Category: Breaking News

  • Sunday Igboho Says Injured Iru Ekun Operatives Have Recovered After Oyo Forest Ambush

    Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, says members of his private security outfit, Iru Ekun, who were injured during an ambush in the Old Oyo National Park have recovered from their wounds.

    Igboho disclosed this in a video shared on Sunday, where he also dismissed rumours about his health and assured supporters that he was safe.

    Igboho reassures supporters

    Addressing his followers, the activist said both he and the injured operatives were in good condition and remained committed to tackling criminal activities in the South-West.

    “I greet you, my fathers and mothers. It’s your son, Sunday Igboho. My brothers and sisters all over the world, today is the 28th of June, 2026. Rumours have been going around, but I’m using this opportunity to tell all my loved ones around the world that I am okay.

    “Those who sustained injuries are now okay. We will not rest until we ensure that those disturbing the peace of our land depart,” he said.

    How the attack happened

    The update follows an attack on members of the Iru Ekun outfit during an operation inside the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State.

    The operatives were reportedly tracking suspected kidnappers and armed criminals believed to be operating within the forest reserve when they came under attack.

    Before entering the area, the team was said to have deployed surveillance drones to identify suspected criminal camps and monitor the movement of armed groups.

    Gun battle in the forest

    The operation reportedly turned into a gun battle after heavily armed men, believed to be members of cross-border criminal networks, opened fire on the operatives.

    Several members of the Iru Ekun team sustained injuries during the exchange.

    Despite the incident, Igboho insisted that his security outfit would continue its operations against criminal groups accused of terrorising communities across the South-West.

  • Tinubu Approves Free CAC Registration for 250,000 Small Businesses

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the free registration of 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as part of efforts to support small businesses across Nigeria.

    The approval was announced during the 8th National MSME Awards, with the initiative aimed at reducing the cost of formalising businesses and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs.

    Application through SMEDAN portal

    Eligible entrepreneurs are required to submit their applications through the official Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) portal.

    The registration exercise is expected to help more small businesses gain legal recognition, improve access to government support programmes and strengthen their participation in the formal economy.

    SMEDAN-registered businesses qualify automatically

    According to the announcement, businesses already registered on the SMEDAN database but without Corporate Affairs Commission registration will automatically qualify for the waiver.

    The initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship, support MSMEs and encourage business growth across the country.

    You can apply through portal.smedan.gov.ng

     

  • My Mother Sold Akara to Train Me, I Hawked Plantains in Jos, Sunday Dare Defends Remi Tinubu

    Presidential aide Sunday Dare has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s recent advice encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses, saying there is dignity in starting with modest ventures.

    Dare made the remarks while reflecting on his childhood, revealing that his mother sold akara, bananas and oranges to pay for his education, while he hawked plantains in markets in Jos, Plateau State.

    Dare backs First Lady’s message

    According to the presidential aide, the First Lady’s comments were intended to encourage Nigerians to develop entrepreneurial skills and take advantage of opportunities available to them.

    “When you look at the informal sector of our country, its resilience continues to lift this economy. It’s also because of these small-scale entrepreneurs, those that sell akara. You find them predominantly everywhere, including in the North. They are also significant,” he said.

    He added that the message was not about limiting people’s ambitions but encouraging productivity.

    “Our point is that whatever it is, try and do something. Have some level of entrepreneurial skill,” Dare stated.

    Shares personal story

    Dare said his family’s experience shows that small businesses can create opportunities and transform lives.

    “Look at me. Wherever I am today, my mother sold akara. My mother sold bananas. I carried bananas on a tray on my head to markets in Jos, Plateau State. My mother sold oranges, and through that, they were able to train me. What is wrong with that? If that was right 60 years ago, what is wrong with that now?” he said.

    Cites Dangote’s journey

    The presidential aide also pointed to the success story of businessman Aliko Dangote, saying many successful entrepreneurs began with small ventures.

    “It’s about the capital you have. When you grow these small businesses, you start small. Go and read Dangote’s story. He also started like a trader,” Dare said.

    His remarks come days after the First Lady faced mixed reactions over her suggestion that Nigerians could consider businesses such as frying akara or roasting corn as a means of earning a living.

  • Fulani Man Dares Sunday Igboho to Visit, Offers ₦10m for Fuel in Viral Threat Video

    A video circulating on social media has sparked reactions after a Fulani man openly challenged Yoruba nation activist Sunday Igboho, alleging that the activist planned to attack and burn houses in his community.

    The man, whose identity could not be independently verified, claimed he received information that Igboho intended to visit the area and carry out the alleged attack.

    Man Challenges Igboho

    Speaking in the viral clip, the man urged Sunday Igboho to go ahead with the alleged plan, insisting he should not back down.

    He also claimed that if the activist failed to visit, it would mean he lacked the courage to carry out his threats.

    Offers ₦10 Million for Fuel

    In the video, the speaker mocked Igboho by saying he and others were willing to contribute ₦10 million if the activist could not afford the fuel needed for the trip.

    “We have heard that Sunday Igboho wants to come and burn our father’s house. Tell him if he doesn’t come, he is not a true son of his father,” he said.

    “If he doesn’t have enough money to fuel his Hilux, let him tell us so we can send him ₦10 million.”

    The man also made further remarks claiming Sunday Igboho had no spiritual powers and threatened that the activist would not leave the community alive if he eventually visited.

    No Response Yet

    As of the time of filing this report, Sunday Igboho has not publicly responded to the claims made in the video.

    The authenticity of the allegations that the activist planned any attack has not been independently verified, and there has been no official statement from security agencies regarding the viral clip.

  • FG to Review ₦70,000 Minimum Wage as Cost of Living Rises, Says Gbajabiamila

    The Federal Government has announced plans to review the ₦70,000 national minimum wage as rising living costs continue to put pressure on Nigerian workers, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said.

    Gbajabiamila made the announcement on Thursday at the Good Governance Summit 2026 organised by Working People United (WoPU) in Abuja, saying the Tinubu administration is committed to ensuring workers earn wages that reflect current economic realities.

    Government Promises Wage Review

    He recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the ₦70,000 minimum wage into law in July 2024, replacing the previous ₦30,000 benchmark.

    According to him, the President also reduced the wage review cycle from five years to three years to ensure workers’ salaries can be adjusted more frequently in response to changing economic conditions.

    Gbajabiamila said while the ₦70,000 minimum wage was a significant milestone when it was introduced, the government recognises the need for another review as the cost of living continues to increase.

    He assured workers that the review process would be carried out in collaboration with organised labour.

    “We will engage labour as partners, not as adversaries, to arrive at a fair outcome for Nigerian workers,” he said.

    Labour Minister Calls for Better Worker Welfare

    Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, said the true measure of any government lies in how its policies improve the lives of workers.

    He said governance should deliver tangible benefits, including higher living standards, decent jobs, stronger social protection, improved productivity and wider economic opportunities.

    The planned review comes as labour unions and workers continue to express concerns over the impact of inflation and rising prices on household incomes.

     

  • Plateau Cleric to Trump: ‘Christians Are Being Wiped Out,’ Urges U.S. Intervention

    The Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has renewed his call on United States President Donald Trump to intervene in the killings in Plateau, alleging that Christians are facing a campaign of genocide in the state.

    Appeal During Mass Burial

    Dachomo made the appeal on Thursday while conducting the mass burial of 22 victims killed during an attack on Kawel community in Mushere Chiefdom, Bokkos Local Government Area.

    According to him, the repeated attacks on Christian communities are neither isolated incidents nor accidental but part of a broader pattern of violence.

    “There is genocide of Christians in Nigeria, and that is the plain truth. That is why I keep calling on President Trump to intervene. Any further delay will see Christians completely wiped out from Plateau State,” he said.

    The cleric also repeated the appeal in a post shared on his X account, warning that rural Christian communities remain vulnerable if urgent action is not taken.

    Calls for Justice and Protection

    Dachomo said the suffering of Christian communities deserves international attention, regardless of differing opinions on the use of the word “genocide.”

    “The world must know what is happening, and the international community cannot continue to remain silent in the face of human suffering. Every life matters, and every victim deserves justice, protection, and a voice,” he said.

    He stressed that his appeal was not a call for revenge but for justice, security and accountability.

    “We call not for hatred or revenge, but for justice, security, accountability and lasting peace. Silence helps no one. The time to act, to speak, and to protect innocent lives is now,” he added.

    ‘One of the Most Painful Days of My Ministry’

    Reflecting on the burial, Dachomo described it as one of the darkest moments of his ministry, saying the sight of grieving families left him heartbroken.

    “Today was one of the most painful days of my ministry. With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, I stood before 22 coffins as I conducted the mass burial of our brothers and sisters in Christ who were brutally killed,” he said.

    He noted that the victims were fathers, mothers, children and devoted Christians whose lives were cut short by violence.

    “As we lowered their bodies into the ground, I could not help but ask: How many more innocent Christians must be buried before the world hears our cries? How many more tears must be shed before peace returns to our communities?” he asked.

    Dachomo also questioned how many more communities would have to endure similar attacks before authorities provide lasting protection, while expressing hope that God would comfort the bereaved families.

     

  • Top 10 News Updates You Should Know Today

    1. Death Toll Rises to Nine in Lagos Building Collapse

    The death toll from the collapse of a three-storey shopping and residential building in the Alakija area of Satellite Town, Lagos, has risen to nine. Emergency responders have rescued 26 people alive as search operations continue at the site along Old Ojo Road.

    The rescue effort involves LASEMA, NEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the police and local volunteers. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse, while the incident has renewed concerns about compliance with building regulations across Lagos.

    2. FG Hands Over Enugu International Airport to Private Operator

    The Federal Government has officially handed over the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to Aero Alliance Limited under a public-private partnership arrangement aimed at modernising the airport.

    The concession covers the financing, rehabilitation, expansion, operation and management of the airport. Officials say the project is expected to improve passenger experience, create jobs and strengthen economic activities in the South-East while serving as a model for future airport concessions across Nigeria.

    3. Nigeria Sanctions Six Individuals, Three Entities Over Terrorism Financing

    Nigeria has placed six individuals and three organisations on its terrorism financing sanctions list as part of efforts to disrupt funding channels linked to terrorist activities. The action includes the freezing of affected accounts and stricter monitoring by financial institutions.

    Authorities say the sanctions form part of broader counter-terrorism measures designed to strengthen national security and comply with international financial regulations. Investigations are continuing, with further enforcement actions expected where necessary.

    4. Oyo Extends Curfew in 10 LGAs

    The Oyo State Government has extended by 24 hours the curfew imposed in 10 local government areas following recent security incidents around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park.

    Residents have been urged to comply with the restriction as security agencies intensify operations across the affected areas. The government says the measure is necessary to restore normalcy and support ongoing efforts to rescue abducted victims and prevent further attacks.

    5. Tinubu Assures Families of Abducted Oyo Pupils

    President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that security agencies are working to secure the safe return of teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State, promising that those responsible will be brought to justice.

    The President said security operations have been intensified in collaboration with state authorities. His assurance comes amid growing public concern over school security and renewed calls for stronger protection of rural communities.

    6. Lagos Issues Fresh Ebola Advisory

    The Lagos State Government has urged residents of Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe local government areas to remain vigilant against Ebola, despite no confirmed outbreak in the state.

    Health officials have stepped up surveillance, public awareness campaigns and emergency preparedness measures. Residents have also been advised to maintain proper hygiene, report suspected symptoms early and cooperate with health authorities as preventive measures continue.

    7. Six Nigerians Selected in 2026 NBA Draft

    Nigeria recorded another milestone in international basketball after six players of Nigerian origin were selected during the 2026 NBA Draft. The selections further highlight the country’s growing influence in global basketball development.

    Sports stakeholders have described the achievement as a boost for Nigerian basketball and a strong case for greater investment in grassroots talent development. The players are expected to begin their professional careers with their respective NBA franchises.

    8. Intra-African Trade Continues to Grow

    Intra-African trade increased to an estimated $213.8 billion in 2025, according to the latest African Trade Report, with Nigeria expected to benefit from expanding opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    Analysts say improvements in infrastructure, export promotion and regional integration could further strengthen Nigeria’s position in continental trade. Businesses are also expected to benefit from easier access to new African markets as implementation of AfCFTA continues.

    9. NCDC Reports Rising Lassa Fever Deaths

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported an increase in Lassa fever fatalities as health authorities continue to respond to outbreaks in affected states.

    Officials have intensified surveillance, treatment and public sensitisation campaigns while urging Nigerians to seek medical attention immediately after noticing symptoms. Health experts say early diagnosis remains one of the most effective ways to reduce fatalities.

    10. Court Fixes June 30 for Sowore Bail Ruling

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 30 to rule on Omoyele Sowore’s application seeking the restoration of his bail and the setting aside of a bench warrant previously issued against him.

    The case continues to attract attention from legal practitioners, civil society organisations and political observers. The court’s decision is expected to determine the next phase of the proceedings and could have broader implications for similar high-profile cases.

  • Police Deny Banditry Allegations in Viral Katsina Checkpoint Video

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rejected allegations that a viral video from Katsina State showed police officers allowing armed bandits to pass through a checkpoint, describing the claims as false and misleading.

    In a statement issued on June 24, 2026, the Force said the individuals seen in the footage were not bandits but members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working with security agencies in Katsina State.

    Police Clarify Identities in Viral Video

    The clarification followed widespread circulation of a video that sparked public outrage after social media users alleged that police officers were openly interacting with armed bandits at a checkpoint.

    According to the Force, the armed men captured in the video were community security volunteers supporting ongoing operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state.

    Police said the footage merely showed a routine interaction between an officer and the volunteers as they moved to a designated operational area.

    NPF Condemns Misinformation

    The Force accused those behind the allegations of deliberately distorting facts to create panic and undermine public confidence in security institutions.

    It said the narrative attached to the video was intended to mislead Nigerians and frustrate ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in affected communities.

    “The individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters actively supporting security operations,” the statement said.

    Warning Against False Information

    The police warned individuals and groups against circulating unverified information capable of threatening public peace and security.

    It noted that legal action could be taken against those found deliberately spreading false information.

    The Force also urged Nigerians to rely on official communication channels for accurate information regarding security operations and developments across the country.

    Commitment to Community Policing

    The NPF reiterated its commitment to working with legitimate community-based security groups and other stakeholders to combat crime and protect lives.

    The statement was signed by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu.

     

  • Anti-Tinubu Petition Hits 2,000 Signatures as Campaign Lists 500 Reasons for President’s Resignation

    An online campaign demanding the resignation of President Bola Tinubu has surpassed 2,000 signatures, drawing attention to growing criticism of the administration’s handling of security, economic and governance issues.

    The petition, hosted on 1000reasons.vote, had recorded 2,074 signatures as of June 24, 2026, according to organisers.

    Campaign Lists 500 Grievances

    Titled “An Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – 1000 Reasons,” the initiative presents 500 documented complaints grouped under 22 categories.

    Organisers said the petition was created to hold the government accountable and to document what they described as failures in leadership since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

    The campaign references Tinubu’s previous criticism of former President Goodluck Jonathan during periods of insecurity and economic challenges.

    Security and Economy Dominate Complaints

    Among the issues highlighted are insecurity, civilian deaths, kidnappings, terrorist attacks and economic hardship.

    The petition cites incidents including military airstrikes that reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, mass abductions of schoolchildren and recurring attacks by armed groups in different parts of the country.

    It also points to rising fuel prices, inflation, naira depreciation and worsening food insecurity as evidence of economic distress affecting millions of Nigerians.

    Supporters Back Resignation Call

    The campaign has attracted support from some opposition figures, activists and members of the public who argue that the government has failed to meet expectations.

    Supporters of the initiative have used the hashtag #TinubuResignNow on social media to promote the petition and encourage additional signatories.

    The organisers maintain that the listed grievances are backed by publicly available reports and data, urging Nigerians to independently verify the claims.

    Government Defends Reforms

    The Tinubu administration has repeatedly defended its policies, arguing that reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments were necessary to stabilise the economy.

    Government officials have highlighted improvements in foreign reserves, increased FAAC allocations to states and economic growth figures as evidence that the reforms are yielding results.

    Supporters of the president have dismissed the petition as politically motivated and insist that the administration should be judged at the end of its tenure.

    Debate Continues

    The petition reflects the sharp divide in public opinion over Tinubu’s leadership nearly three years into his administration.

    While critics point to persistent hardship and insecurity, supporters argue that difficult reforms are laying the foundation for long-term economic recovery.

  • NDLEA Arrests Mexican Drug Expert, Dismantles Major Meth Lab Hidden in Oyo Forest

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a large-scale methamphetamine production laboratory concealed inside a forest in Oyo State and arrested five suspects, including a Mexican national allegedly recruited to oversee drug production.

    The facility, located in Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, was uncovered during a raid carried out by NDLEA operatives as part of efforts to combat the growing threat of synthetic drug manufacturing in Nigeria.

    Mexican National Among Suspects Arrested

    NDLEA said the operation led to the arrest of Jose Villa Ochoa, a 56-year-old Mexican national described as a methamphetamine production specialist.

    Four Nigerians were also arrested during the raid. They were identified as Maxwell Uche Nevoh, Olatunji Yusuf, Bankole Akeem Owolabi and Ganiu Monsiu.

    According to the agency, the suspects are believed to be members of a transnational drug trafficking network operating between Nigeria and foreign partners.

    Industrial-Scale Drug Facility Uncovered

    The agency described the forest laboratory as a sophisticated operation equipped with industrial-grade machinery and large quantities of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production.

    Items recovered from the site included reactor pots, distillation units, mixers, condensers and several containers holding chemical substances.

    Investigators also discovered large quantities of phenylacetic acid, sulphuric acid, caustic soda and other materials commonly used in the manufacture of synthetic drugs.

    NDLEA Raises Concern Over Foreign Cartels

    Speaking on the operation, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the discovery highlighted attempts by international drug cartels to establish production bases in Nigeria.

    The agency noted that the Oyo forest laboratory was one of the largest clandestine methamphetamine facilities uncovered in recent years.

    Officials warned that Nigeria must not become a hub for synthetic drug production and trafficking.

    Second Major Discovery in Southwest

    The raid comes weeks after another large methamphetamine laboratory linked to foreign suspects was dismantled in Ogun State.

    NDLEA said the two discoveries indicate a worrying trend of criminal groups moving drug production facilities into remote forest locations to avoid detection.

    The agency pledged to intensify surveillance and intelligence operations across the country to disrupt similar networks.

    Investigation Ongoing

    NDLEA said investigations are continuing to identify other members of the syndicate and uncover possible local and international connections.

    The suspects are expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.