General news

• Gunmen ambush, kill ex-Benue SSG

  03-07-2026 15:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Peter DuruFormer Benue Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. David Salifu, has been killed after suspected armed men ambushed and shot him along the Wukari–Joota Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, LGA, a border community between Benue and Taraba states.Salifu, a Professor of Public Administration and former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Federal University Wukari, was reportedly travelling to Makurdi for the burial of his uncle when he encountered the at
  
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• The Nigerian SME Growth Playbook: How Digital Tools Are Turning Ambition into Reality

  03-07-2026 17:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal, country manager, West Africa, MastercardAcross Africa, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are proving remarkably resilient and ambitious, growing and adapting even in a demanding economic climate. Nowhere is that energy more visible than in Nigeria. Home to nearly 40 million MSMEs, according to SMEDAN, these businesses are the backbone of the country’s economy, driving innovation, creating jobs and supporting livelihoods across communities.These b
  
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• Fire contained at Apapa Oil terminal, no casualties recorded

  03-07-2026 17:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Efe OnodjaeA fire outbreak at the Bono Energy Terminal within the Ibru Jetty Complex along the Apapa–Oworonshoki Expressway, near Coconut Bus Stop in Olodi Apapa, Lagos, was successfully contained on Friday by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.The incident, which involved a 5-million-litre Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) storage tank, was reported at 12:04 p.m. Firefighters from the Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu and Isolo Fire Stations responded swiftly, arriving at the scene by 12:16 p.m.In a
  
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• Neymar unhappy with World Cup role but ‘respectful’ – Ancelotti

  03-07-2026 17:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar is unhappy he has had such a limited role at the World Cup but has handled the situation professionally and remains a positive influence within the squad.The country’s all-time leading goalscorer has made just one substitute appearance at his fourth World Cup, playing the final 14 minutes of Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland in the group stage.Neymar, 34, is again likely to be on the bench for Sunday’s last-16 match against Norway at MetLi
  
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• Media shouldn’t be a megaphone for terrorists – Tinubu

  03-07-2026 17:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  —Says freedom of expression, not freedom to defame.By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, AbujaPresident Bola Tinubu on Thursday night urged Nigerian journalists to put national interest above sensational reporting, warning that irresponsible coverage could undermine the country’s security and democratic progress.The President urged the media not to be amplifiers for those who want to divide the country and must cease to be megaphones for terrorists. and criminal groups seeking to destabilise the
  
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• ADC: Matawalle says High Court judgment vindicates Tinubu

  03-07-2026 17:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A recent High Court judgement in Abuja, affirming the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark, vindicates President Bola Tinubu against allegations of interference with the judiciary.
  The Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Matawalle, stated this in a statement issued to reporters on Friday in Kaduna.
  The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court dismissed the suit challenging the Mark-led leadership of ADC and ruled that it wa
  
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• Full list of Nigerian celebrities who have joined US army

  03-07-2026 17:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeA growing number of Nigerian celebrities have traded the spotlight for military service in the United States, with actors, actresses and beauty queens publicly announcing their enlistment in recent years.The trend, which has become more noticeable since 2024, reflects a career shift driven by personal fulfilment, patriotism, financial security and the opportunities available through military service. The latest to join the list is Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu, who complete
  
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• African Union calls emergency meeting as US ends Somalia army funds

  03-07-2026 17:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The African Union called an emergency meeting on its military mission in Somalia on Friday after Washington announced it would end critical funding over the lack of progress against Islamist insurgents.Somalia has been battling the Al-Shabaab insurgency for around two decades but the Islamist group still controls vast swathes of the country.The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is the leading force supporting the Somali army, providing roughly 12,000 troops.But
  
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• We’re providing access to homes, jobs, better future in FCT – Tinubu

  03-07-2026 16:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Tinubu says his administration is making significant investments in infrastructure and housing access across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to deliver on the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda.Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stated this on Friday while inaugurating a newly constructed 10.5-kilometre road network in Karsana District, Abuja.The road project comprises arterial roads N11, N16 and N40, as well as Special Important Local Street 03, linki
  
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• ‘Don’t send children to school abroad without supervision’ — Canada-based Nigerian Dr Zo warns

  03-07-2026 16:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Doctor Zo has warned Nigerian parents against sending their children to Canada without proper supervision, saying the absence of parental guidance and the easy access to cannabis are contributing to drug use and psychological challenges among some students studying abroad.Speaking in a video shared on X, Doctor Zo recounted the story of a young Nigerian student in Canada as he urged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives instead of limiting their role to financial s
  
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• 200 US troops still in Nigeria for joint intelligence, training – DHQ

  03-07-2026 16:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday clarified that troops reported withdrawn from the Lake Chad Basin are different from the 200 troops deployed to Nigeria to carry out joint intelligence and training operations against ISIS and other terrorist elements within the country.Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, gave the clarification, noting that the Nigeria-US joint partnership remains unchanged.Recall that a foreign news agency had reported that the
  
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• Explosion rocks Apapa tank farm; NPA, NIMASA move to curtail spread

  03-07-2026 16:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olasunkami Akoni & Godwin OritsePanic erupted at the Lagos tank farm cluster in Ibafon, Apapa, on Friday morning after a fire broke out at the Bono Tank Farm, located within the Best Energy Tank Farm complex.The inferno sent residents and workers in the area fleeing for safety as emergency responders moved in to contain the blaze.Although details of the incident at the time of this report were still sketchy, Vanguard gathered that the fire service departments of both the Nigerian Ports A
  
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• Unai Simon becomes first goalkeeper to go 519 World Cup minutes without conceding

  03-07-2026 16:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon etched his name into World Cup history on Thursday after setting a new record for the longest shutout streak, surpassing a mark that had stood for 36 years.The 29-year-old Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper achieved the feat during Spain’s 3-0 victory over Austria, recording his fourth consecutive clean sheet at the tournament.Simon has now gone 519 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal across the past two FIFA World Cups, breaking the previous record of 517 min
  
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• South-South deserves greater Infrastructural development, PANDEF tells Tinubu

  03-07-2026 16:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Henry Umoru
  THE Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body of the South-South geopolitical zone, has cried out over the neglect of the zone, saying that the people of the region deserve infrastructural development from the Federal Government.
  Addressing Journalists on Friday, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, who urged President Bola Tinubu to treat the region with greater fairness, equity, and justice, assured that the people of the Niger Delta will con
  
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• How ‘Yahoo boys’ wiped N7.2m from judge’s bank account, EFCC chairman reveals

  03-07-2026 16:05 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …seeks legislation to back use of AI in investigationsBy Ikechukwu NnochiriThe Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukayode, has decried the activities of internet scammers popularly known as Yahoo Boys, revealing how over N7.2 million was wiped from the account of a serving judge at midnight.Speaking during the public presentation of two books authored by a retired high court judge, Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, the EFCC Chairman said he was woken
  
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• World Cup: 3 African countries seek to join Morocco in next round after 6 eliminated

  03-07-2026 15:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  3 African countries will be looking to extend the continent’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday as Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana battle for places in the Round of 16.Morocco are currently the only African side to have progressed to the last 16 after edging the Netherlands in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter. The Atlas Lions held the Dutch to a 1-1 draw after extra time before winning the penalty shootout to book their place.Africa began the tournament with a record 10 teams foll
  
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• Real Madrid deny interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández

  03-07-2026 15:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeReal Madrid have publicly denied reports linking the club with a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, insisting they have “no intention” of signing the Argentina international this summer.According to the BBC, the Spanish giants issued an official statement on Friday after speculation intensified following comments from Fernandez’s agent, Javier Pastore, who revealed he is exploring options for the midfielder’s future and suggested a mo
  
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• South Africa slams ex-president Zuma for meeting graft-accused Gupta

  03-07-2026 15:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The South African government harshly criticised ex-president Jacob Zuma Friday for meeting in India with one of the Gupta brothers accused of siphoning off millions of dollars worth of state assets.In a video shared on social media after last month’s meeting, 84-year-old Zuma also suggested he would stand for re-election after being forced out of office in 2018 under a cloud of corruption allegations.It is “very disturbing that a former state president openly and unapologetical
  
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• Oyo rejects ransom claims by VDM, says no payment made to kidnappers

  03-07-2026 15:19 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adeola BadruOyo State Government has refuted allegations made by social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), that it paid ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the claim as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government insisted that the allegation w
  
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• FG clears ₦39.63bn pension liabilities

  03-07-2026 15:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau ChiefThe Federal Government has paid ₦39.63 billion to 24,814 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners, even as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, reaffirms his commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian pensioners.The Federal Ministry of Finance, in a statement Friday, said the payments have ended many years of anxious waiting for thousands of retirees.Working under the supervision of the Federal Minist
  
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• World Cup: Riyad Mahrez announces retirement after Algeria’s elimination

  03-07-2026 14:55 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football following his country’s exit from the FIFA World Cup.The North Africans were knocked out in the Round of 32 after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland on Thursday, bringing an end to Mahrez’s international career.Speaking after the match, the 35-year-old reflected on his journey with the national team.“There were good times and difficult times as well, of course. That’s part of a caree
  
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• Kano Pillars appoint Ogunmodede as technical adviser

  03-07-2026 14:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The management of Kano Pillars Football Club has appointed Daniel Ogunmodede as new Technical Adviser ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League season.According to a statement issued on Friday in Kano by the club’s Media Director, Isma’eel Tangalashi, the club appointed Ogunmodede, popularly known as “Ijaball,” to take charge of its technical affairs as preparations intensify for the new league season.It added that the appointment is part of ongoing restruct
  
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• Lawal attends inaugural State House press Corps Presidential dinner

  03-07-2026 14:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Sulaiman Bala IdrisABUJA — Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, on Thursday attended the inaugural State House Press Corps Presidential Dinner held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.At the event, Governor Lawal decorated President Bola Tinubu as the Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps.The dinner was organised to strengthen engagement between journalists and senior government officials, recognise excellence in presidential reporting, and provide an informal platform for interacti
  
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• Refuse dumps fade in Onitsha, open defecation surges, as Enugu records progress

  03-07-2026 14:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Chimaobi Nwaiwu & Chinedu AdonuEnvironmental sanitation is showing contrasting outcomes in the South-East, with Enugu recording significant improvements in waste management and cleaner streets, while Onitsha is witnessing a gradual reduction in refuse dumps but battling a growing challenge of open defecation.In Onitsha, Anambra State, refuse dump sites that once littered major roads and streets are gradually disappearing, largely due to residents adopting alternative means of disposing o
  
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• Another batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrives Lagos

  03-07-2026 14:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Another batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa amid ongoing anti-migrant violence arrived safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday, as the Federal Government continued efforts to bring home citizens affected by the unrest.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that the Air Peace charter flight conveyed 268 returnees, alongside two officers and crew members, from Johannesburg to Lagos.According to the minister, the special fl
  
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• World Cup 2026: Lamine Yamal reacts to facing Ronaldo in Round of 16

  03-07-2026 13:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Spain winger Lamine Yamal has spoken ahead of his side’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Portugal, saying it would be an honour to face Cristiano Ronaldo.Yamal made the remarks after helping Spain secure victory over Austria in the Round of 32 on Thursday, booking their place in the last 16.With Portugal edging Croatia 2-1 to set up a meeting with the Spaniards, the 18-year-old admitted he is looking forward to the challenge but insisted his priority remains helping Spain progres
  
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• Iranian leaders pay respects to supreme leader as Tehran prepares for funeral

  03-07-2026 13:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iranian leaders began paying their respects on Friday before the coffin of the country’s late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, killed in the US-Israeli strikes that triggered the Middle East war, as Tehran prepared for a vast funeral.Khamenei’s body arrived at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla on Friday ahead of ceremonies which are expected to draw millions.A coterie of foreign dignitaries is also due to attend Saturday’s official ceremony, with Tehran’s chief negotiator calling
  
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• This is the Best Online Plinko Game to Play Right Now 

  03-07-2026 13:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Online gambling games come in many different shapes and sizes. Aside from this, basically any other genre of game these days can be turned into one, which is exactly what the leading online casinos are doing. Therefore, if you feel bored with the classics like poker, blackjack, and roulette, and if you want something similar to slot machines where things are fairer and more transparent, you are in luck. The game you should try out right now is Plinko, the iconic title that has had a long establ
  
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• The Best Casino to Play Blackjack in May 2026

  03-07-2026 13:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Gambling has moved online. If you’ve missed this event, you’ve been offline for at least the last decade. These days, the traditional casinos have been made obsolete. If you want to play some of the best games available, you will find a suitable online partner. Places such as Las Vegas will soon enough be seen only as tourist traps, because why would you go to Nevada desert to gamble, when you can do it in the comfort of your home on your iPhone. The only issue with online casi
  
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• Xenophobia: MTN Nigeria belongs to Nigerians, not South Africa alone — Toriola

  03-07-2026 13:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Juliet UmehChief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has declared that MTN Nigeria is “a Nigerian company through and through,” stressing that the telecom giant belongs as much to Nigerians as it does to its global investors, with over 11 million Nigerians indirectly owning stakes in the company through pension fund investments.Toriola also defended the Federal Government’s approval of telecom tariff adjustments, saying the decision rescued the industry from fin
  
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