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At Least 37 Die After Inhaling Toxic Fumes During Alleged Pipeline Theft in Rivers
At least 37 people have died after inhaling toxic fumes while allegedly attempting to steal petrol from a pipeline at Okari Jetty in Okrika, Rivers State, in the early hours of Thursday.
Toxic Fumes Kill Suspected Pipeline Thieves
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre said more than 100 people in small boats gathered under cover of darkness to siphon refined petroleum products, locally referred to as “Indorama fuel”.
Many reportedly collapsed after inhaling the fumes, with some falling into the Bonny River while others were taken to hospitals. Police said an investigation was underway to establish the exact death toll and circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps urged the public to rely on verified figures as security agencies investigate the incident.
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Dangote Petroleum Refinery Secures SEC Approval for Landmark IPO
The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the initial public offering of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, clearing the way for one of Africa’s largest share sales.
Dangote Refinery Targets ₦2.15 Trillion From IPO
The refinery plans to offer 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ₦525 each, potentially raising about ₦2.15 trillion if fully subscribed. The order book is expected to open on September 14.
The proceeds will support plans to increase the refinery’s capacity from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day. The SEC also registered the company’s existing 120.13 billion shares.
The approval follows a $2.5 billion private placement and a $1 billion underwriting programme as the refinery expands its position in Nigeria’s energy sector.
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Nigeria’s External Reserves Cross $54 Billion, Highest in Nearly Two Decades
Nigeria’s gross external reserves have risen above $54 billion for the first time since December 2008, reaching $54.08 billion as of September 3.
Reserves Rise by More Than $8.5 Billion in 2026
The figure represents a year-to-date increase of more than $8.5 billion from about $45.57 billion at the start of 2026.
The increase has been supported by higher oil receipts, foreign portfolio inflows and improved diaspora remittances through formal channels.
The stronger reserves position gives the Central Bank greater capacity to support the foreign exchange market and meet external obligations, while economists say sustained accumulation could improve investor confidence.
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Boko Haram Ambush on Borno APC Governorship Candidate’s Convoy Repelled
Suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked the convoy of All Progressives Congress governorship candidate Mustapha Gubio along the Kareto-Damasak road in northern Borno State on Thursday.
Security Forces Repel Attack
The attackers reportedly used improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades as the convoy returned from a thank-you tour in Damasak following Gubio’s emergence as the party’s consensus candidate.
Security forces, including police tactical units, soldiers, NSCDC, DSS and Civilian Joint Task Force personnel, repelled the attack. No member of the entourage was reported killed or injured, although some police armoured vehicles were damaged.
Police said the area was subsequently scanned and cleared of secondary threats before the convoy was evacuated.
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Fubara Signs ₦1.85 Trillion Rivers 2026 Budget Into Law
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has signed the state’s ₦1.85 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, describing it as a “breath of fresh air” and the beginning of a new chapter for the state.
Rivers Budget Prioritises Development
The budget, titled “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” was passed by the House of Assembly after committee reviews and signed by Fubara at the State Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for facilitating the process and reaffirmed his commitment to the “Rivers First” agenda.
The signing is Fubara’s first full budget assent as governor following months of political tension involving the executive and legislature.
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Victor Osimhen Scores Before Injury Scare in Galatasaray Victory
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored his sixth league goal of the season before being substituted with an apparent groin injury as Galatasaray defeated Istanbul Başakşehir 3-2 in the Turkish Super Lig on Friday.
Osimhen Forced Off in First Half
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 16th minute but was taken off in the 33rd minute after appearing to suffer a groin problem.
Galatasaray later recovered from two equalising goals to secure all three points with a late free-kick.
The extent of Osimhen’s injury is yet to be confirmed, with medical assessments expected to determine his availability for upcoming club fixtures and Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
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Atiku Camp Condemns El-Rufai’s Continued Detention After 200 Days
The camp of African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who has now spent 200 days in custody.
Atiku Camp Calls El-Rufai a Political Prisoner
Atiku’s media aide described El-Rufai as a political prisoner and called for due process and equal treatment under the law.
El-Rufai faces separate cases involving alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor and the interception of communications belonging to the National Security Adviser.
Courts have reportedly declined bail applications or imposed stringent conditions, while opposition figures have questioned the length of his detention. Authorities maintain that the cases are being handled through judicial processes.
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ADC Unveils Governorship Candidates Across 28 States Ahead of 2027
The African Democratic Congress has released its list of governorship candidates for 28 states as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
ADC Names Rhodes-Vivour, Malami Among Candidates
The list includes Lagos lawyer-activist Rhodes-Vivour and former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami among other candidates.
The party said the selections reflect its plan to present an alternative political platform ahead of the elections.
The announcement comes as opposition parties continue efforts to strengthen their structures following earlier coalition talks. The ADC still faces the challenge of building nationwide grassroots structures and securing funding to compete with the APC and other major parties.
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Naira Shows Mixed Performance as Official Rate Softens Slightly
The naira recorded its first depreciation of September in the official foreign exchange market on Friday, closing at about ₦1,321.22 per dollar after earlier strengthening to around ₦1,315 to ₦1,316.
Naira Pulls Back After Strong Gains
The parallel market remained relatively stable at about ₦1,400 per dollar as external reserves climbed above $54 billion.
Higher oil receipts, improved portfolio inflows and better formal remittance channels have supported the naira’s recent gains.
Market watchers say the slight decline is normal after the currency’s strong run, while sustained reserve accumulation and consistent policy implementation will be important to maintaining stability.
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Defence Minister Says Terrorists Are Using Palliative Motorcycles to Wreak Havoc
Defence Minister Christopher Musa has said terrorists and bandits across Nigeria are using motorcycles distributed as government palliatives to carry out attacks and other criminal activities.
Musa Raises Concern Over Palliative Distribution
Speaking on Thursday, Musa warned that items intended to cushion economic hardship were being diverted or captured by criminal elements, making security operations more difficult.
The minister’s comments came amid broader updates on the fight against insurgency and banditry across the country.
He has also recently spoken about past coup plots and military operations against terrorist groups, while security concerns continue over the distribution and monitoring of relief items in high-risk areas.
