General news

• Wike vows sanctions over ‘unauthorized’ School closure circular, pushes infrastructure expansion in Guzape

  26-11-2025 17:11 via vanguardngr.com
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA: Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday inspected ongoing engineering infrastructure works in Guzape District II, declaring that the FCT Administration will not spare officials responsible for issuing an unauthorized circular ordering the closure of schools in Abuja.Wike spoke during a question-and-answer session with journalists shortly after assessing the project, which he said was part of long-abandoned contracts inherited by the current admini
  
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• Who’s in Epstein files: famous faces, many blacked-out pages

  20-12-2025 16:36 via vanguardngr.com
  The US Justice Department has begun releasing a long-awaited cache of records from its investigations into the politically explosive case of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein – though much of the material remained heavily redacted.Among the trove released Friday are numerous photographs depicting former Democratic president Bill Clinton and other luminaries, including Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson, in Epstein’s social circle.The sweeping blackouts across many of the documents
  
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• Africa Cup of Nations to be held every four years after 2028 edition

  20-12-2025 16:29 via vanguardngr.com
  The Africa Cup of Nations will be staged every four years following an edition planned for 2028 in a major change to what is currently a biennial showpiece, African football chief Patrice Motsepe announced on Saturday.The Confederation of African Football president revealed the change as part of a significant restructuring of the international game on the continent to help it fit better into a packed global calendar.An AFCON every two years was a vital source of revenue for African national ass
  
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• Raphinha snub for FIFA Best XI ‘a joke,’ says Flick

  20-12-2025 16:20 via vanguardngr.com
  Barcelona coach Hansi Flick raged against Raphinha’s omission from FIFA’s team of the year, labelling the world football governing body’s ‘The Best Men’s XI’ a joke on Saturday.The Brazilian was essential on the left wing for the Catalan giants as they won a domestic treble last season.However, the 29-year-old was not chosen as part of the dream line-up, voted for by national team coaches, captains, journalists and fans, behind players including Chelsea&rsquo
  
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• Borno emerges winner of 2025 National Qur’anic Competition

  20-12-2025 15:49 via vanguardngr.com
  Borno has emerged as the overall winner in the male category of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, ‘Borno 2025’.The results were announced by Prof. Abubakar Yelwa, the Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, at the closing of a long-weekend event on Saturday in Maiduguri.Yelwa declared Musa Ahmed Musa from Borno as the overall male champion while Hafsat Muhammad Sada from Kano State secured the overall title in the female c
  
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• Chelsea fightback in Newcastle draw eases pressure on Maresca

  20-12-2025 15:42 via vanguardngr.com
  Chelsea saved Enzo Maresca from more awkward questions as they fought back from two goals down to rescue a 2-2 draw against Newcastle on Saturday.Maresca’s side were in danger of a damaging defeat after Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade struck twice in the first half at St James’ Park.But Chelsea hit back after the interval thanks to Reece James’s superb free-kick and Joao Pedro’s eye-catching solo effort.Chelsea remain fourth in the Premier League after a disappointing r
  
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• 12 dead, 2 injured in Kogi road accident

  20-12-2025 14:42 via vanguardngr.com
  The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 12 persons with two others injured in an auto crash that occurred on Friday along the Ejule – Enugu highway in Kogi.Read Also: Trump bans Nigerians, others from US citizenship, green card applicationsMr Tenimu Etuku, The FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi, disclosed this to newsmen in Lokoja on Saturday.Etuku described the accident as “fatal and very unfortunate”, adding that one child was among 12 persons that died.Ac
  
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• Tinubu arrives Maiduguri to inaugurate projects, attend Modu Sheriff son’s wedding

  20-12-2025 14:31 via vanguardngr.com
  President Bola Tinubu on Saturday arrived in Maiduguri, Borno, to inaugurate key development projects and attend the wedding of the son of the former Governor of the state, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff.Read Also: Video: Watch Tinubu board presidential jet for 3-state tourThe President’s aircraft touched down at the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri, at about 12:55 p.m.He was received by Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina, Amadu Fintiri of Adamawa St
  
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• Fubara’s defection excites Odili, says Rivers will benefit more from centre

  20-12-2025 14:30 via vanguardngr.com
  By Daniel Abia, Port HarcourtThe defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to attract commendations across the state.Reacting to the governor’s decision, former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, described the move as timely and beneficial, saying it would enhance the overall development of the state.Odili said the defection effectively aligns Rivers State with the Federal Gov
  
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• Lamurde killings: Rights group sues FG for N10bn over death of women protesters

  20-12-2025 14:18 via vanguardngr.com
  By Henry OjeluA human rights organisation, Cadrell Advocacy Centre, has dragged the federal government before the ECOWAS Community Court over the alleged extra-judicial killing of at least nine unarmed women protesters by soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.The suit, filed at the regional court in Abuja, was brought by Cadrell in the public interest and on behalf of the victims and their families.The organisation, led by its Executive Director, Mr. Ev
  
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• Deeper Life Church Attack: Victims, survivors laud DSS

  20-12-2025 14:15 via vanguardngr.com
  *Hopeful justice will be servedBy Soni DanielAbuja: Following the arraignment of Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, the suspected mastermind of the 2012 gun attack on a Deeper Life Bible Church, Otite, near Okene, in Kogi State, which killed over 19 worshippers by the Department of State Services, the families of victims and survivors have applauded the secret police for re-arresting and speeding up Obadaki’s trial.The victims, their families, survivors, as well as residents of the town, expr
  
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• Troops intercept ISWAP logistical consignment, recover vehicles, cash in Borno

  20-12-2025 14:08 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ndahi Marama, MaiduguriBarely 24 hours when Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) had decimated scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists who attempted to wreck havoc in Bitta village of Gwoza local government area of Borno state, Troops of Sector 2 working in close coordination with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have successfully intercepted two pick-up vans conveying logistics supplies suspected to be intended for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP
  
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• Video: Watch when Tinubu boarded presidential jet for 3-state tour

  20-12-2025 14:07 via vanguardngr.com
  Video: 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞-𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐨-𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐣𝐞𝐭Credit // State House pic.twitter.com/0XU8iJSIwA— Vanguard Newsp
  
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• Video: Watch Tinubu board presidential jet for 3-state tour

  20-12-2025 14:07 via vanguardngr.com
  Video: 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞-𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐨-𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐣𝐞𝐭Credit // State House pic.twitter.com/0XU8iJSIwA— Vanguard Newsp
  
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• Army welfare non-negotiable, central to operational strength – COAS

  20-12-2025 14:06 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adeola BadruThe Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to prioritising the welfare, dignity and post-service security of its officers and soldiers, describing personnel wellbeing as central to operational effectiveness and long-term institutional stability.Shaibu spoke on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he commissioned a 60-unit Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Housing Estate, alongside a
  
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• Coach Broos hopes to join Renard as AFCON winner with two nations

  20-12-2025 13:57 via vanguardngr.com
  South Africa tactician Hugo Broos stands out among the 24 coaches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco — he is the only one to have won the competition.Now a 73-year-old grandfather, the Belgian triumphed in 2017 with a Cameroon team that overcame the pre-tournament loss of several unavailable stars to beat Egypt in the final in Libreville.He hopes to match French coach Herve Renard, the only one to win the competition with different nations. He succeeded with Zambia in 2012
  
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• Trump bans Nigerians, others from US citizenship, green card applications

  20-12-2025 13:33 via vanguardngr.com
  The United States government has expanded a sweeping pause on legal immigration applications to include those filed by people from an additional 20 countries, including Nigeria, that President Trump added to his “travel ban” proclamation this week.Read Also: FULL LIST: US reviewing ‘every’ Green Card of 19 countries after capital attackA U.S. official, who requested anonymity, discussed the internal changes that have not been formally announced with CBS News.Trump e
  
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• Hakimi declared fit for hosts Morocco’s AFCON bid

  20-12-2025 13:14 via vanguardngr.com
  Morocco captain and star player Achraf Hakimi is fit and ready for the host nation’s Africa Cup of Nations bid but may not start in the tournament’s opening game, coach Walid Regragui said on Saturday.“Tomorrow will be my decision but he has more than done his job. His injury was not an easy one,” Regragui told reporters in Rabat where Morocco play minnows Comoros in the first match on Sunday.“I still have another night to sleep and decide whether he starts or whet
  
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• i’llTip emerges one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing digital service marketplaces

  20-12-2025 13:03 via vanguardngr.com
  i’llTip is rapidly establishing itself as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing digital marketplaces, seamlessly connecting talent, businesses, and everyday service needs on a single platform. With a steady rise in active users and an expanding range of service categories, the platform is positioning itself to become a major player in Nigeria’s recruitment, freelance, gig, creator, and small-business services ecosystem between 2026 and 2027.Unlike traditional platforms that focus n
  
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• AFCON 2025: 1xBet launches a large-scale fan project in Morocco. Influencers are already on the way!

  20-12-2025 12:54 via vanguardngr.com
  AFCON 2025 will take place in Morocco — and for football fans, this means weeks of intense action, packed stadiums, and pure fan energy. The tournament brings together the strongest national teams on the continent and captures the attention of millions of viewers, while interest in fan culture around the matches continues to grow.In this context, 1xBet is launching a large-scale fan project designed to make the tournament more dynamic, immersive, and closer to the fans.The 1xBet fan
  
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• Benin detains ex-defence minister over foiled coup

  20-12-2025 12:42 via vanguardngr.com
  Benin on Saturday placed former defence minister and prominent opposition politician Candide Azannai in pre-trial detention as part of an investigation into the west African country’s failed early December coup.According to an AFP journalist, Azannai was accused of plotting against the state and incitement to rebellion, after being arrested last week at his party’s headquarters in Cotonou in the wake of the attempted takeover.The detention of the prominent opposition figure, who con
  
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• Iran executes man accused of spying for Israel

  20-12-2025 12:01 via vanguardngr.com
  Iran has put to death a man accused of spying for Israel, the latest execution since a 12-day June war between the archenemies, the judiciary’s press agency announced Saturday.“The death sentence for Aghil Keshavarz, found guilty of spying for the Zionist regime, communicating and cooperating with the regime, and taking photographs of military and security sites, was carried out after being upheld by the Supreme Court and following legal procedures,” the Mizan agency reported.
  
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• Police deploy special squads ahead Tinubu’s Borno visit

  20-12-2025 11:42 via vanguardngr.com
  Tactical teams, surveillance squads, and operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit are some of the special operatives deployed by Borno State Police Command ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit today.Read Also: Tinubu departs Abuja Saturday on three-state visit, to spend end-of-year holidays in LagosThis was revealed in a statement issued, Saturday, by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso.He also said there would be temporary vehicular restrictions and diversions
  
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• Bandits, criminals won’t find it easy in 2026 – Guards Brigade Commander

  20-12-2025 11:31 via vanguardngr.com
  The Commander, Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, has warned that bandits and criminal elements operating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs will face sustained and intensified military pressure in 2026.Onasanya declared that they will not find the area conducive for criminal activities.He gave the assurance on Saturday in Abuja while speaking with journalists at the summit of Aso Rock, during the Guards Brigade’s annual ascent of Aso Rock
  
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• Bandits, criminals will not find it easy in 2026 – Guards Brigade Commander

  20-12-2025 11:31 via vanguardngr.com
  The Commander, Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, has warned that bandits and criminal elements operating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs will face sustained and intensified military pressure in 2026.Onasanya declared that they will not find the area conducive for criminal activities.He gave the assurance on Saturday in Abuja while speaking with journalists at the summit of Aso Rock, during the Guards Brigade’s annual ascent of Aso Rock
  
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• Nigerians benefit from UK visa rules exemptions for prison workers

  20-12-2025 11:30 via vanguardngr.com
  Nigerians are among foreign nationals working as prison officers in the United Kingdom, UK, given a temporary exemption from new visa rules, as some jails were facing a staffing crisis.Read Also: Top 10 African countries with largest economies in 2025BBC reports that prisons have increasingly been relying on overseas recruits, particularly from Nigeria and Ghana.However, organisations representing officers had warned jails faced losing thousands of staff, after the government increased the mini
  
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• Nigerians benefit from UK visa rules exemption for prison workers

  20-12-2025 11:30 via vanguardngr.com
  Nigerians are among foreign nationals working as prison officers in the United Kingdom, UK, given a temporary exemption from new visa rules, as some jails were facing a staffing crisis.Read Also: Top 10 African countries with largest economies in 2025BBC reports that prisons have increasingly been relying on overseas recruits, particularly from Nigeria and Ghana.However, organisations representing officers had warned jails faced losing thousands of staff, after the government increased the mini
  
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• Africa Cup of Nations: Prize money, 5 shocks of previous tournaments

  20-12-2025 11:13 via vanguardngr.com
  As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco, Sunday, tomorrow, we bring you five shocking developments in previous tournaments.But first, let’s know the prize money at stake.Prize money
  $500,000: 4th groups$700,000: 3rd groups and do not qualify for knockout phase$800,000: Round of 16 losers$1.3 million: Quarter-finals losers$2.5 million: Semi-finals losers$4 million: Runners-up$7 million: ChampionsShocksEquatorial Guinea hammering Ivory Coast 4-0 in a 2024 first round match is
  
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• Nigeria’s case against DR Congo ‘very tight’ – Dikko

  20-12-2025 11:03 via vanguardngr.com
  The Super Eagles case against DR Congo fielding several ineligible players in a 2026 World Cup Playoffs is “very tight”, according to the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
  Nigeria have now asked FIFA to throw out DRC from the World Cup qualifiers because they did not follow the rules in clearing some of their players to feature for them after they had previously represented another country.
  “Our case is very tight, we’re not sore losers, this is part of t
  
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• Tinubu to inaugurate developmental projects in Maiduguri – Presidency

  20-12-2025 10:18 via vanguardngr.com
  President Bola Tinubu will on Saturday visit Borno to inaugurate key development projects and attend a high-profile wedding ceremony in Maiduguri.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit is part of the President’s engagement across selected states during the yuletide period.While in Maiduguri, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate projects in the aviation, transport and education sectors executed by the Borno State Government and the Federal Government.According to the president
  
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