General news

• Messi hails ‘special’ World Cup win over England

  16-07-2026 09:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Lionel Messi hailed a “special” win after Argentina beat England to reach the World Cup final, with the veteran at the heart of a come-from-behind 2-1 win.After Anthony Gordon gave England the lead, 39-year-old Messi provided the pass for Enzo Fernandez to smash in an 85th-minute equaliser and then also the cross for Lautaro Martinez to head in the winner in Atlanta.Messi said victory in the semi-final was “quite a special one, especially playing against England with all the h
  
  Read more

• Breaking: Court denies bail to man accused of planning attacks on Abuja schools

  16-07-2026 12:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Soni DanielThe Federal High Court in Abuja has denied bail to a man arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly planning multiple attacks on several schools in the Federal Capital Territory.Justice Joyce Abdulmalik denied John Jude Agbo bail after the prosecution presented a fourth witness and, thereafter, closed its case against him.Agbo faces terrorism and cybercrime charges for allegedly planning to harm the schools, their students and teachers.Ruling on the defendant
  
  Read more

• Ex-Aso Villa chaplain dies, CAN mourns

  16-07-2026 12:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Luminous JannamikeThe Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has mourned the death of former Aso Rock Villa Chaplain and Founder of All Christians Fellowship Mission, Rev. Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye, describing him as ‘a faithful shepherd’ whose passing is a great loss to the Church in Nigeria.Rev. Okoye was one of Nigeria’s leading Pentecostal clerics. Over the years, he served as Chairman of CAN, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellow
  
  Read more

• Iran slams ‘barbaric’ US attack after hospital evacuated due to nearby strike

  16-07-2026 12:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Tehran on Thursday accused the United States of carrying out a “barbaric attack” after a cancer hospital in Iran’s southwest was forced to evacuate due to nearby strikes.“This barbaric attack, reminiscent of Israel’s atrocities against healthcare facilities, caused severe suffering and anxiety upon the hospitalised children,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei posted on X, saying “211 patients undergoing chemotherapy” were evacuated.AFP
  The
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Troops apprehend terrorist informants, logistics suppliers in Borno

  16-07-2026 12:27 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have apprehended suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers, received the surrender of an ISWAP member and destroyed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the last 24 hours across Borno.An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday said troops of 195 Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) apprehended a suspected ISWAP/JAS informant in Dusuman Ward, Mafa Local Government Area.According
  
  Read more

• FRSC Act: Senate raises traffic fines by 300%

  16-07-2026 12:27 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …reinforces N50,000 penalty for hawking, preaching in buses…says amendment to check recklessness, commercial activities in vehiclesBy John AlechenuNigerian motorists and commuters will soon pay more for traffic offences as the Senate has passed amendments to the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Act introducing stiffer penalties.Details of the FRSC Act (Amendment) Bill obtained by Vanguard, on Thursday, showed that fines for several offences were raised by up to 300%. The bill
  
  Read more

• 2027: Atiku chose Amaechi to show he has nothing against Ndigbo - Okonkwo

  16-07-2026 12:18 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has defended the choice of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the party’s vice-presidential candidate, saying the decision showed that the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, harbours no prejudice against the Igbo.Okonkwo spoke on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Thursday while responding to questions about Amaechi’s delayed public acknowledgement of his nomination and
  
  Read more

• Peter Obi’s ‘unceremonious’ exit from ADC left Southeast disadvantaged, confused – Okonkwo

  16-07-2026 11:59 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Okonkwo, has said the exit of Peter Obi from the party left the South-East region disadvantaged and thrown into confusion during the process that led to the emergence of Rotimi Amaechi as the party’s vice presidential candidate.Okonkwo spoke on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, while responding to questions on why Amaechi is yet to publicly acknowledge his vice presidential candidacy on his soci
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Mary Habila’s Death: Friend reveals final moments as Umahi seeks forensic investigation

  16-07-2026 11:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Denis AgboThe circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUS) and on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, have become clearer following a sworn statement by her colleague and close friend, Anita Baaki.Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, said she was among members of staff who travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for official duties under the Minister of Works, David Umahi.A
  
  Read more

• Israel tells Pentagon chief will keep troops in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza ‘security zones’

  16-07-2026 11:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz told his US counterpart Pete Hegseth early Thursday that Israel is determined to keep its forces in “security zones” it has carved out inside Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip.In a statement, Katz’s office said the two men spoke overnight and the minister “emphasised Israel’s determination to remain in the security zones in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon in order to protect Israel’s borders and the communities near the bo
  
  Read more

• It’s now master vs prodigy as Ballon d’Or race is blown open, by Stephanie Shaakaa 

  16-07-2026 11:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Ballon d’Or race has been blown wide open, and the emotional ledger of international football has just added a devastating new chapter. Read Also: Argentina beat England 2-1 to reach World Cup finalWhat we thought was the prequel to a distant Finalissima instead became something infinitely greater: a FIFA World Cup Semifinal that will be spoken of for decades. The football gods did not disappoint, and the sheer grit of England collided head-on with the fierce, emotional self-beli
  
  Read more

• Onoh defends Umahi, asks NYCN to stop politicising Mary Habila’s death

  16-07-2026 11:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ….Calls for Due ProcessBy Denis AgboFormer Southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Denge Josef Onoh, has condemned the seven-day ultimatum issued by the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and allied groups demanding the resignation of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, over the death of Miss Mary Habila.In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Onoh describ
  
  Read more

• Actor Sam Neill died of pneumonia, says agent

  16-07-2026 11:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  “Jurassic Park” star Sam Neill died of pneumonia, his agent said Thursday, in a message aimed at providing clarity to fans.Neill died in Australia on Monday at the age of 78, his family said in a statement.He was cancer-free at the time, his family added without elaborating on the cause of death.“I spoke with his family and wish to clarify some details for his fans,” long-time agent Philip Grenz said in a statement to public broadcaster Radio New Zealand.“Sam passe
  
  Read more

• 2027: Christians now more comfortable with Muslim-Muslim ticket –  APC chieftain

  16-07-2026 10:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Farouk Aliyu, has said Nigerian Christians are now more comfortable with the party’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket than they were ahead of the 2023 general election, arguing that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has disproved fears of religious marginalisation.Aliyu made the remarks during an appearance on ARISE Television’s The Morning Show on Thursday, following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice Pres
  
  Read more

• UK economy rebounds as nation awaits new prime minister

  16-07-2026 10:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Britain’s economy rebounded slightly in May with growth of 0.1 percent thanks to expansion in the services sector, official data showed Thursday as Britain awaits a new prime minister.Gross domestic product (GDP) had contracted by 0.1 percent in April as the US-Iran war pushed up inflation after oil prices soared.“The growth in May was because of a rise of 0.3-percent (output) in services,” the Office for National Statistics said in a statement.The data comes as Andy Burnham p
  
  Read more

• Nigerian newspapers review: Gunmen raid Kogi school, abduct principal, NECO official, students

  16-07-2026 10:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  In today’s Nigerian newspapers review programme, Today in the News, Vanguard leads with gunmen raiding a school in Kogi State and abducting the principal, an official of the National Examination Council (NECO) and students.Another headline features the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, saying that safeguards will prevent governors from turning state police into their private army for personal gain.Vanguard also reports that a Nigerian Catholic priest took his own li
  
  Read more

• Why FIFA may sanction Argentina after World Cup win over England

  16-07-2026 09:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Argentina could face disciplinary action from FIFA after several of its players celebrated their World Cup semi-final victory over England by displaying a banner supporting the country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.The reigning champions came from behind to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta, booking a place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain with two late goals.After the final whistle, a group of Argentinian players held up a banner reading “
  
  Read more

• Death of Physiotherapist in Umahi’s Residence: Family rejects autopsy as police insist on post-mortem

  16-07-2026 09:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Jeff Agbodo, AbakalikiThe Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted on conducting a post-mortem examination into the death of Miss Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who died at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu community of the state.The command said preliminary findings showed that the deceased and a colleague were members of the medical team attached to the minister and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu, where she died in a room within the compoun
  
  Read more

• US approves nearly $2bn in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia

  16-07-2026 09:27 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The US State Department said Wednesday it has approved the sale of an estimated $1.96 billion in weapons to bolster Saudi Arabia’s air defenses, as the war ramps up in the Middle East.“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region,” the State Department said in a release.Among the weapons
  
  Read more

• Navy foils pipeline vandalism network, recovers stolen pipelines in Imo

  16-07-2026 09:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe Nigerian Navy, in furtherance of an operational campaign against economic sabotage, has intercepted suspected vandalised crude oil pipeline sections and arrested suspected members of a pipeline vandalism syndicate in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Information, while making this known, said, “The intelligence-led operation was conducted by personnel of Naval Base (NB) Oguta, leading to the interception of a Merce
  
  Read more

• 2027: Gwamna’s candidacy offers path to greater development for Gombe — Spokesman

  16-07-2026 09:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ben Ngwakwe, GombeThe spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, Ibrahim Sani Shawai, has described the 2027 governorship election as a defining moment for the state, urging residents to consider competence, vision and commitment to public service in choosing the next governor.In a statement issued on Wednesday in Gombe, Shawai said the election should be seen as an opportunity for citizens to determine the future dire
  
  Read more

• Tuchel defends tactics after England World Cup dream dies

  16-07-2026 09:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  England manager Thomas Tuchel defended his tactics after the Three Lions’ World Cup dream ended in an agonising late defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.England appeared poised to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead early in the second half in Atlanta.But England then invited wave after wave of late pressure from the defending champions and goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez secured a famous 2-1 victory.Tuchel said his team h
  
  Read more

• Trossard completes move to Besiktas for reported £15.3m

  16-07-2026 09:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Leandro Trossard completed a permanent transfer from Arsenal to Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas on Wednesday for a reported fee of £15.3 million ($21 million).The 31-year-old Belgium winger, who featured at the 2026 World Cup, joined the Gunners from Brighton in January 2023.The winger featured 174 times in all competitions for Arsenal, scoring 36 goals and providing 34 assists.He was part of Mikel Arteta’s side that won the Premier League title last season for the first time i
  
  Read more

• ‘History will be kind to you’ — Soludo thanks Tinubu over Southeast road projects

  16-07-2026 09:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the design and procurement of two major roads linking Anambra to neighbouring states, describing the development as part of the President’s deliberate effort to rebuild the Southeast.In a statement issued on Thursday, Soludo said the approval followed a meeting he had with the President on July 1, after which the Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Sen. Dave Umahi, requested details of the r
  
  Read more

• FG unveils new labour reform agenda, seeks employers’ support

  16-07-2026 09:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Victor Ahiuma-YoungAs Nigeria continues to navigate sweeping economic reforms and the changing realities of the global workplace, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to overhauling the nation’s labour administration to make it more responsive, inclusive and investment-friendly. Read Also: Gunmen invade Kogi market, kill one, abduct anotherAt the heart of the reforms is a renewed emphasis on industrial peace, modern labour laws, workforce development and
  
  Read more

• Stock market experts optimistic on H2’26 but warn investors

  16-07-2026 08:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Strong performance does not eliminate investment risk – CIS boss…Strong market performance should not lead to policy complacency – Uwaleke…Investors have made more money from the market than any other – Kurfi…Market will continue to rally upwards but… – Amolegbe…Uncertainties over 2027 election remain a possible headwind – AdonriBy Peter Egwuatu, Asst. Business EditorNigeria’s stock market is sustaining its bull ster
  
  Read more

• Iran army says struck US targets in Kuwait, Bahrain with drones

  16-07-2026 08:58 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran’s army said on Thursday it carried out drone attacks against US bases and facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, state TV reported, after the United States carried out strikes on the Islamic republic.Iran’s military said it targeted “radar systems, a Patriot air defense system, and fuel storage facilities at Ali Al Salem Air Base” in Kuwait and US military facilities at the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, IRIB reported.AFP
  The post Iran army says struck US targets in Kuw
  
  Read more

• UBA enlists Abaga, Egunjobi to speak on innovation at Business Series

  16-07-2026 08:57 via vanguardngr.com
  
  United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is set to host the latest edition of its quarterly UBA Business Series, turning the spotlight on how businesses can transform everyday customer feedback into technology that answers Africa’s real needs, Scheduled for Thursday, 16 July 2026 at 11:00 a.m., the event, themed “Building for Africa’s Realities: Turning Consumer Feedback into Technology-Driven Solutions”, will convene founders, investors and builders to share candid insight
  
  Read more

• Outgoing UK PM Starmer visits Ukraine

  16-07-2026 08:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer travels to Ukraine on Thursday for his final visit to the war-torn country before leaving office next week.Starmer, set to depart Downing Street on Monday, was to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital Kyiv, the British government said in a statement.The premier was expected to tell Zelensky that the UK’s commitment to backing Ukraine will continue after he is replaced by Andy Burnham.“Our cast-iron support for Ukraine wil
  
  Read more

• How Nigeria can overcome hunger — BUA

  16-07-2026 08:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  As BUA Foods posts N518.4 PATBy Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau ChiefThe Chairman of BUA Foods Plc, Alh. Abdul Samad Rabiu, has identified heavy investments in agriculture by both the government and private sector operators as a key factor necessary to tackle hunger in the country.He spoke at the 5th Annual General Meeting of the company in Abuja, yesterday, where the company declared a Profit After Tax of N518.4 billion for the year ended December 2025, as against the N265.9 billion recorded in t
  
  Read more

Follow @GeneralNews_NGR on Twitter!