General news

• Gov Lawal unveils $200m Zamfara lithium processing plant

  12-07-2026 18:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Idris Salisu, GusauGovernor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has inaugurated a $200 million lithium mining and processing plant in Boko Village, Zurmi Local Government Area, describing the project as a milestone in the state’s drive for industrialisation and economic development.The Zamfara Lithium Mining and Processing Plant is a joint investment by ZAM Mining Company Ltd, Bima Mines Ltd, Jinlide Mining Co. Ltd and other partners.Speaking at the inauguration on Saturday, Lawal said the pr
  
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• Oriire schoolchildren: How arrest of kidnappers’ family members led to rescue of victims

  13-07-2026 04:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  •Why terrorists’ proposed exchange was rejectedBy Dapo AkinrefonLAGOS — FRESH details have emerged on the intelligence-led operation that culminated in the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with security sources disclosing that the arrest of family members of the kidnappers proved to be a decisive turning point.39 schoolchildren and seven teachers were ab
  
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• After 56 days in captivity our children may not return to schools — Oriire parents

  13-07-2026 03:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adeola Badru, IBADANThe traumatic experience of spending 56 days in captivity has left many parents and relatives of pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State reluctant to send their children back to the affected schools, despite their successful rescue.Read Also: Oriire Schoolchildren: How arrest of kidnappers’ family members led victims’ rescueWhile expressing gratitude to God, the Federal Government, security agencies and everyone who contr
  
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• Oil cartels, tanker operators, enforcement agencies blamed for Apapa, Kirikiri gridlock

  13-07-2026 03:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Udeme Akpan, Godwin Oritse & Efe Onodjae Oil cartels, independent petroleum marketers, tanker owners, drivers, transport unions and some enforcement agencies have been accused of sustaining the perennial traffic gridlock in the Lagos’ Apapa and Kirikiri corridors, crippling businesses, disrupting residents’ daily lives and hampering economic activities. Read Also: Banks slash lending, cut N5.4trn across key sectorsFindings by Vanguard showed that thousands of b
  
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• Black weekend: Family of nine, 18 others killed in Benue, Plateau

  13-07-2026 02:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter Duru & Golok Nanmwa, MAKURDI/JOSIt was a bloody weekend in Benue and Plateau states as suspected terrorists killed no fewer than 27 persons, including nine members of the same family and a two-month-old baby, in attacks that have renewed fears over worsening insecurity in the North-Central region.Read Also: Oriire Schoolchildren: How arrest of kidnappers’ family members led victims’ rescueIn Benue State, suspected armed herdsmen killed at least 18 persons in separa
  
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• FG raises WAEC, NECO fees to N50,000 per candidate

  13-07-2026 02:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adesina Wahab & Omeiza AjayiThe Federal Ministry of Education has given approval for the National Examinations Council, NECO and the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, to increase registration fee for their Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, SSCE, to N50,000 per candidate, beginning in 2027.Read Also: Banks slash lending, cut N5.4trn across key sectorsThe increment drew the ire of National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, NAPTAN, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, and for
  
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• Oriire Schoolchildren: How arrest of kidnappers’ family members led victims’ rescue

  13-07-2026 02:26 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Dapo AkinrefonFRESH details have emerged on the intelligence-led operation that culminated in the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with security sources disclosing that the arrest of family members of the kidnappers proved to be a decisive turning point.Read Also: Troops kill ISWAP cameraman, identify Palestinian terrorist trainer, Moroccan doctor in Borno39 schoolchi
  
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• Banks slash lending, cut N5.4trn across key sectors

  13-07-2026 02:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Babajide KomolafeDeposit Money Banks (DMBs) slashed lending to oil and gas, information and communication technology (ICT) and six other key sectors of the economy by N5.45 trillion or 14.8 per cent, year-on-year (YoY), in 2025, reflecting the impact of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) withdrawal of regulatory forbearance and banks’ loan portfolio clean-up.Read Also: Troops kill ISWAP cameraman, identify Palestinian terrorist trainer, Moroccan doctor in BornoRegulato
  
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• Strategic partnership unveils Ikoyi Chapmans for pan-African expansion

  13-07-2026 01:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Esther OnyegbulaA new premium ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverage, Ikoyi Chapmans, is set to enter the Nigerian market ahead of a planned expansion across Africa following the formal unveiling of a strategic partnership between its promoters and CAADES Group.The partnership was formalised on Saturday during a trade and investment agreement signing ceremony held at the headquarters of CAADES Group in Lekki, Lagos, where business leaders, investors, industry stakeholders and members of the m
  
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• Kwara trains 700 students, 130 teachers in AI, robotics

  13-07-2026 01:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Etop Ekanem, ILORINNo fewer than 700 students and 130 teachers in Kwara State have received hands-on training in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and other digital skills at the 2026 edition of STEM Africa Fest, held at the Ilorin Innovation Hub.The two-day programme, held on July 2 and 4, was organised by STEM Africa Fest in partnership with IHS Nigeria and the Kwara State Government as part of efforts to equip young Nigerians with future-ready technology skills.According to the
  
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• Oyo abduction: The rescue was successful, but where was the noise?

  13-07-2026 01:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ademola LawrenceWhen the news first broke that students and teachers had been abducted, the nation reacted as expected. Social media erupted with outrage. Television stations ran breaking news coverage. Newspapers led with banner headlines. Political commentators dissected the incident, while citizens demanded answers from the government and security agencies.It was a moment of collective grief and concern. And rightly so.But then something remarkable happened.
  The victims were rescued and re
  
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• Agrisiti, Mastercard Foundation and partners celebrate emerging agripreneurs at AquaRice 360 pitch competition

  13-07-2026 01:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Agrisiti, in collaboration with Tagdev 2.0, the University of Port Harcourt, RuForum (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has successfully concluded the AquaRice 360 Pitch Competition, crowning outstanding youth-led agribusiness ventures from across Nigeria and marking the culmination of the Agrisiti Hybrid Digital Training on Agribusiness and Climate-Smart Skills Programme.The competition brought together some of the
  
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• Wellspring University pledges quality health service delivery, unveils new programmes

  13-07-2026 01:26 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ozioruva AliuBENIN CITY – THE management of Wellspring University in Benin City has promised quality health services through the training of competent and qualified health practitioners and professionals.The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Isaac Ajayi stated this at a press conference where he announced that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved five new programmes for the school.He said the newly approved programmes are Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surge
  
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• Federal Character Commission must embrace AI to ensure fairness — DBI

  13-07-2026 01:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Victor Ahiuma-Young
  The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Bridge Institute, DBI, Mr. David Daser, has urged the Federal Character Commission, FCC, to embrace Artificial Intelligence, AI, technology and data-driven systems to promote fairness, transparency and objectivity in public sector recruitment and compliance processes.
  Daser made the call while presenting a paper titled “Technology, Data and Institutional Effectiveness in Public Governance” at the FCC&rsqu
  
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• Reliable vehicle dealerships key to mobility, economic growth — Osinaike Opeyemi

  13-07-2026 01:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Esther OnyegbulaThe founder of Ardo Cars, Osinaike Joseph Opeyemi, has identified Nigeria’s growing automobile industry as a major source of business and economic opportunities, stressing the need for reliable dealerships to meet the country’s increasing transportation demands.Speaking at a business conference on entrepreneurship and industry opportunities, Opeyemi said the rising demand for quality vehicles and professional automobile services has continued to create significant
  
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• Uruguay announce Diego Forlan as new coach

  13-07-2026 00:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Uruguay has appointed legendary former striker Diego Forlan as interim head coach of the national team following Marcelo Bielsa’s resignation after La Celeste’s disappointing group-stage exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The Uruguayan Football Association announced the appointment on Sunday, ushering in a new era for the national team after a campaign that fell well short of expectations.Forlan, 47, takes charge at a difficult moment as Uruguay looks to recover from one of its poorest
  
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• Abbas hails Shettima’s APC re-nomination

  13-07-2026 00:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his re-nomination as the APC vice-presidential candidate for 2027.In a statement on Sunday, Tajudeen described the re-nomination as recognition of Shettima’s competence, merit and unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria.He also commended President Tinubu for retaining confidence in Shettima, saying the decision reflected strong leadership and reinforced unity within
  
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• BAP Productions’ award-winning Dear Kaffy to make London debut August 7–9

  12-07-2026 23:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Award-winning Nigerian stage production, Dear Kaffy: Diary of a Single Woman, will make its London debut at the Shaw Theatre, London, from August 7 to 9, 2026, as Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP Productions) continues its drive to showcase African stories on the global stage.The production, which follows successful runs in Lagos and South Africa, will be staged for a limited three-day engagement, with two performances daily at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.According to BAP Productions, the play centr
  
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• Police arrest man for allegedly beating wife to death in Nasarawa

  12-07-2026 23:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Edwin Philip, LafiaThe Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Musbawu Amodu, for the alleged culpable homicide of his 20-year-old wife in Angwan Yahaya, Agyaragu, Obi Local Government Area of the State.The incident, which occurred on Sunday, 12th July, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m, followed a complaint lodged at the Agyaragu Police Division alleging that the suspect had assaulted his wife, resulting in her death. She is said to have left behind two children, a male and a f
  
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• ‘Let him say whatever he wants’ – Konate slams Yamal ahead of Spain clash

  12-07-2026 23:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  France defender Ibrahima Konate has brushed aside Lamine Yamal’s bold pre-match comments as the reigning European champions prepare to face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
  The highly anticipated clash pits two of the tournament’s standout teams against each other, with Spain aiming to continue their recent dominance over Les Bleus.
  Yamal, speaking after Spain’s victory over Belgium, expressed complete confidence ahead of the showdown, insisting France&m
  
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• FG cracks down on illegal mining, arrests two suspects in Osun

  12-07-2026 22:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Gabriel EwepuABUJA – The Federal Government yesterday disclosed efforts to rid the mining sector of illegal activities, as it arrested two suspected illegal miners at a mining site in Osun State.According to a statement released Sunday evening by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Lara Owoeye-Wise, the two suspected illegal miners were arrested during a coordinated enforcement operation at an illegal mining site in Osun State.“The arrest
  
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• Nigeria’s daily oil production rises by 2.3% to 1.74mbpd

  12-07-2026 22:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaNigeria’s average daily crude oil and condensate production rose by 2.3 per cent to 1.74 million barrels per day (mbpd) in June 2026 from 1.70mbpd recorded in May, while crude oil output climbed to 1.56mbpd, enabling the country to exceed its Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota for the second consecutive month.Data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Sunday showed that average crude oil p
  
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• Dangote cracks down on illegal haulage, offers N500,000 reward for whistleblowers

  12-07-2026 22:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Udeme AkpanDangote Industries Limited has intensified efforts to combat illegal haulage activities involving its trucks by unveiling a public whistleblowing initiative that offers a cash reward to individuals who provide credible information leading to the arrest of offenders or the interception of unauthorized goods and transportation of persons.The company said the initiative, which will reward whistleblowers with N500,00.00 cash award, forms part of its broader commitment to protect the i
  
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• Success of judicial reforms depends on support of lawyers — CJN

  12-07-2026 22:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriABUJA— The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said the success of any judicial reform will depend on the support of lawyers.Speaking after receiving a delegation from the outgoing leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the CJN stressed the need for continued partnership between the Bench and the Bar.According to the CJN, the legal profession and the Judiciary share a common responsibility in promoting the efficient administrati
  
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• Lawal unveils $200m lithium processing plant In Zamfara, targets 2,000 jobs

  12-07-2026 21:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Gov. Dauda Lawal has unveiled a $200 million lithium mining and processing plant in Boko, Zurmi Local Government Area of the state.He described the plant as a catalyst for economic rebirth in Zamfara.This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Gusau by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris.Idris quoted his principal as describing the project as the beginning of a new era in the state’s drive toward responsible mining, industrial development and economic diversificatio
  
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• Operation Kosaye: Ogun police arrest 43 suspected criminals

  12-07-2026 21:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaThe Ogun State Police Command, said it has 43 suspected criminals during a late-night raid on a notorious criminal hideout in the Isheri-Olofin area of the state, by Operation Kosaye.The suspects, comprising 28 males and 15 females, were apprehended by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit during an intelligence-led operation carried out at about 11:00 p.m. on July 7, 2026, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway opposite the Kara Cattle Market.Police a
  
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• Iran declares Hormuz strait closed, US military insists traffic flowing

  12-07-2026 21:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran said the Strait of Hormuz was closed on Sunday while the United States insisted it remained open, after the confrontation over the vital waterway again sparked US and Iranian strikes.The strait, essential to global oil and gas supplies, has become a central point of contention between the two foes, repeatedly leading to exchanges of fire despite an agreement aimed at ending the Middle East war that was struck last month.The latest exchange was prompted by another Iranian attack on a commer
  
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• Alleged Forgery: FG set to arraign ex-Minister Nnaji, alleged “fake” PFIPC DG Adeyemi

  12-07-2026 20:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ikechukwu NnochiriABUJA— Barring any hitch, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will, on Monday, arraign the former Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.It would be recalled that security operatives arrested the former Minister at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on July 1, upon his return to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).The ICPC confirmed his arrest was to facilita
  
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• Doctors demand health funding, digital medical training

  12-07-2026 20:27 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adeola BadruThe West African College of Physicians (WACP) has called on the Federal and state governments to prioritise sustainable healthcare financing, improve medical training infrastructure and adopt affordable digital technologies to address challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.The call was part of resolutions reached at the end of the 50th Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM) of the Nigeria Chapter of the college, held from July 5 to 11 at the International Conf
  
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• 2027: ADC youths warn against poll rigging in South-South, vow mass mobilisation

  12-07-2026 20:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Davies Iheamnachor, Port HarcourtYouth leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-South geopolitical zone have warned against any attempt to manipulate the 2027 elections in the region, insisting that the polls must be free, fair and credible.The youths also pledged to mobilise 30 million votes from the region for the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, in the 2027 election.The position was reached at the end of a two
  
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