General news

• Troops launch offensive against terrorist hideouts in Katsina

  15-06-2026 08:53 via vanguardngr.com
  By Kingsley OmonobiTroops of Operation Fansan Yamma have launched a major offensive, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, targeting terrorist and bandit groups operating in Matazu Local Government Area and adjoining communities in Katsina State.According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operation was initiated following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was reportedly abducted alongside his wife by
  
  Read more

• Gunmen attack NIPSS, kill three security operatives in Plateau

  16-06-2026 11:22 via vanguardngr.com
  By Golok Nanmwa, JosSuspected gunmen on Monday night attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, killing three security operatives in an attempt to breach the nation’s foremost policy institution.Sources said the attackers stormed the institute at about 11:40 p.m. and opened fire, triggering an exchange of gunfire with security personnel stationed at the facility.A staff member of the institute, who spoke on condition of anonymit
  
  Read more

• Iran says footballer’s US visa expires after World Cup opener

  16-06-2026 11:09 via vanguardngr.com
  An Iranian national football team player’s United States visa has expired, state media reported Tuesday, leaving his future at the World Cup shrouded in doubt with Tehran engulfed in a bitter diplomatic row with Washington.Winger Mehdi Torabi was only issued a single-entry visa instead of the multiple-entry visa given to other Iranian national team players to take part in the global spectacle, where Team Melli earned a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match on Monday.“Foll
  
  Read more

• World Cup 2026: Meet the Cape Verde player called-up via LinkedIn

  16-06-2026 10:57 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ayobami OkerindeCape Verde produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday after holding former champions Spain to a goalless draw in their opening Group H match.Despite facing 23 shots and just having just 38 per cent of ball possession, the World Cup debutants stood firm to earn a valuable point and boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.At the heart of that resilient defensive display was defender Roberto Lopes, whose journey to the World Cup and the
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• JAMB releases 2026 UTME mop-up results

  16-06-2026 10:39 via vanguardngr.com
  The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) mop-up exercise.JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, announced the release in a statement on Tuesday, saying candidates who participated in the examination can check their results through the board’s approved result-checking channels.Benjamin said the board would immediately commence the ranking of candidates following the releas
  
  Read more

• Sultan declares Tuesday Islamic New Year; Sokoto announces public holiday

  16-06-2026 10:32 via vanguardngr.com
  The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Tuesday, June 16, as the first day of Muharram 1448 AH in Nigeria.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, marking the beginning of the new Islamic year.The declaration is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Sokoto by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious
  
  Read more

• Tunisia replace coach Lamouchi with Renard after World Cup thrashing

  16-06-2026 10:25 via vanguardngr.com
  Tunisia have responded to their 5-1 World Cup thrashing by Sweden by sacking coach Sabri Lamouchi and replacing him with Frenchman Herve Renard, the federation announced on national TV on Monday.Renard coached Saudi Arabia to a shock win against eventual winners Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has since coached the France women’s team.“The president of the Tunisian Football Federation, Moez Nassari, announced that an official agreement had been reached with French coach
  
  Read more

• Senegal-France clash: ‘Whoever wins, Africa beats Africa’ — Senegal speaker

  16-06-2026 10:02 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ayobami OkerindeThe speaker of Senegal’s parliament Ousmane Sonko has said that regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s World Cup clash between Senegal and France, Africa would emerge the winner because of the large number of players of African origin in the French national team.Speaking in an interview with France 24 and RFI ahead of the opening group I match, Sonko said the encounter transcends football and highlights Africa’s contribution to global talent.“In any ca
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Senators who didn’t endorse Natasha’s suspension found their names on report – Oshiomhole alleges

  16-06-2026 10:00 via vanguardngr.com
  By John Alechenu, AbujaSenator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the names of at least three senators were improperly included on the Senate Committee report that recommended the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.The Edo North senator made the claim yesterday during an interview on Africa Independent Television, AIT, while reacting to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele’s description of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as one of the “lowest moments
  
  Read more

• Iran begin fraught World Cup with 2-2 New Zealand draw

  16-06-2026 09:35 via vanguardngr.com
  Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday in their frenetic opening match of a World Cup campaign that has been utterly overshadowed by war, politics and protests.The Iranian team’s very presence at the Los Angeles Stadium had long felt uncertain, after months of military conflict between their nation and the United States.At last able to focus on the football, the Iran players twice found themselves trailing to the tournament’s lowest-ranked team, thanks to
  
  Read more

• Araujo strikes late to deny Saudi opening-day victory

  16-06-2026 09:19 via vanguardngr.com
  By Enitan AbdultawabMaxi Araujo scored a late equalizer to save Uruguay a point and deny Saudi Arabia another famous opening-game victory at the World Cup.Saudi Arabia, who famously shocked eventual champions Argentina in their opening match of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, looked on course for another major upset in the Group H encounter before a second-half fightback from Marcelo Bielsa’s side.The goal came four minutes before the halftime interval. Hassan al Tambakti’s powerful h
  
  Read more

• Prisoner Exchange: Obi commends Nigeria, Ethiopia, laments deaths of four Nigerians in custody

  16-06-2026 09:10 via vanguardngr.com
  Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has welcomed the completion of the prisoner exchange arrangement between Nigeria and Ethiopia, describing the development as a humanitarian step that upholds the dignity of Nigerian citizens abroad.In a statement on Monday, Obi commended the efforts of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), as well as Ethiopian authorities,
  
  Read more

• Digital postcode to transform commerce, security, cut delivery costs — Tijani

  16-06-2026 08:45 via vanguardngr.com
  By Progress GodfreyThe Federal Government has said Nigeria’s Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System, scheduled for launch this year, will transform commerce, strengthen security and significantly reduce delivery costs nationwide.Speaking at the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System workshop in Abuja, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the initiative as critical national infrastructure designed to address Nigeria’s long-stand
  
  Read more

• TCN expresses concern over rising cases of vandalism in Niger State

  16-06-2026 08:41 via vanguardngr.com
  By Obas Esiedesa, AbujaThe Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has raised concerns over increasing vandalism of power transmission infrastructure in parts of Niger State, warning that the trend poses serious economic, safety and electricity supply challenges.Speaking during a community engagement visit to Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area yesterday, the General Manager, Transmission, Abuja Region, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, said repeated attacks on transmission facilities had become a maj
  
  Read more

• Ogoni monarch denies links to criminal gangs, threatens legal action

  16-06-2026 08:40 via vanguardngr.com
  By Daniel AbiaPORT HARCOURT — The Chairman of the Khana Local Government Area Council of Traditional Rulers in Rivers State, King Suanu Timothy Baridam, has denied allegations linking him to criminal gangs operating in the area, describing the claims as false and defamatory.The monarch was responding to allegations reportedly made by some youth leaders who accused him of sponsoring criminal activities in Khana Local Government Area.In a statement issued on Monday by his media consultant,
  
  Read more

• Optiva Capital restates commitment to wealth creation, opportunity across Africa

  16-06-2026 08:36 via vanguardngr.com
  By Babajide KomolafeChairman of Optiva Capital Partners, Franklin Nechi, has said the company remains committed to helping Africans build wealth, create opportunities and secure lasting legacies through global access, smart investments and purpose-driven growth.Speaking during an interactive session with  the media, Nechi said the firm’s vision extends beyond investment immigration to include healthcare, women empowerment, wealth retention and support for Africa’s growing
  
  Read more

• Revenue from VAT, CIT falls 6% to N3.79trn in Q1’26

  16-06-2026 08:31 via vanguardngr.com
  By Elizabeth AdegbesanRevenue generated from Value Added Tax, VAT,  and Company Income Tax, CIT,  fell year-on-year (YoY) by 6.2 percent to N3.79 trillion  in the first quarter of 2026 (Q1’26) from N4.04 trillion in Q1’25.The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS,  disclosed this in its report on VAT and CIT for Q1’26 , which showed that the decline in revenue was driven by a 3.08 percent YoY fall in CIT during the  period. According to the NBS,
  
  Read more

• Court-ordered deregistration of ADC politically motivated — Bolaji Abdullahi

  16-06-2026 08:28 via vanguardngr.com
  The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has described the Federal High Court judgment directing the deregistration of the party as a politically motivated move aimed at undermining the opposition and damaging public confidence in the judiciary.Abdullahi made the assertion on Monday during an interview with ARISE NEWS while reacting to a ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordering the Independent National Electoral
  
  Read more

• CBN orders fintechs, banks to localise payment data, caps market dominance

  16-06-2026 08:27 via vanguardngr.com
  •Mandates beneficial ownership disclosure•Sets 25% threshold, 15% cross-market cap•Compliance deadline set for Dec. 31, 2026By Babajide KomolafeThe Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed banks, fintechs and other operators in the payments ecosystem to store all payment transaction data generated in Nigeria within the country, while also introducing measures to curb excessive market dominance in the industry.The apex bank disclosed this in a circular dated June 15, 2026, title
  
  Read more

• FCMB Group’s profit rises 81% to N202bn 

  16-06-2026 08:23 via vanguardngr.com
  FCMB Group Plc has recorded an 81 per cent increase in its Profit Before Tax, PBT, which hit N202.1 billion in 2025 full financial year from N111.9 billion recorded in 2024.The company disclosed this in its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025 released yesterday alongside its unaudited results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.The company also recorded 142 per cent increase in profit after tax which increased to N177.3 billion, leading to improvement in R
  
  Read more

• FirstBank hits N1bn daily disbursement on FirstAdvance

  16-06-2026 08:20 via vanguardngr.com
  FirstBank Nigeria yesterday announced that FirstAdvance, its flagship salary backed digital loan product, has hit a milestone of N1 billion daily disbursement. The bank, in a statement, said that the feat underscores its commitment to delivering innovative, accessible, technology-driven financial service solutions to its customers.“FirstAdvance is a convenient loan offering for salary earners, that enables FirstBank customers to access short-term credit in less than one minute w
  
  Read more

• Nigeria must lead, not consume digital revolution — Galaxy Backbone 

  16-06-2026 08:16 via vanguardngr.com
  By Progress GodfreyGalaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), Nigeria’s information technology and shared services provider, has said that the country must take a leading role in shaping emerging technologies rather than consuming global innovations.The Managing Director of GBB, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, said this yesterday at a press conference in Abuja to kick off the company’s 20th anniversary celebrations, highlighting Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s digital transfor
  
  Read more

• Kidnapped Kwara monarch dies in captivity after N18m ransom payment

  16-06-2026 08:15 via vanguardngr.com
  The traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Aweda, who was kidnapped from his palace by terrorists on April 17, 2026, has been confirmed dead after payment of N18 million ransom, out of the N21 million demanded.
  It was also gathered that the community had bought two brand new motocycles and provided 100 litres of petrol demanded by the kidnappers, yet he was not released.
  It was learned that when community people sought to speak with
  
  Read more

• Nigerian student Kamdi Okeke, graduates Summa Cum Laude, wins $442,044 UPenn scholarship

  16-06-2026 08:08 via vanguardngr.com
  By Emma NnadozieKamdi Okeke, a 21-year-old Nigerian student, graduated summa cum laude from Drexel University on June 11, 2026, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering with a 3.95 GPA.His academic performance placed him among the top graduates in his programme and earned him first-class honours with the highest distinction.In addition to his academic record, Okeke achieved a score of 521 on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and built a strong profile through communit
  
  Read more

• Why I’ve not resumed as ambassador to Mexico — Reno Omokri

  16-06-2026 08:07 via vanguardngr.com
  Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has explained why he has yet to assume duties in his country of posting, attributing the delay to ongoing activities related to the World Cup being jointly hosted by Mexico and the United States.Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Omokri dismissed claims that the Mexican government had rejected him, describing such reports as opposition-driven narratives with no basis in reality.According to the former pr
  
  Read more

• Headline inflation rate in 3rd consecutive month rise, hits 15.93%

  16-06-2026 08:07 via vanguardngr.com
  By Progress GodfreyNigeria’s headline inflation rate has gone up again, the third consecutive month, in May 2026, hitting 15.93 percent.The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, announced the increase in its latest consumer price index (CPI) report released yesterday.The report stated: “On a year-on-year basis, the Headline inflation rate rose to 15.93%, up from 15.69% in April 2026 and down from 26.06% in the same month of the preceding year (May 2025).”“Looking at the mo
  
  Read more

• Pound to Naira exchange rate today, June 16, 2026

  16-06-2026 08:04 via vanguardngr.com
  The Nigerian naira traded mixed against the British pound sterling on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, across the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and the parallel market.At the official market, the pound exchanged at approximately ₦1,849.50/£1, based on prevailing cross-currency rates derived from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s foreign exchange data and international currency market movements.Meanwhile, in the parallel market, also known as the black market, the British
  
  Read more

• Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, June 16, 2026

  16-06-2026 08:00 via vanguardngr.com
  The Nigerian naira traded relatively stable against the United States dollar on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at both the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) window and the parallel market.Latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) exchange rate portal showed that the naira closed at approximately ₦1,363.83 per dollar at the official NFEM window, maintaining the trend seen in recent trading sessions. The official market has continued to trade within the ₦1,360 range a
  
  Read more

• FG auctions Lagos hotel, 3 properties forfeited by drug lords at N6.1bn 

  16-06-2026 07:54 via vanguardngr.com
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe Federal Government has auctioned a Lagos hotel and three other properties seized from drug kingpins by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and forfeited to the agency, through court processes, for the sum of N6.148 billion. Director of Media and Advocacy of the agency, Femi Babafemi, who made the disclosure yesterday, said: “This was the outcome of a competitive bid process for the sale of eight assets forfeited by drug barons in par
  
  Read more

• Atiku-Amaechi ticket will end Tinubu’s presidency in 2027 — Bolaji Abdullahi

  16-06-2026 07:49 via vanguardngr.com
  The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has expressed confidence that the party’s presidential ticket of Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi will defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Abdullahi described the Atiku-Amaechi combination as a formidable team capable of offering better leadership than the current administration and winning the next presidenti
  
  Read more

Follow @GeneralNews_NGR on Twitter!