General news

• Nigeria’s current account surplus rises 46% to $4.98bn

  17-06-2026 18:22 via vanguardngr.com
  By Elizabeth AdegbesanThe Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said the country’s current account surplus rose by 46 percent year-on-year to $4.98 billion in the first quarter of 2026 (Q1’26).The apex bank disclosed this in its Balance of Payments (BoP) report for the period, noting that the surplus also increased by 255.7 percent quarter-on-quarter from $1.4 billion in Q4’25.According to the report, provisional balance of payments statistics showed that the $4.98 billion surplus
  
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• Photos: DR Congo statue fan makes World Cup debut in Colombia clash

  24-06-2026 10:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  DR Congo’s iconic fan Michel Kuka Mboladinga made his first appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the Leopards’ Group K clash against Colombia after missing the team’s opener due to an Ebola-related quarantine.
  Known as “Lumumba Vea”, Mboladinga is famous for dressing as and posing like Patrice Lumumba, DR Congo’s first prime minister, standing motionless with his right arm raised throughout matches.
  The popular supporter missed DR Congo’s surpri
  
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• Doku rejoins Belgium squad after son’s birth

  24-06-2026 10:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Enitan AbdultawabBelgium winger Jeremy Doku has rejoined the national team camp in Seattle after temporarily leaving the squad to witness the birth of his first child, Praise.The return of the Manchester City forward was confirmed in a now-viral video released by the Belgian Football Federation, revealing that the 24-year-old returned to the United States on Wednesday after spending time with his family in London following the baby’s arrival.Doku had missed Belgium’s goalless dra
  
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• DSS orders probe into operatives’ conduct after Sowore court incident

  24-06-2026 10:30 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced an investigation into the conduct of its operatives following an incident involving activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, after court proceedings in Abuja.In a statement issued on Tuesday by the agency’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said its Director-General had directed an immediate inquiry into the actions of personnel involved in t
  
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• Asogwa gets Certificate of Return, says APC to clear 2027 polls in Enugu State

  24-06-2026 10:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The senator-elect for Enugu North Senatorial District, Ikeje Asogwa, on Tuesday received a Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would clear the 2027 polls in Enugu State.Asogwa hinged his confidence on the growing support for the APC in Enugu State owing to massive ongoing federal and state government development projects in the state under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
  
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• Alleged coup plot: Court orders probe of leaked evidence

  24-06-2026 10:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the allegation by the prosecution that part of the evidence it tendered in court and served on lawyers to the defendants was displayed on social media.Justice Joyce Abdulmalik also ordered that if there was any evidence on social media, which contravened the court’s earlier order for witnesses’ protection, the DSS should investigate and bring the perpetrator to book.The judge sai
  
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• World Cup: Full list of top scorers after Round 2

  24-06-2026 09:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The race for the top scorers award at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up after the completion of the second round of group-stage matches, with Argentina captain Lionel Messi emerging as the man to beat.
  The Argentine legend has enjoyed a remarkable start to the tournament, scoring five goals in two matches to move clear at the top of the standings. Messi followed up his opening-match hat-trick against Algeria with another two-goal display in Argentina’s second outing, becoming the tourn
  
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• Cartoon: ‘Let’s go, pen is mightier than sword’

  24-06-2026 09:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Read Also: FULL LIST: US names Nigerian, companies linked to financing terrorism
  The post Cartoon: ‘Let’s go, pen is mightier than sword’ appeared first on Vanguard News.
  
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• North Korea’s Kim unveils plans for 10,000-ton warships, nuclear navy

  24-06-2026 09:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country was “equipping the Navy with nuclear weapons,” state media reported Wednesday, as he also unveiled plans to build 10,000-ton warships.The remarks came at the commissioning of the Choe Hyon — one of two 5,000-ton class warships the nuclear-armed state launched last year — in the port city of Nampo on Tuesday, the official Korean Central News Agency reported.“The programme of equipping the Navy with nuclear weapons is
  
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• Full list: 7 teams qualified for World Cup Round of 32, 5 eliminated

  24-06-2026 09:39 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The race for a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is intensifying as the group stage nears its conclusion, with six nations already securing qualification and five others eliminated from the competition.
  The expanded tournament, which features 48 teams for the first time in World Cup history, has seen nations battle across 12 groups of four teams each. Co-hosts Mexico, the United States, and Canada were all awarded top-seed status during the draw.
  Under the tournament format
  
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• Dasuki urges Tinubu to strengthen ties with Niger Republic to tackle insecurity

  24-06-2026 09:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Musa Ubandawaki, SokotoSOKOTO — A member of the House of Representatives representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, Abdussamad Dasuki, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen diplomatic and security relations with Niger Republic as part of efforts to address insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region.Dasuki made the call on Tuesday in Sokoto shortly after receiving an award from elders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in recognition o
  
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• Troops rescue two kidnapped women, foil abduction attempts

  24-06-2026 09:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Troops deployed across ongoing internal security operations have rescued two kidnapped women in Kwara and foiled fresh abduction attempts in Ondo State, as security forces sustained pressure on criminal elements in parts of the country.An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday has revealed.The report said the troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued the two female victims during a fighting patrol in the Ndanaku-Lata general area of Patigi Local Gov
  
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• Why President Tinubu needs to resign — Atiku’s aide

  24-06-2026 09:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The media adviser and spokesman to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign, arguing that the administration has failed in its constitutional responsibility to guarantee security and improve the welfare of Nigerians.Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Ibe said resignation should not be viewed as a sign of weakness but as an act of patriotism when a leader
  
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• Panama out of World Cup after defeat to Croatia

  24-06-2026 09:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Panama were eliminated from World Cup contention after Croatia kept their hopes of progressing to the last 32 alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win on Tuesday.Croatia, who made it to the last four of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, were looking to bounce back after a 4-2 defeat to England in their opening Group L game .In the end, Ante Budimir’s 54th minute goal proved enough to see off the spirited Central Americans.“You cannot win a match if you don’t score,” said Panama&rsq
  
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• Police not responsible for delay in establishment of state police — IGP

  24-06-2026 09:16 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Olatunji Disu, has denied that the Nigeria Police Force was responsible for the delay in the establishment of the state police.Disu, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, in charge of the South East, denied the allegation on Tuesday in Awka, during a “Stakeholders meeting on security in Anambra”.He admitted that the creation of the state police would enhance the efforts of the national police in preve
  
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• Tantita’s drones protecting Nigeria, not for ethnic battle — Stakeholders

  24-06-2026 09:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Egufe Yafugborhi & Ochuko Akuopha
  ASABA — The Niger Delta Concerned Stakeholders for Accountable Security and Progress have clarified that TANTITA Security Services’ surveillance drones are meant to boost the fight against oil theft and asset vandalism, and not to instigate ethnic tension.
  The stakeholders, in a statement by Enisuo Oruomoni, made the clarification in response to claims by some individuals and groups that the drones would be deployed to aid ethnic battles.
  Oru
  
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• Enugu North senatorial by-election a mockery — PRP

  24-06-2026 09:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ….Alleges widespread violence, voter intimidation
  By Alumona UkwuezeNSUKKA—The National Vice Chairman (South-East) of the People’s Redemption Party, PRP, Peter Okafor, on Monday, condemned last Saturday’s Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, describing it as a mockery of democracy and calling for its cancellation.
  Speaking to journalists in Nsukka after monitoring the election, Okafor alleged that the exercise was marred by widespread violence, voter intimidatio
  
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• SEDC: Igbo should put house in order — Archbishop, Igbo women

  24-06-2026 09:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ugochukwu Alaribe, Emmanuel Iheaka & Jeff AgbodoMore reactions have continued to trail the scandal that broke out over the expenditure by the South East Development Commission, SEDC.
  The Archbishop of Umuahia Methodist Diocese, Chibuzor Opoko, has warned that hope raised by the establishment of the commission should not be dashed, saying its lack of impact after one year risks being seen as political hype.
  He criticized the failure to fund the Commission, alleging marginalisation.
  The Arc
  
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• ABUAD students begin advanced training in China

  24-06-2026 09:10 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Our ReporterADO-EKITI—Thirty-seven Engineering students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, have commenced an intensive international practical training programme in Intelligent Manufacturing Technology and Intelligent Control Technology, at Zhejiang Polytechnic University of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, ZUME, in Hangzhou, China.
  The development marks a major milestone in the university’s internationalisation agenda aimed at exposing students to global best pr
  
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• Colombia reach Round of 32 after pipping DR Congo 1-0

  24-06-2026 09:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Colombia finally broke down a stubborn DR Congo side on Tuesday to secure a 1-0 win that guaranteed their place in the World Cup knockout rounds.Victory in Guadalajara, courtesy of a 76th-minute goal from Daniel Munoz, took them top of Group K with six points — two clear of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal with one game to go in the first round.Portugal, held 1-1 by DR Congo in their opening match, earlier hammered Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston, with Ronaldo scoring twice.Colombian fans tur
  
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• Nigeria losing criminal cases over weak evidence— Sanwo-Olu

  24-06-2026 09:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ….Advocates forensic-led investigations
  By Juliet Umeh & Esther ChukwuchebemLAGOS—Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has expressed concern that Nigeria is losing thousands of criminal cases annually due to weak and insufficient evidence, warning that the trend is undermining the administration of justice and efforts to tackle emerging forms of crime.
  Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Global Forensics Summit in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said many criminal cases collapse in cour
  
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• Schools abduction: Oyo Assembly raises alarm over porous borders

  24-06-2026 09:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Police debunk victim’s helicopter transfer claim
  By Adeola BadruOyo State House of Assembly has raised fresh concerns over worsening insecurity in border communities, following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, even as the state Police Command, yesterday, dismissed claims that the victims had been flown to Kaduna State by helicopter.
  Speaker of the House, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, expressed concern over the rising wave of kidnappings and
  
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• 2027: We gave Tinubu victory, now we’re backing Olawepo-Hashim — Northern supporters

  24-06-2026 09:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — Former members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states have declared support for the Accord party and its presidential hopeful, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
  The declarations were made at separate mobilisation meetings across the three states, where participants cited economic hardship, insecurity and dissatisfaction with governance as reasons for backing a different political
  
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• Okpoko, from neglected slum to bubbling urban community

  24-06-2026 08:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Residents, traders, sing Soludo’s praises..Properties in the area have appreciated in value residentsBy Nwabueze OkonkwoFOR over 50 years, the densely populated urban area known as Okpoko community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State remained a slum and neglected by successive state and local government authorities.
  It was seen as a place for the lowest cadre in the society, deprived of social amenities. Simply put, it was a place for the bad, the ugly, and the no goo
  
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• Electricity: ‘Peter Obi is ignorant of Nigeria’s stored megawatts capacity’ — Onanuga

  24-06-2026 08:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, has faulted the recent pledge by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to increase Nigeria’s electricity generation and distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years, saying the former Anambra State governor does not fully understand the country’s existing power infrastructure capacity.Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Onanuga said Nigeria already possesses an ins
  
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• Lamentations of displaced Onitsha Main Market traders

  24-06-2026 08:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Some spaces for demolished shops now serve as car parks, refuse dump siteBy Chimaobi NwaiwuFEW months ago, precisely on March 1, 2026, the Anambra State Government moved in with bulldozers to demolish some shops at the popular Onitsha Main Market.
  The government claimed the shops were illegal, that they were not authorised to be erected in those places. But the occupying traders countered the position, insisting that they have receipts and allocation papers given to them after buying th
  
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• Alia, Ortom bicker over Benue funds, bad governance

  24-06-2026 08:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ….Says gov hiding failures with false allegations….Probe meant to uncover gaps in handover records—Alia’s aide
  By Peter DuruMAKURDI—Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, yesterday, challenged Governor Hyacinth Alia to a public debate over the management of state resources, accusing the administration of poor governance, financial mismanagement and a sustained campaign to tarnish his legacy.
  Ortom, who spoke with journalists in Makurdi, dismissed allegations
  
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• Bokkos attack: IGP deploys AIG, tactical teams to Plateau

  24-06-2026 08:32 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Golok NanmwaJOS—Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, in charge of Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi, Dankombo Morris, to Plateau State, following the recent attack on Kawel community, in Mushere District of Bokkos Local Government Area.
  The deployment is part of efforts to assess the security situation on the ground, restore peace and prevent further attacks in the area.
  The IGP also approved the deployment of additional police
  
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• Lagos Police arrests 38 foreign nationals, recovers 14 firearms in crackdown

  24-06-2026 08:21 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Evelyn UsmanThe Lagos State Police Command has arrested 38 foreign nationals in Epe, Lagos State, following intelligence reports about the presence of a large number of foreigners occupying a building in the area.Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, disclosed that the operation was launched after credible intelligence indicated suspicious activities involving the occupants of the building.He clarified that the arrested foreigners were not connected to individuals fea
  
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• Teachers lament ordeal in hands of thugs in Delta school

  24-06-2026 08:18 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Jimitota OnoyumeThe Vice Principal of Erhavwe Secondary School in Ekrerahavwe, Agbarho Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Lucky Otuaga, the Maths teacher of the school, Mr. Charles Ovwigho and the Chairman Education Committee of Ekrerahavwe, who is also a staff of the school, yesterday, narrated their ordeal in the hands of thugs allegedly brought by a female student, Miss Deborah Kazeem, to attack the Maths teacher on May 14.
  The Vice Principal, Mr. Otuaga and so
  
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