News in Brief
Stay Informed
News in Brief
Stay Informed
Iran's judiciary announced on Saturday the execution of a man accused of providing information about Iranian missile sites to Israeli intelligence. The man, identified as Hossein Pedaran, had provided the Mossad with information on missile sites in Isfahan province, according to judicial authorities. Pedaran had faced accusations of espionage and ...
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of military personnel, in line with the Chief of Defence Staff's command philosophy. Major General Samaila Uba explained that the delayed payment of allowances to troops returning from international operations in Sudan, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau is due to ...
Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has raised questions about the number of miners arrested following the deaths of 37 miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The governor suggested that the miners may have died from suffocation or poisoning. The incident has ...
A native doctor, Ekene Igboekweze, also known as 'Eke Hit', has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for money rituals. He was arraigned on April 4, 2025, alongside other suspects on charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and possession of protective charms. The court found him guilty of the charges related ...
One of the parents, Mr Musa Aliyu, 50, who had been ill for the past one year, lost two of his children, Ibrahim, 17, and Abubakar, 12, in the incident. The parents are demanding justice and compensation for the deaths of the miners. The incident occurred in Niger State, though ...
The FCT Stakeholders Assembly has begun a territory-wide data collection exercise to document community leaders across the 858 communities in the Federal Capital Territory. The exercise, which started in Bwari Area Council and continued in Karu and Karshi, aims to create a reliable database for grassroots planning. It will cover ...
Suspected bandits have reportedly killed a commander of the local security forces in Idofin-Ayekale, in Oke-Ero local government area of Kwara State. The local security commander, identified as Agbeniga Taye, was said to have been killed by the bandits who invaded the Idofin-Ayekale community. The bandits were said to have ...
The Lagos State government, through the Lagos Safety Commission, has ordered a comprehensive safety audit of dredging sites across the state. The move aims to curb rising health hazards and risks associated with dredging activities. The commission has also commenced mandatory training for dredging operators, with a focus on safety ...
Saturday's top stories include the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in an NSCDC cell in Minna and a fire in Rivers State that killed a mother and her four children. The recap provides an overview of these and other major news events.
Residents and traders in Ikola, Agbado-Oke Odo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State are counting their losses after the demolition of houses, shops, and makeshift structures under high tension power lines. The demolition was carried out by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) in collaboration with the police ...
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, Polycarp Emeka, announced the arrest of three police officers attached to the S-Squad of the Abia State Police Command. The officers, including an Inspector, a Sergeant, and a Corporal, were arrested over alleged extortion, abuse of police powers, and ...
Residents of Lagos and Ogun States are facing severe traffic congestion on Kara Bridge, described as a new nightmare and endurance test. Commuters like Laolu Jenkins experience long delays, prompting workers to seek remote jobs and temporary accommodation. Okada riders and roadside traders are capitalizing on the situation, while the ...
The Borno State government has flagged off the distribution of five million Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) to combat malaria. The wife of the governor and ITN campaign ambassador, Prof Falmata Zulum, launched the distribution in Maiduguri, stating that malaria strains the economy, productivity, and health. She noted that the nets ...
A survivor of a detention-cell tragedy in Minna, Niger State, has described how 37 suspected illegal miners died after being crammed into a cell. The survivor, Dauda Shehu, said detainees watched helplessly as their colleagues collapsed and died one after another. President Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation ...
Hundreds of residents from the Mbamnga community in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State have fled to Cameroon following deadly attacks. The violence left several people dead, including security personnel. The attacks occurred on the Mambilla Plateau, prompting residents to seek safety across the border. The situation remains tense ...
Gai advised farmers and the general public to disregard the message and desist from sharing personal information, bank details and BVN with fraudsters. The Plateau State government has disowned a viral message regarding intervention for farmers. The message was described as false and intended to defraud unsuspecting farmers.
A study by the University of Cambridge has found that Boko Haram fighters are using artificial intelligence chatbots developed by major technology companies to build more powerful bombs, plan attacks, and solve operational problems during combat. The research was based on interviews with 27 former members of the terrorist group ...
The Bayelsa State Police Command has denied claims of inaction in the investigation of a missing child, stating that eight suspects have been arraigned in court. The child, Amarachi Blessing Ogbonna, aged one year and ten months, reportedly disappeared from a church premises on June 21, 2026. Police spokesperson DSP ...
Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for its improved coordination of the 2026 Hajj operations. Shettima attributed the success of the pilgrimage to President Bola Tinubu's leadership. The vice president's praise highlights the commission's efforts in managing the annual religious exercise.
The Kwararafa Development Forum has called on the federal government to intensify efforts to secure the region, improve critical infrastructure, and unlock its vast agricultural and mineral resources. Speaking ahead of a gathering of Kwararafa sons and daughters in Abuja, the chairman of the forum's media and publicity committee, Prof ...
The Oyo State government has sealed two houses and marked seven others with caution tape following the reported death of a child allegedly linked to poor sanitation and a collapsed septic tank at Onireke, Ekotedo area, around the Queen Cinema axis of Ibadan. The enforcement exercise was carried out by ...
More than 250,000 unqualified teachers are set to benefit from the federal government's new Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP), a programme backed by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) to help them obtain professional licenses. The ATPP, which will be conducted in cohorts, aims to equip untrained teachers in ...
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has repatriated 50,000 Nigerian refugees back to the country within three years. The commission's boss disclosed this while explaining its activities. He also noted that over the same period, the commission has been providing support to host communities that ...
A report indicates that two-thirds of Africans oppose more foreign job seekers and refugees. Specifically, 64 percent want fewer foreign job seekers, while 70 percent favour fewer refugees. The findings suggest a desire for tighter controls on immigration across the continent.
The North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has proposed a 20-year development plan aimed at transforming Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory into a more productive, connected, and resilient region. The proposal is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NCDC Road Map ...
The House of Representatives has intervened in the lingering impasse over the admission of Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Law graduates into the Nigerian Law School for the required bar training and examinations. This followed a petition by a group of affected NOUN law graduates to the Green Chamber of ...
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic (ATAPOLY), Bauchi chapter has appealed to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed to facilitate the implementation of the newly reviewed salary structure and Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) for academic staff of the institution. Speaking at a press conference yesterday ...
South Africa is set to discontinue the green ID book and introduce a new 10-year driving licence. These changes are part of a broader set of developments affecting the country. The article highlights five key issues occurring on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
The parents of artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, have called for compensation for the bereaved families. The miners died under circumstances that have not been fully disclosed. The parents are seeking redress for their ...
A survivor of the Niger State mining detention incident, in which 37 people died, has alleged that officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) sprayed a liquid substance before locking them up. The miners, numbering 67, were arrested on September 15 and 16 by NSCDC operatives over ...
Sokoto State, historically revered as the seat of the Caliphate and a symbol of religious and cultural heritage, has increasingly become a theatre of violence perpetrated by criminals, bandits and jihadist groups. More than 50 villages have reportedly been deserted and about 185 people killed between July and September 2026 ...
A mother and her three children have died in a fire incident in the Okochiri community of Okrika Local Government Area in Rivers State. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but it was extinguished by local youth. The ...
At least five people have died following the collapse of a mining pit at Mayo Kam in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State. The pit reportedly collapsed on Thursday, during which 20 people were feared trapped. The spokesperson of the Taraba State police command, ASP Victor Mshelizah, confirmed the ...
Tension and outrage have gripped Niger State following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation and vowed that anyone found responsible will face punishment. Former military President Ibrahim Babangida ...
Teachers in Nigeria's 117 Federal Unity Colleges are set to resume after the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) suspended its strike over the proposed concession of King's College, Lagos. The suspension followed an agreement between the Federal Ministry of Education and organised labour to pause the concession ...
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has revealed that over 17,000 people displaced by Boko Haram activities in North-East Nigeria are still missing. ICRC spokesperson Aliyu Dawobe disclosed this in Lagos at the end of a two-day training for journalists on humanitarian reporting. Dawobe said the figure was ...
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has attributed recent deaths in Ondo State to high methanol intoxication from locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions. Laboratory analysis of samples from affected communities confirmed high concentrations of methanol, a toxic substance that can cause blindness, organ failure ...
The Benue State Police Command has advised travellers to avoid night journeys, warning that those whose trips may extend into late hours should consider postponing them to safeguard lives and property. Commissioner of Police CP Cletus Nwadiogbu gave the warning on September 18, 2026, during an emergency press briefing at ...
The Federal Government has opted for a low-key celebration for Nigeria's 66th Independence Day. President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to address the nation as part of the observance. The decision reflects a more subdued approach to the annual commemoration.
The federal government has said activities for the celebration of Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1 will be conservative. Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume disclosed this at the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the commemoration, represented by Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic ...
The Plateau State Police Command has presented cheques amounting to N25,821,550.30 to 22 families of officers who died in active service. Commissioner of Police CP Ayodeji Faniyan, who spoke at the ceremony at the Command Headquarters in Jos, described the disbursement as a renewed commitment to police welfare under Inspector ...
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has cautioned against drawing conclusions on the cause of death of 37 miners, noting that there was blood and foam in their mouths, which could indicate poisoning or suffocation. He also mentioned that there were burns on some of the bodies. The governor stated ...
An Anambra State High Court in Awka has sentenced native doctor Ekene Igboekweze, known as 'Eke Hit', to 12 years in prison. Justice Jude Obiora handed down six years on count one and six years on count two, to run concurrently without an option of fine. The court considered the ...
The Lagos State Police Command has distributed cheques totaling N89,201,523.07 to 157 families and next-of-kin of deceased officers. The presentation took place at the command headquarters in Ikeja, according to a statement by spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi. Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani said the funds are from the Nigeria Police ...
Recent findings by NAFDAC and SON reveal a surge in dangerous counterfeit products in Nigerian markets. These include fake Oral-B toothpaste potentially containing toxic diethylene glycol, counterfeit Hollandia yoghurt made under unsanitary conditions, and refilled 19-litre water bottles with untreated water sold under original brand names. Additionally, fake antimalarials, antibiotics ...
Building collapses continue across Nigeria despite repeated warnings and regulatory guidelines, prompting reactions from professionals. Engr Bashir Lawal, chairman of COREN's Technical Committee in Kwara State, attributed the incidents to inadequate structural integrity auditing, especially of old buildings. He called for periodic audits nationwide and recalled a recent two-storey building ...
Families of 37 artisanal miners who died in NSCDC custody besieged hospitals and mortuaries in Minna, Niger State, demanding the release of their loved ones' remains for burial. A grieving father, Mohammed Nuru, recounted losing his son and nine close relatives after efforts to secure their release failed. Relatives said ...
The prevalence of food adulteration and the use of chemicals in food, fruits, and other consumables is raising concerns about food safety and potential public health crises in Nigeria. Recent media reports and social media discussions about chemical applications on various foods, including yogurt, palm oil, bananas, pawpaw, oranges, watermelons ...
The turbaning ceremony of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of the Ilorin Emirate took place on Wednesday, drawing traditional title holders, political leaders, and residents. The event also featured the commissioning of two legacy projects: the 11-storey headquarters of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service and a ...
Vice President Kashim Shettima described the Kwara Revenue House as one of the most beautiful edifices he has ever seen in Nigeria. He made the remark during the commissioning of the 11-storey building of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service. Shettima commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his infrastructure development. The ...
President Donald Trump banned CNN, MS Now and Politico from the White House, escalating his longstanding conflict with media outlets that have covered his political career. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that media outlets should not be able to constantly write or report fiction and lies when ...
Five people have been confirmed dead and two others critically injured after gunmen opened fire on traders and buyers at the bustling Friday market in Mangu, about 52 miles south of Jos, the Plateau State capital. The attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m. in the section of the market known ...
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has recognised more than 130 civil servants through the Emily Aig-Imoukhuede Memorial Award since 2022, while its Memorial Lecture promotes values-driven leadership and institutional reform. In a joint interview with James Emejo, Foundation Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Executive Vice-Chair Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede discussed recognition, leadership and institutional culture ...
A Nigerian lecturer at the University of Fort Hare, Dr Ayodele Odularu, has been found dead at her residence in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The circumstances surrounding her death are not yet clear. The university and local authorities are expected to investigate. Further details are awaited.
Police in Akwa Ibom State have rescued two individuals after their Cameroon-bound speedboat sank along the Ibaka waterways in Mbo Local Government Area. The incident occurred as the boat was traveling to Cameroon. The rescued persons are receiving necessary assistance. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the sinking.
The Foundation for Digital Justice has urged the Kano State Police Command to investigate the murder of Ibrahim Shag, a political critic and social media commentator. The foundation called for a thorough probe into the killing. Shag was known for his political commentary online. The police have not yet commented ...
Gift Ayoola, a Nigerian teenager, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday. He had pleaded guilty to making and distributing indecent images, possessing extreme pornography, and causing and inciting children. The charges relate to recording the sexual abuses of children and selling the material to ...
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has charged the Nigerian Armed Forces to embrace artificial intelligence to enhance operational effectiveness. He made the call as part of efforts to improve military operations.
A mother and her four children have been burnt to death in a fire outbreak at their residence in the Okochiri community, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State. The incident occurred at their home.
At least 37 of 65 suspected illegal miners have died in an overcrowded NSCDC cell in Minna, Niger State. Survivors allege suffocation and dehydration as causes of the deaths. The incident occurred in the NSCDC facility.
Police in Lagos have arrested Muhammad Salifu, the Head of the Igala Community, for alleged child defilement. The arrest followed a report by Saturday PUNCH. The case is now in the hands of the police. Further details are expected as investigations continue.
The Benue State Police Command has rescued eight passengers who were kidnapped along the Ankpenchi-Ogobia axis in Ohimini Local Government Area. The rescue operation was successful, and the victims have been reunited with their families. Kidnapping for ransom has been a recurring security challenge in parts of Benue State. The ...
The University of Benin management has denied reports that it paid half salaries to academic staff. In a statement, the university said full salaries and allowances were paid to its academic staff. The refutation follows allegations that the institution had shortchanged its employees. The management urged the public to disregard ...
Police in Bayelsa State have arraigned eight suspects in court over the disappearance of a toddler, Amarachi Ogbonna. The child went missing from a church premises. The suspects were charged as investigations into the case continue. The incident has raised concerns about child safety in the area.
Hit-and-run drivers in Nigeria are leaving a trail of deaths and life-changing injuries, with recent cases on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and in Abeokuta. The incidents have resulted in grieving families and victims suffering severe consequences. The report highlights the growing concern over road safety and the impunity of drivers who ...
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has pledged the state government's support for the accelerated take-off of newly established Nigerian Army formations in the state. He gave the assurance when a delegation representing the General Officer Commanding, 3rd Armoured Division, visited the palace of the Mai Kaltungo, Engr. Saleh Mohammed ...
Fellows at the 2026 MTN Media Innovation Summit in South Africa have called on African journalists to strengthen cross-border reporting by focusing on stories about people and institutions building connections across borders. The call was made during a session titled “Storytelling Across Borders: Finding the Untold Nigeria–South Africa Stories,” moderated ...
Two women have been arraigned and remanded in Lagos for allegedly spreading a false publication that Access Bank was shutting down its operations. The charges relate to cyberstalking. The case highlights the legal consequences of spreading false information online.
An INTERPOL operation utilizing artificial intelligence has identified 126 suspected foreign terrorist fighters. The operation involved Nigeria and analyzed over 108,000 facial images. The identification was made through the AI-driven process.
The Christian Association of Nigeria in Ikeja, Lagos, has stated that Nigeria is grappling with foundational problems created during the colonial era by the British. The association made this known during a recent event. It highlighted the enduring impact of colonial policies on the nation's structure. The statement calls for ...
The Cross River State Police Command has launched an investigation into a viral video that shows a policeman threatening a local government chairman in Calabar. The command's action follows the circulation of the video, which has drawn public attention. The investigation aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further ...
A youth group in Ogun State has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to release the report of the state's Judicial Panel on Police Brutality and #EndSARS. The panel was set up to investigate cases of police brutality, including those related to the #EndSARS protests. The youths are demanding transparency and ...
The Nasarawa State Government has banned children under 18 from mining sites and established a team to enforce the directive against child labour. The ban aims to protect minors from the hazards of mining activities. The enforcement team will ensure compliance with the new regulation. This move is part of ...
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on several United Nations special rapporteurs to intervene in the reported deaths of 37 individuals in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and shootings in Minna. SERAP specifically urged the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary ...
Former US President Donald Trump has stated that he has reached an agreement with Denmark for permanent US security control over Greenland. According to Trump, the deal would prevent foreign adversaries from gaining influence over the territory. No further details about the agreement were provided.
Marine police in Akwa Ibom State rescued two individuals from a boat mishap that occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on 17 September. A blue W23 speedboat named “LET’S PRAY” sank while travelling on the waterway. The police confirmed the rescue.
Former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has condemned the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Minna, Niger State, describing the incident as tragic and deeply disturbing. In a statement issued in Minna on Friday, Babangida urged all parties to pursue peace for the sake of coexistence ...
The Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) has provided its account of the violence in Kikyau Village, Plateau State, stating that the trouble began after residents searching for the severed head of a slain community member approached a nearby settlement. The association identified the victim as Geofrey Kato Gumut, who it said ...
President Bola Tinubu held talks in Paris with Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group, whose media and digital interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group. The meeting took place on Friday during the President's working vacation. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to economic growth and job creation for young ...
Gunmen on Friday night stormed a busy vegetable market in Mangu town, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing three persons and injuring scores of others. The attack occurred at about 8:30 p.m. as traders and buyers were preparing to close for the day, sending people into panic and ...