News as it breaks
Lionel Messi etched his name deeper into football history on 16 June 2026, scoring a sensational hat-trick to become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history. The historic achievement came exactly 20 years after the Argentine legend netted his first-ever World Cup goal on 16 June 2006, marking…
The United Kingdom has imposed fresh sanctions on a Nigeria-linked entity as part of a new package targeting networks accused of supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. In a statement on Tuesday, the UK Government announced 70 new sanctions aimed at disrupting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, military procurement supply chains and…
The ECOWAS Parliament has launched a high-level joint committee meeting in Dakar, Senegal, aimed at accelerating renewable energy deployment to improve rural electrification and stimulate economic growth across West Africa. The delocalised meeting brings together parliamentarians, ECOWAS Commission officials and key stakeholders to assess energy access challenges and review the…
The United Kingdom has appointed Peter Vowles as its next High Commissioner to Nigeria, succeeding Dr Richard Montgomery, the UK Government has announced. Mr Vowles is expected to assume office in Abuja in September 2026, while Dr Montgomery will remain in the position until then. The incoming envoy brings decades…
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced a two-week regional programme aimed at strengthening the leadership, economic empowerment and trading capacity of women engaged in small-scale cross-border commerce across West Africa. The Regional Fortnight on Women’s Small-Scale Cross-Border Trade will take place in Lomé, Togo, from 18…
Nigeria’s Team ERROR has emerged overall winner of the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon, clinching the US$10,000 grand prize after 48 hours of intense competition designed to strengthen cybersecurity capacity across West Africa. The regional event brought together top cybersecurity talents from across the Economic Community of West African States…
The management of African Independent Television (AIT) has pledged full media support for the 2026 Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC), including live broadcast of the awards ceremony. The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajiya…
The Kano State Government has concluded plans to sponsor a mass wedding for 1,500 couples, with a total budget of ₦1.5 billion set aside for the initiative aimed at supporting marriage and family development across the state. The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Corps, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, disclosed…
A 33-year-old man, identified as Ifechukwu Okechukwu, has been arrested by the Anambra State Police Command over the alleged killing of his 23-year-old girlfriend in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state. According to police authorities, the suspect allegedly buried the young woman in secret after her death…
A heavily pregnant woman, identified as Hauwa Shafiu, has been arrested by security operatives in Abuja for allegedly providing logistical support to a notorious kidnapping gang operating within and around the Federal Capital Territory. According to security sources, Shafiu was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation that targeted members and collaborators…
