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  • Top 10 Nigerian News Updates You Should Know Today

    1. Senate Backs State Police Bill with Support from 84 Lawmakers

    The push to establish state police gained fresh momentum after 84 senators endorsed the State Police Bill during deliberations on constitutional amendments. The development marks one of the biggest steps yet toward creating a dual policing system aimed at helping states tackle insecurity, particularly banditry, kidnapping and other local crimes that have overwhelmed federal security agencies.

    Supporters of the bill say decentralising policing will allow quicker responses to security threats and improve intelligence gathering at the community level. While concerns remain over funding, political interference and oversight, the growing support in the Senate reflects increasing national consensus that Nigeria’s current policing structure requires major reforms to address worsening insecurity.

    2. NDLEA Arrests Nigerian-British Grandmother, Seizes Cocaine Hidden in Plantain Peels

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Nigerian-British grandmother over the alleged smuggling of 13 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed inside processed plantain peels. The agency also intercepted large consignments of tramadol, including about 43,980 tablets hidden inside fuel tanks, during coordinated operations across the country.

    The latest seizures highlight the growing sophistication of transnational drug trafficking networks and the methods being used to move illegal substances into and out of Nigeria. NDLEA said investigations are ongoing to uncover those behind the shipments, with more arrests expected as security agencies widen the crackdown on narcotics syndicates.

    3. Bandits Kill Nine Farmers in Fresh Kaduna Attack

    At least nine farmers have been killed while several others were abducted after armed bandits attacked farming communities in Kaduna State. The latest assault has heightened fears among residents, many of whom have continued to face repeated attacks despite ongoing military operations across the North West.

    The killings are expected to worsen concerns over food production and rural livelihoods, as many farmers now fear returning to their farmlands. Residents have renewed calls for stronger security measures, while authorities continue operations to track the attackers and rescue those kidnapped.

    4. Inflation Climbs to 15.93% as Food and Energy Prices Rise

    Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 15.93 per cent in May 2026, according to the latest figures, with higher food, transportation and energy costs driving the increase. The development comes despite earlier signs that inflationary pressures were beginning to ease under ongoing economic reforms.

    Economists say rising fuel-related costs continue to affect household spending and business operations across the country. Attention is now on both fiscal and monetary authorities as Nigerians look forward to policies capable of easing inflation and restoring purchasing power.

    5. Troops Repel Terrorist Attacks, Record Progress in Ogbomoso Rescue Mission

    The Nigerian Army says troops have successfully repelled several terrorist attacks, including improvised explosive device ambushes in Borno State, while making significant progress in efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Military authorities described the operations as part of sustained offensives against insurgents across different theatres.

    According to the Chief of Army Staff, security forces remain committed to rescuing all victims while maintaining pressure on criminal groups. The latest update comes as military operations continue in several parts of the country to curb insurgency, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

    6. Trump Welcomes FIFA Decision to Suspend Balogun’s Match Ban

    United States President Donald Trump has praised FIFA for suspending the World Cup suspension imposed on striker Folarin Balogun, describing the decision as the correction of what he called a great injustice. Balogun, who is of Nigerian descent, has been one of the standout performers for the United States at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

    The development has generated widespread interest among Nigerian football fans, many of whom continue to follow players of Nigerian heritage competing for other countries. Balogun’s availability is expected to strengthen the United States as the tournament enters a decisive stage.

    7. Zamfara Declares Readiness to Fully Fund State Police

    The Zamfara State Government has pledged to finance state police if the proposed constitutional amendment establishing the system eventually becomes law. Officials said the state is prepared to commit the necessary resources to improve security and combat persistent banditry across affected communities.

    The declaration adds fresh momentum to the nationwide debate over decentralised policing. Observers believe Zamfara’s position could encourage other states facing similar security challenges to prepare for the proposed reform once it receives final approval.

    8. Army Chief Calls for Stronger African Military Alliance Against Terrorism

    The Chief of Army Staff has urged African countries to deepen military cooperation in the fight against terrorism, stressing that insurgent groups continue to exploit weak regional coordination and porous borders. He called for stronger intelligence sharing and joint operations to confront evolving security threats across the continent.

    The appeal comes as West African nations continue battling insurgent groups operating across several countries. Defence experts believe closer collaboration could significantly improve counterterrorism efforts while strengthening regional peace and stability.

    9. Oyo APC Sets Up Reconciliation Committee After Primaries

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has inaugurated a reconciliation committee to resolve grievances arising from its recent primary elections. Party leaders said the committee would engage aggrieved members and work towards rebuilding unity ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

    Internal disagreements have often weakened political parties before major elections, making reconciliation a priority for the APC leadership. Political observers say the outcome of the committee’s work could shape the party’s strength in Oyo State over the coming months.

    10. Police Recover Stolen Vehicle, Arrest Three Suspects in Ogun

    The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested three suspects during intensified anti-crime operations targeting vehicle theft and related offences. The operation forms part of ongoing security efforts across border communities and major transport corridors in the state.

    Police said investigations are continuing to determine whether the suspects belong to a wider criminal network involved in vehicle theft and other organised crimes. Authorities also assured residents that similar intelligence-led operations would continue to improve public safety.

     

  • High Food Prices, Costly Rams Force Nigerians Into Modest 2026 Sallah Celebration

    As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, many families are scaling down spending as rising food prices, expensive livestock and increasing transportation costs continue to worsen economic hardship.

    Across several major cities, market surveys showed that inflation, insecurity, fuel costs and expensive animal feed have significantly pushed up the prices of rams, goats, rice, tomatoes, pepper and other staple items associated with the Sallah celebration.

    Ram Prices Rise Sharply

    Livestock traders said many customers now visit markets only to check prices without making purchases.

    At Orange Market, trader Musa Ibrahim said the situation has become difficult for buyers.

    According to another trader, Lawal Adamu, rising transportation expenses and insecurity along highways contributed heavily to the increase in livestock prices.

    A roadside livestock seller in Nyanya, identified as Abdullahi, revealed that rams previously sold for around ₦700,000 now cost close to ₦1 million.

    At Zuba Market, the cheapest ram available after bargaining reportedly sold for about ₦275,000, while fully grown male goats sold for around ₦120,000.

    Food Prices Also Surge

    Food traders in Lagos also complained about sharp increases in the prices of tomatoes, pepper, onions, rice and cooking oil.

    A trader at Iyana Oba Market, identified simply as Ashiru, said a basket of tomatoes now sells for about ₦80,000 compared to ₦52,000 or ₦53,000 previously.

    He added that a basket of pepper increased from about ₦15,000 to ₦45,000, while a bag of onions rose from ₦56,000 to ₦90,000.

    Another trader, Mrs Ruth Lawal, explained that a bag of rice that previously sold for ₦52,000 now costs about ₦65,000.

    She also said 25 litres of groundnut oil increased from ₦50,800 to ₦61,200.

    Families Scale Down Celebration Plans

    Some residents admitted they may not be able to afford the traditional Eid sacrifice this year.

    A civil servant, Ibrahim Sani, said some families are now considering joint contributions to buy a ram.

    “People still want to perform the sacrifice because it is spiritually important, but the prices are becoming too high for average earners,” he said.

    Another resident, Taiwo Jimoh, said his family would celebrate with whatever they could afford.

    “We are going to celebrate the festival with whatever we have. I told my children they have to wear what they already have at home,” he said.

    Jimoh urged Nigerians to avoid unnecessary pressure during the festive period and focus on gratitude.

    Calls For Moderate Celebration

    A Lagos-based Brand and Communications Strategist, Abiodun Yakubu, noted that Islamic teachings encourage moderation and celebrations within one’s financial capacity.

    “The focus should now be on gratitude, prayer and togetherness rather than luxury,” he said.

    According to the latest Consumer Price Index released by the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 15.69 percent in April 2026 from 15.38 percent recorded in March.

    Although Eid-el-Kabir celebrations are expected to hold nationwide on May 27 and 28, many Nigerians say this year’s Sallah may be more about survival than elaborate festivities.

  • Rice Hits ₦112,000 — NBS Reports Sharp Food Price Surge as Market Prices Differ

    Nigeria’s food prices climbed further in March 2026, with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reporting that a 50kg bag of local rice rose to ₦112,000, up from ₦92,946 in February.

    The latest figures were contained in the bureau’s Selected Food Price Watch report.

    Rice prices jump, but markets tell a different story

    According to the NBS, local rice recorded a 20.5 per cent increase within one month, while imported rice rose by 3.06 per cent to ₦133,975.

    However, market checks in some areas suggest lower retail prices, with reports indicating that a 50kg bag of local rice sells for around ₦60,000 in certain locations.

    The gap highlights ongoing disparities in pricing across markets nationwide.

    Other staple foods record steady increases

    The report also showed consistent price increases across key food items.

    A crate of eggs rose by 2.0 per cent, while brown beans increased to ₦1,325.85 per kilogram.

    White garri climbed to ₦801.54, onions reached ₦1,153.14, and fresh ginger edged higher to ₦5,541.25.

    Wide state-by-state price differences

    NBS data revealed significant variations across states.

    Taraba recorded the highest egg price at ₦6,999, while Niger had the lowest at ₦5,610.04.

    For beans, Oyo posted the highest price at ₦1,937.20 per kilogram, while Taraba recorded the lowest at ₦745.

    Garri peaked in Abia at ₦1,075.45, with Plateau recording the lowest at ₦513.78.

    Onions were highest in Abia at ₦2,115.67 and lowest in Kwara at ₦829.9.

    Pressure on households deepens

    The sustained rise in food prices continues to reflect inflationary pressure on household incomes, even as inconsistent market prices create uncertainty for consumers.