergency services in the area.Personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, al
  
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• Associates of late Maj-Gen Rabe Abubakar demand stronger action on insecurity

  18-06-2026 16:50 via vanguardngr.com
  By Kingsley OmonobiSome coursetmates, colleagues and associates of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), former Director of Defence Information, have called for urgent reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture, describing his death in bandits’ captivity as a stark reminder of the country’s worsening insecurity.The group, represented by retired Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, Ambassador A. Mohammed Musawa and retired Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, made the call on Thursd
  
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• Customs arrests three over smuggled rifles, seizes N3.22bn contraband in Oyo/Osun

  18-06-2026 16:45 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adeola BadruThe Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested three suspects in connection with the attempted smuggling of three pump-action rifles, while another suspect was detained over alleged recruitment fraud and public impersonation.The Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan.He said the suspects linked to the firearms case are currently
  
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• World Cup 2026: Every major record broken during Round 1

  18-06-2026 16:29 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeThe opening round of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered far more than goals and upsets, it gave football fans breathtaking and exciting action to delight in.As the first World Cup featuring 48 teams, the tournament has already rewritten parts of football history, with several players and nations setting new records or reaching significant milestones during the first set of group-stage fixtures.From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo extending their legendary World
  
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• NHRC warns hate speech threatens democracy ahead of 2027 elections

  18-06-2026 16:22 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriABUJA — Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday warned that hate speech poses a threat to democracy.The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, described hate speech as not only a direct violation of human rights but also a serious threat to the nation’s peace, unity, and development.Speaking on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the NHRC’s boss maintained that hate
  
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• Insecurity near Jos worsening, Berom youth leader warns as slain vigilantes are buried

  18-06-2026 16:13 via vanguardngr.com
  By Golok NanmwaTwo vigilantes killed during Wednesday’s attack on Rantya community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State have been laid to rest amid growing concerns over insecurity in communities surrounding Jos, the state capital.The burial ceremony, marked by grief and tension, attracted family members, youths and local security volunteers, who lamented the recurring attacks in parts of Jos South and called for stronger security measures.Speaking at the funeral, the Natio
  
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• World Cup: Ivory Coast star Wahi denied Canadian visa ahead of Germany clash

  18-06-2026 16:05 via vanguardngr.com
  Forward Elye Wahi will miss Ivory Coast’s second World Cup match against Germany after he was denied a visa to enter Canada, the Ivorian federation said on Thursday.“The administrative authorisations necessary for his entry into Canadian territory have not been obtained at this stage,” the Ivorian federation (FIF) said, adding that he would not be able to “travel with the delegation to Canada” for Saturday’s match in Toronto.The FIF gave no reason for his vis
  
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• Ghana pushes for concrete slavery reparations

  18-06-2026 16:00 via vanguardngr.com
  Ghana on Thursday held a landmark global conference seeking to translate growing political support for slavery reparations into practical commitments towards justice.The United Nations in March adopted a landmark resolution that recognised that the transatlantic slave trade was “the gravest crime against humanity”.Since the adoption of the resolution in March, the campaign for reparatory justice has gathered “unprecedented momentum”, said Ghana’s Foreign Minister S
  
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• Reps move to strengthen DSS operations through funding, training bills

  18-06-2026 15:59 via vanguardngr.com
  By Gift ChapiOdekina, AbujaThe House of Representatives has commenced legislative consideration of three key bills aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Department of State Services (DSS), with lawmakers emphasizing the need for sustainable funding, enhanced intelligence training, and indigenous research to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.The bills were the focus of a public hearing organized by the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence on T
  
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• Faces at the burial of Alex Ekubo in Abia State

  18-06-2026 15:55 via vanguardngr.com
  The remains of late actor Alex Ekubo arrived in Abia State ahead of his burial rites on Thursday drawing family members, friends, colleagues and admirers to his hometown in Arochukwu Local Government Area.His body was received at his father’s residence in Arochukwu, where mourners gathered in an atmosphere of grief and remembrance to pay their final respects to the actor.Ekubo’s death sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from fello
  
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• Defence Ministry, NSA, NUJ seek stronger Media-Security partnership to tackle insecurity

  18-06-2026 15:44 via vanguardngr.com
  By Gift ChapiOdekina,AbujaThe Federal Government, security agencies and media stakeholders on Thursday renewed calls for stronger collaboration between journalists and security institutions as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges and strengthen national stability.The call was made at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja under the theme, “Media and Sec
  
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• Bayelsa resolves Twon-Brass leadership crisis, orders withdrawal of court cases

  18-06-2026 15:39 via vanguardngr.com
  By Samuel Oyadongha, YenagoaThe Bayelsa State Government has resolved the protracted leadership dispute in Twon-Brass Kingdom following its intervention and an agreement by all parties involved to immediately withdraw ongoing court cases related to the crisis.The government also directed all state-recognised communities to operate with constitutions that align with the provisions of the Bayelsa State Community Administration and Chieftaincy Law to promote effective grassroots leadership and red
  
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• Discovered in Round 1: The World Cup’s surprise breakout stars

  18-06-2026 15:21 via vanguardngr.com
  By Enitan AbdultawabThe FIFA World Cup has always been a stage where global superstars shine, but it is equally a tournament that creates new heroes overnight.While much of the pre-tournament attention was focused on established names such as Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane, the opening round of matches produced a fresh cast of players who seized the spotlight with remarkable performances, historic moments and inspiring stories.Below is a list of players who have broken out in this W
  
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• Gunfire erupts at airport in Niger capital

  18-06-2026 14:53 via vanguardngr.com
  Gunfire rang out for several hours at the airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, early on Thursday, residents said, five months after jihadists launched a large attack at the sensitive site.Niger has been ruled for three years by a military junta which has struggled to contain jihadist violence that has rocked the west African country for around a decade.The firing had stopped and calm was restored by mid-morning but residents said a large military presence had been put in place at the airpo
  
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• Golden Penny honours dealers, unveils new pasta variant

  18-06-2026 14:52 via vanguardngr.com
  *…pledges N45bn support to deepen market reachBy Esther OnyegbulaGolden Penny Foods Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its nationwide distribution network, announcing plans to invest about N45 billion in 2026 to support dealers and expand product availability across Nigeria, as the company honoured outstanding distributors at its annual dealers’ awards ceremony.The event, themed “Reset, Rebound and Win Big,” brought together distributors, business pa
  
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• EFCC asked to enforce forfeiture order on disputed Abuja property

  18-06-2026 14:39 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriABUJA — A civil society organization (CSO), the Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse & Torture (INAHURAT), has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately enforce an interim forfeiture order issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja over disputed properties in Abuja.The group, made up of lawyers and led by human rights activist Dr. Maxwell Opara, said Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the interim forfeiture order in respect of propertie
  
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• CUPP backs Reps Minority Caucus, urges Tinubu to lead or resign

  18-06-2026 14:34 via vanguardngr.com
  By John AlechenuABUJA — The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) has endorsed the House of Representatives Minority Caucus’ call on President Bola Tinubu to either demonstrate effective leadership or resign from office.The Acting National Chairman of CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh, made the position known in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.According to the opposition coalition, it fully aligns with the position of the Minority Caucus and believes the current administration
  
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• Report child abuse cases to me, Nonye Soludo urges ndi Anambra

  18-06-2026 14:30 via vanguardngr.com
  By Nwabueze OkonkwoONITSHA — Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has urged residents of the state to promptly report cases of child abuse and other emergencies through the state’s emergency lines.Mrs. Soludo made the appeal during a visit to 10-year-old Chiziterem, who is receiving treatment in hospital after allegedly suffering severe abuse, including burns from melted plastic, starvation, torture and other inhuman treatment while living wi
  
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• Why I didn’t substitute Ronaldo against DR Congo – Martinez

  18-06-2026 14:26 via vanguardngr.com
  Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has stood firmly behind his decision to play Cristiano Ronaldo for the entirety of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo, despite growing backlash over the veteran forward’s performance.The Seleção struggled to find their rhythm in Houston, kicking off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a frustrating stalemate.
  Ronaldo’s quiet display quickly became a lightning rod for criticism, with a wave of fans and pundits arguing
  
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• One Year Anniversary: OSOPADEC spends N4bn on abandoned projects in Ondo oil communities

  18-06-2026 14:22 via vanguardngr.com
  — Aiyedatiwa to commission projectsBy Dayo Johnson AkureAn intervention agency, the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, OSOPADEC, has expended over N4 billion to complete abandoned and inherited projects across oil-producing communities in the state.The chairman of the commission, Prince Biyi Poroye, disclosed this during the official flag-off of the 1-kilometre Sabomi Township Road project in Ilaje Local Government, held as part of activities marking his first year in
  
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• Trump defends Iran deal from critics he calls ‘fools’

  18-06-2026 14:16 via vanguardngr.com
  US President Donald Trump lashed out at critics of his agreement with Iran on Thursday, calling those who accused him of offering concessions to end the war “fools”, ahead of negotiations in Switzerland on implementing the deal.Oil prices tumbled after Trump and his Iranian counterpart separately signed their accord to end the Middle East war, with the Strait of Hormuz to reopen but two months of negotiations lying ahead.In a sudden development after uncertainty over when the deal ag
  
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• Court of Appeal dismisses Sha’aban’s bid to halt asset auction over debt dispute

  18-06-2026 14:13 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ibrahim Hassan-WuyoThe Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna has dismissed an application for stay of execution filed by Alhaji Mahmood Sani Sha’aban in a judgment debt dispute involving businessman Alhaji Umar Faruk Abdullahi.The application sought to stop the enforcement of an earlier judgment of the Kaduna State High Court, which approved the auction of certain assets linked to Sha’aban to satisfy a debt arising from a contractual agreement between the parties.At the hearing, coun
  
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• US-Iran Peace Deal: M-East stability crucial to global economy — Olawepo-Hashim

  18-06-2026 14:10 via vanguardngr.com
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal, MDR, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability in the Middle East.Olawepo-Hashim said the agreement carries implications beyond the Middle East, with stability in the region affecting global security, energy markets, international trade, investment flows and economi
  
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• Oyo Assembly cancels 3rd anniversary celebrations over security concerns

  18-06-2026 14:08 via vanguardngr.com
  The Oyo State House of Assembly has cancelled the elaborate activities lined up to mark its third anniversary, citing prevailing security concerns particularly in the Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso axis as reasons.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that instead, the legislature reflected on its performance over the last three legislative years as a critical arm of government.NAN reports that the 10th Assembly was inaugurated on June 14, 2023.The speaker of the House, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, at plenary
  
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• Ballon d’Or 2026 Ranking: Kane, Messi, Mbappe on top after World Cup round 1

  18-06-2026 14:07 via vanguardngr.com
  The race for the Ballon d’Or 2026 has officially ignited now that the 48-team World Cup is underway in North America, with the first round of fixtures already shaking up the individual power rankings.However, the first 24 games have already ignited the race for individual immortality.While the collective trophy is the main objective, the opening round of fixtures immediately established who will be fighting for the prestigious Golden Ball—the award given to the tournament’s be
  
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• We cannot rest until insecurity ends — Deji of Akure tells Tinubu, security agencies

  18-06-2026 13:59 via vanguardngr.com
  Seeks release of kidnaped Oyo students, teachersBy Dayo Johnson Akure The Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has described the security challenges in the South West and Nigeria as a whole as worrisome.Oba Aladelusi appealed to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the timely rescue of the kidnapped victims in Oyo State. He made the appeal when he received the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South West, DIG F
  
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• Lagos Police foil plot to traffic Kaduna girls to Ivory Coast for prostitution

  18-06-2026 13:59 via vanguardngr.com
  The Police Command in Lagos State has apprehended a woman for allegedly attempting to traffic three Kaduna girls to Ivory Coast for prostitution.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the suspect allegedly lured the girls, aged between 18 and 20, from Kaduna State to Lagos with promises of legitimate employment in a restaurant in Lagos.However, upon their arrival in the Ajegunle area of the state on May 23, the suspect allegedly informed them that she intended to send them to Ivory Coas
  
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• FG to evacuate over 742 Nigerians in South Africa before June 30

  18-06-2026 13:32 via vanguardngr.com
  …says no Nigerian will be left behindBy Favour Ulebor, AbujaThe Federal Government has assured Nigerians living in South Africa that all citizens who have indicated willingness to return home amid ongoing anti-migrant attacks in the country will be evacuated before the June 30 deadline.The assurance was given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a press statement issued on Thursday, signed by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnu
  
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