General news

• US forces launch new strikes against Iran – Military

  17-07-2026 23:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US forces launched strikes against Iran for a seventh night in a row on Friday, the US military said.US Central Command, in a post on X, said the strikes, which began at 1900 GMT, were designed to “continue degrading Iranian military capabilities.”
  The post US forces launch new strikes against Iran – Military appeared first on Vanguard News.
  
  Read more

• Infantino’s enlarged World Cup gamble pays off with punters

  18-07-2026 15:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The World Cup has engaged punters like never before with an 80% increase in betting volume compared to the 2022 edition, even taking into account the higher number of matches for a 48-team tournament, a betting expert told AFP.Although many football fans were sceptical about the increase in the number of teams from 32 to 48, it appears punters have welcomed it.“We’ve seen an 80% increase in the ticket volume,” Darren Small, senior vice president of Managed Trading Services at
  
  Read more

• Military rescues over 40 victims, arrests over 20 terrorists in one week — DHQ

  18-07-2026 15:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have rescued more than 40 kidnapped victims, arrested over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators and other criminal elements during coordinated operations across the country between July 10 and July 16.The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja in a statement on military operations nationwide.Onoja said then that during the operations the troops also neutralised several terrorists and dismantled
  
  Read more

• Mshel Homes Hutu Exclusive N-Trillion Golf Resort Estate in Abuja, sets a new standard for luxury living in Nigeria.

  18-07-2026 14:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Mshel Homes Limited has formally commissioned its flagship Mshel Hutu Exclusive Golf Resort Estate in Abuja, unveiling world class recreational and lifestyle facilities the company says will set a new benchmark for integrated luxury community living in Nigeria.

  The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mshel Homes, Arc. Barka Umaru Mshelia disclosed this at the commissioning ceremony, describing the estate as the product of a long held vision to combine quality housing w
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Lebanon’s president departs for Washington to meet Trump

  18-07-2026 14:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday left Beirut for Washington, where he is expected to meet Donald Trump, the Lebanese presidency said, after talks between Lebanon and Israel wrapped up in Italy.It will be the first trip to Washington by a Lebanese head of state since Michel Sleiman was received by Barack Obama in 2009.Aoun will hold discussions “with several American officials on the situation in Lebanon and ways to strengthen the ceasefire”, particularly in Lebanon’s
  
  Read more

• Buhari-era military rivalry denied troops air support, says Bwala

  18-07-2026 14:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Presidential aide Daniel Bwala has alleged that a rivalry between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration resulted in troops being denied air support during some military operations.Bwala made the claim while speaking recently on The Link Up Podcast, a panel discussion hosted by EchoRoom and published on Friday.According to him, tensions between the Chief of Air Staff and the leadership of the Nigerian Army at the time affecte
  
  Read more

• US-Iran fighting escalates with infrastructure targeted

  18-07-2026 14:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iran on Saturday struck infrastructure in the Gulf and threatened a “full-scale offensive” in retaliation for the seventh consecutive night of US strikes on the Islamic republic.A month after they agreed a preliminary deal aimed at ending their war, fighting has intensified, with Tehran accusing Washington of hitting an airport, railway station and bridges.Iran retaliated Saturday with strikes on an oil facility in Kuwait as well as a power and water plant, authorities in the Gulf s
  
  Read more

• My dream collaboration is with Rihanna – Davido

  18-07-2026 14:11 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido has named global icon Rihanna as his dream international collaborator.He made the remark during a live stream interview on Twitch with the host @Theboyfromojo.“Rihanna is my dream collab, but she’s not into music again. She makes billions from her makeup business now,” the singer said.Davido acknowledged his admiration for Rihana, noting that a collaboration between them would make “dope music”.The “I Know Who I Be” c
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Photos: Burna Boy reunites with Shakira ahead of World Cup final halftime show

  18-07-2026 13:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has reunited with Colombian music sensation Shakira ahead of their performance at the inaugural FIFA World Cup final halftime show.On Friday, Burna Boy shared a video on his X account showing the pair exchanging hugs, smiles and laughter during rehearsals for Sunday’s historic event at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.The Grammy-winning singer accompanied the post with the caption: “Sunday Prep! @shakira See you at the @FIFAWorldCup Final! D
  
  Read more

• RCCG cleric calls for overhaul of Nigeria’s democracy, cost-cutting measures

  18-07-2026 13:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Olayinka LatonaA top cleric of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has called for a fundamental reassessment of Nigeria’s democratic system, arguing that the current model is “unsustainable” and was imposed without proper adaptation to local realities.Assistant General Overseer of RCCG for Continent 3, which covers South West Nigeria, the Middle East, and other regions, Pastor Johnson Funso Odesola, made the remarks during the church’s annual 21-day Destiny En
  
  Read more

• Yamal is tremendous, facing him after baby photo is crazy – Messi

  18-07-2026 13:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described it as “just crazy” that he will face Spain’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, years after an iconic photograph showed him cradling the future star as a baby.Speaking at the Fan Fanantics event on Friday ahead of the final, Messi reflected on the widely shared image, saying it was extraordinary how fate had brought them together on football’s biggest stage.“That picture with Lamine
  
  Read more

• Full List: US places 23 countries on highest ‘Do Not Travel’ alert

  18-07-2026 12:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The United States Department of State has updated its global travel guidance, placing 23 countries under its highest travel warning, Level 4, advising American citizens not to visit the listed destinations under any circumstances.In the revised advisory published on Thursday and seen on Saturday via the department’s TravelGov X account, the US government explained that a Level 4 designation applies to countries where security conditions pose serious risks or where its ability to provide a
  
  Read more

• Trump asks FIFA to award another World Cup to US, says leave out Canada, Mexico

  18-07-2026 12:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ayobami OkerindeUS President Donald Trump has called on FIFA to bring the men’s World Cup back to the United States, saying the next edition hosted by the country should not be shared with Canada and Mexico.Trump made the remarks on Friday during a FIFA World Cup reception at Trump Tower in New York ahead of Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina, where he addressed FIFA President Gianni Infantino and praised the tournament.“You should choose the United States of Americ
  
  Read more

• Tems becomes first African female artist to clinch Diamond single in US

  18-07-2026 12:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has become the first African female artist to earn a Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Diamond-certified single in the United States.She attained the milestone for the song “Wait For U”, her acclaimed collaboration with American rapper Future featuring Canadian rapper Drake, after the song surpassed 10 million certified units in the US.Global music monitoring platform Chart Data revealed on
  
  Read more

• Age shouldn’t decide who governs Bayelsa; competence should — Mienye

  18-07-2026 12:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Emem Idio, YenagoaA governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Bayelsa State, Dr Domor Mienye, has urged voters to prioritise competence, preparation and the capacity to deliver results over age or years spent in politics when choosing the state’s next governor.Speaking during a media interview, Mienye said leadership should be judged by a candidate’s track record, decision-making ability and capacity to solve problems, rather than the
  
  Read more

• Police Commend PCRC’s Safe Schools Initiative, back 10,000-volunteer security plan

  18-07-2026 11:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kingsley OmonobiThe Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commended the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) for launching its Safe Schools Initiative and unveiling plans to mobilise 10,000 volunteers to support the protection of schools across the country.The Force also pledged its full support for the initiative and other programmes of the PCRC aimed at strengthening community policing and enhancing public safety.The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Okokon Iniedu, who represented
  
  Read more

• Gombe State University installs 24-hour CCTV surveillance to boost campus security

  18-07-2026 11:53 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ben Ngwakwe, GombeGombe State University (GSU) has deployed a state-of-the-art Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system across its main campus as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect lives and property.The university said the solar-powered, campus-wide surveillance network provides 24-hour monitoring of pedestrian, vehicular and bicycle movements across the institution. The system is linked to the University’s Central Security Control Room and supported by an
  
  Read more

• Gombe police officers urged to uphold professionalism, human rights

  18-07-2026 11:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ben Ngwakwe, GombeThe Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi, AIG Vungmoh S.M. Kwaimoh, has charged officers and men of the Gombe State Police Command to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, professionalism and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.Kwaimoh gave the charge during his familiarisation and operational tour of the Gombe State Police Command, where he stressed the importance of ethical policing, adherence to t
  
  Read more

• Iran attack sparks two fires in Kuwait, firefighters injured

  18-07-2026 11:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Kuwait’s fire service said Iranian attacks on Saturday sparked fires at two locations in the country, with several firemen injured, after an attack was reported at a power and water plant.The fire service said on X that it was dealing with “two fires that erupted in two different locations” following the latest Iranian attacks, adding that this “resulted in injuries among firemen and a worker”, who were taken to receive care.AFP
  The post Iran attack sparks two fire
  
  Read more

• PFIPC: No legal or factual basis to demand Gbajabiamila’s resignation — Jiti Ogunye

  18-07-2026 11:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Efe OnodjaeLegal practitioner, Mr. Jiti Ogunye, has argued that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, should not resign over allegations linked to the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that such a move would undermine rather than advance justice.Speaking on Journalists’ Hangout on TVC while commenting on allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew against the Chief of Staff, Ogunye said there was no legal or factu
  
  Read more

• FPIC: No legal or factual basis to demand Gbajabiamila’s resignation — Jiti Ogunye

  18-07-2026 11:22 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Efe OnodjaeLegal practitioner, Mr. Jiti Ogunye, has argued that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, should not resign over allegations linked to the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that such a move would undermine rather than advance justice.Speaking on Journalists’ Hangout on TVC while commenting on allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew against the Chief of Staff, Ogunye said there was no legal or factu
  
  Read more

• England carry ‘scars’ of World Cup exit, says Tuchel

  18-07-2026 11:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Thomas Tuchel said Friday that England’s players carry the “scars” of a painful World Cup exit, admitting there was still a gap to close to the top nations.The England boss has been heavily criticised for his defensive substitutions in a 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.Anthony Gordon put England on track to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 but late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned the match around.The Three Lions face
  
  Read more

• Police launch manhunt of teacher for allegedly flogging student to death in Anambra

  18-07-2026 11:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Safe School Initiative (SSI) Unit of the Police Command in Anambra has launched a manhunt for a teacher over alleged flogging of a 12-year-old student, which allegedly resulted in his death.The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Awka.Ikenga said that the incident occurred on July 16 in Adazi-Ani Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.“The Anambra Police Command has activated its SSI opera
  
  Read more

• ‘They made Kane a defensive player’ — Trump criticises Tuchel’s tactics in Argentina loss

  18-07-2026 10:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ayobami OkerindeUnited States President Donald Trump has criticised England manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach in the Three Lions’ 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, saying it was a mistake to deploy captain Harry Kane in a defensive role after taking the lead.Speaking on Friday, Trump said England abandoned their attacking approach after Anthony Gordon’s opener, allowing the defending champions to stage a late comeback and secure a place in S
  
  Read more

• FCT getting better under Wike 50 years after creation – Tinubu

  18-07-2026 10:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  President Bola Tinubu says the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is changing for the better under the leadership of Nyesom Wike as its minister, 50 years after creation.Tinubu said this in Abuja on Friday night, during a special thanksgiving dinner to celebrate the successful inauguration of 31 projects across the FCT in 28 days.Represented by the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the president commended Wike and his team for all the sacrifices to ensure that the nation’s cap
  
  Read more

• NBA election: Badejo-Okusanya takes early lead in presidential poll

  18-07-2026 10:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has taken an early lead in the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential election, according to the the electronic votes on Saturday.As of 11:08 a.m., showed Badejo-Okusanya polling 4,860 votes (41.70 per cent) to lead the race.Her closest challenger, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, garnered 3,851 votes (33.10 per cent), while Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, secured 2,824 votes (25.13 per cent).The results are provisional, with the fi
  
  Read more

• Kuwait says Iran hit second power, water plant 

  18-07-2026 10:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Kuwait on Saturday said Iran struck another of its power and water plants, leading to the deactivation of several power generation units, a day after a similar attack.“Another electricity and water distillation plant was targeted by a hostile attack that led to a fire erupting in one of the plant’s components,” which resulted in the deactivation of some power generation units, the ministry of electricity and water said in a statement.AFP
  The post Kuwait says Iran hit second po
  
  Read more

• Residents flee Ikorodu community after robberies, killing of CDA executive

  18-07-2026 10:00 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Esther OnyegbulaResidents of Mercyland (Jabe CDA), 3rd Power Line, Oke Eletu, Ijede, Ikorodu area of Lagos State, have begun fleeing the community following repeated armed robbery attacks, including the killing of a Community Development Association, CDA, executive.The latest attack, which occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, left Mr. Abdulazeez Olaoye T.A., a prominent resident and one of the CDA executives, dead after he was allegedly brutally attacked with machetes.The i
  
  Read more

• Trump threatens to increase Canada tariffs over wildfire smoke pollution

  18-07-2026 09:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US President Donald Trump threatened on Friday a tariff increase on Canada to cover the cost of smoke pollution from wildfires that have choked large parts of the United States.Dense wildfire smoke billowing down from Canada and northern Minnesota has set off unhealthy air quality alerts across the US.As of Saturday, there were 937 active fires in Canada, most of which were burning out of control, according to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System.“This is Willful Negligence, and
  
  Read more

• Magnitude 5.0 earthquake hits southeastern Turkey

  18-07-2026 09:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck several southeastern provinces in Turkey on Saturday morning without causing casualties or damage, the country’s disaster management agency said.“No adverse situation has been reported following the magnitude 5 earthquake that occurred at 6:20 am (0320 GMT) in the Battalgazi district, in Malatya province, and was felt in the provinces of Malatya, Elazig, Adiyaman, Tunceli and Sanliurfa. Our teams continue to work in the field,” the disaster ag
  
  Read more

Follow @GeneralNews_NGR on Twitter!