Police Arrest 1,198 Suspects, Rescue 166 Kidnap Victims — IG

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has announced that nationwide anti-crime operations carried out between June 9 and June 21, 2026, led to the arrest of 1,198 suspects across Nigeria.

Speaking during the monthly conference with senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, Disu said the operations targeted various criminal activities, resulting in the recovery of illegal firearms, stolen vehicles, and the rescue of 166 kidnap victims.

The IGP praised officers involved in the operations, stating that the successes were achieved through dedication, professionalism, and the willingness of personnel to put themselves at risk in the line of duty.

He highlighted the recent rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State as a model of effective collaboration among security agencies, attributing the achievement to strategic planning, intelligence gathering, and seamless inter-agency cooperation.

Despite the recent gains, Disu cautioned senior police officers against becoming complacent, stressing the need to sustain the momentum in the fight against crime.

He also directed Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to adopt intelligence-driven and location-specific policing strategies to address emerging security threats, while urging Nigerians to continue supporting law enforcement by providing timely and credible information.

Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister After Meeting King Charles III

Andy Burnham has officially become the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, where he was invited to form a new government following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer.

Starmer left Downing Street on Monday after delivering a farewell address, saying his two years in office had helped make Britain a better place. He then travelled to Buckingham Palace to formally tender his resignation to the King.

Following Starmer’s departure, Burnham met with King Charles III and accepted the monarch’s invitation to form the next government. At 56, Burnham becomes the sixth person to serve as UK Prime Minister in the past decade.

In his final remarks as Prime Minister, Starmer said his work was done as he formally handed over power to Burnham, bringing his two-year tenure to an end.

Mbappé Wins Golden Boot as Spain Dominate World Cup Honours

Spain completed a memorable 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign by lifting the trophy and dominating the tournament’s individual honours following their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final.

The newly crowned world champions not only secured football’s biggest prize but also claimed three major individual awards. Midfielder Rodri was named the tournament’s Best Player, winning the Golden Ball after inspiring Spain’s run to the title. Goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove for his outstanding performances between the posts, while young defender Pau Cubarsí was recognised as the tournament’s Best Young Player.

France’s Kylian Mbappé finished as the competition’s leading scorer to win the Golden Boot despite Les Bleus ending their campaign in fourth place. England secured third place after edging France in the third-place playoff, while Argentina settled for the runners-up medal after falling short in the final.

The Netherlands were honoured with the FIFA Fair Play Award for their exemplary discipline and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Spain’s dominance on both the team and individual fronts capped an impressive World Cup campaign, underlining La Roja’s return to the summit of world football.

Andy Burnham Set to Become Britain’s New Prime Minister

Andy Burnham is set to be sworn in as the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister on Monday, becoming the country’s seventh leader in just 10 years.

Burnham succeeds Keir Starmer, whose popularity declined despite leading the Labour Party to a landslide election victory two years ago, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.

Following a formal invitation from King Charles III to form a new government, Burnham is expected to deliver his first address outside 10 Downing Street after Starmer officially leaves office.

Attention will also be on Burnham’s first cabinet appointments, which are expected later on Monday, particularly the announcement of who will succeed Rachel Reeves as finance minister.

Spain Edge Argentina to Win 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a thrilling final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday night.

After a goalless 90 minutes, Ferran Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute of extra time, finishing from close range after a headed assist from Nico Williams to hand Spain their second FIFA World Cup title, having previously won the tournament in 2010.

Spain dominated much of the contest, creating numerous scoring opportunities and controlling possession, but Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a series of crucial saves to keep his side in the match during regulation time. An earlier Spanish goal was ruled out following a foul in the build-up, forcing the game into extra time.

Argentina’s hopes of retaining the title suffered a major setback when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card late in normal time, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side to play the remainder of the match with 10 men. Despite a determined defensive display, the South Americans were unable to find an equaliser.

The final also marked a symbolic clash between generations, with Argentina captain Lionel Messi leading the defending champions against a youthful Spain side inspired by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Spain’s disciplined performance ultimately proved decisive as they secured football’s biggest prize.

The victory is an impressive tournament for Spain, who eliminated France in the semi-finals before overcoming Argentina in the final to lift the World Cup trophy for the second time in their history.

Flood Alert: 𝐈jebu North Local Government Assures Residents Of Swift Response

The Ijebu North Local Government has assured residents of a swift response following flash flooding that affected several communities in the Ijebu Igbo axis after heavy rainfall on Monday morning.

The affected areas include Lepete, Ojowo Road, Egbe-Subair, Odobotu, Igbairẹ and other adjoining communities, where floodwaters disrupted movement and impacted residents and businesses.

In a statement issued by the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Bolaji Odusanya, the local government sympathised with victims of the flooding and said it had activated emergency response measures in collaboration with relevant agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders.

According to the chairman, liaison has been established with ward councillors, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate interventions in the affected communities.

He noted that the scale of the flash flooding was unprecedented in recent years in the affected areas, assuring residents that the council remains committed to protecting lives and property.

The local government also issued safety advisories, urging residents to avoid flooded roads, drainage channels and fast-flowing bridges, while those living in flood-prone areas were advised to relocate temporarily where necessary.

Residents were further encouraged to keep children away from floodwaters, use only safe drinking water by boiling or treating it where necessary, and maintain proper hygiene to prevent outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

The council also appealed to residents to refrain from dumping refuse in drainage channels, warning that blocked waterways significantly worsen flooding during heavy rainfall.

Bolaji Odusanya assured the public that the local government would continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates as response efforts continue.

CBN: Standard N100 Note Remains Valid, Warns Against Rejection

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed that the regular N100 banknote remains legal tender and has warned that anyone who refuses to accept it could face sanctions under the provisions of the CBN Act.

The clarification comes after reports that some traders, businesses and members of the public had been rejecting the standard N100 note, believing it was no longer valid following the introduction of the commemorative N100 banknote.

The apex bank explained that the commemorative N100 note was introduced in 2014 to celebrate Nigeria’s centenary, marking 100 years since the 1914 amalgamation. It stressed that the commemorative note was issued alongside the existing N100 note and was never intended to replace it.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, said both versions of the N100 note remain legal tender and must be accepted for all transactions across the country.

According to the CBN, the reports of the rejection of the standard N100 note stem from misinformation regarding its legal status.

The bank emphasized that both the commemorative and the regular N100 banknotes are valid and should be accepted by individuals, businesses, financial institutions and all other economic operators nationwide.

It further warned that refusing the standard N100 note amounts to a violation of the CBN Act and could attract regulatory action.

The CBN reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the naira, sustaining public confidence in Nigeria’s currency and ensuring the smooth circulation of all officially issued banknotes.

The bank urged Nigerians to disregard false claims about the validity of the standard N100 note and continue accepting all CBN-issued banknotes for everyday transactions.

Atiku’s aide urges Tinubu to suspend Gbajabiamila before ICPC probe

Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other officials allegedly linked to the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) controversy before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) begins its investigation.

In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, Ibe described the President’s decision to order an investigation without first suspending the key individuals named in the allegations as “flagrantly wrong.”

He argued that allowing the officials to remain in office during the investigation could compromise the integrity of the probe.

“Not suspending all those involved in the #GbajaGate scandal is akin to them being a judge in their own case. Their continued stay in office while the investigation is going on gives them the opportunity to interfere with the investigation process,” Ibe said.

President Tinubu had directed the ICPC to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the PFIPC, which the Presidency has described as a fictitious body with no legal basis or presidential approval. The anti-corruption agency was given 30 days to submit its findings.

The controversy erupted after Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, alleged that he paid N600 million, including N400 million through proxies, to secure the appointment. He also accused Gbajabiamila of demanding 48 per cent of the agency’s take-off grant.

The Presidency has dismissed Adeyemi as an impostor and maintained that the PFIPC does not exist. However, questions have continued over reports that the council received a N1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act and allegedly opened accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Ibe’s remarks add to growing calls for Gbajabiamila’s suspension pending the outcome of the investigation. The Nigeria Democratic Congress and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, have also made similar demands.

Diaspora Association to Host Fundraising Gala for Ijebu Igbo Community Health Centres

The Association of Ijebu Igbo Descendants in North America (AIID-NA) will hold a two-day Gala and Fundraising Event in Maryland, United States, bringing together sons and daughters of Ijebu Igbo from across the United States and Canada.

The event, scheduled for July 10 and 11, 2026, will be chaired by Dr. Olusegun Asekun, a prominent lawyer, philanthropist and indigene of Ijebu Igbo.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba, the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, will be represented by the Mayegun of Ijebu Igbo, Dr. Babatunde Rowaiye.

Speaking to Row Radio, the President of AIID-NA and the Odofin-Elect of Ijebu Igbo, Otunba Dr. Thomas Osinowo, said the gala is expected to raise funds for the construction of a state-of-the-art Community Health Centre in Ijebu Igbo.

He noted that the association has provided comprehensive free healthcare services annually to the people of Ijebu North over the last two years, describing the programme as a huge success. He added that the association hopes to sustain the initiative while creating greater awareness on the importance of good health and healthy living.

Other prominent personalities expected at the event include the Special Guest of Honour, Omooba M. Adekoya, Chief Executive Officer of Wosam Arena and the Ogbeni Oja of Ago-Iwoye, as well as the Chief Launcher, Dr. Olufemi Olawale, Chief Executive Officer of Oasis Health Ventures, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, alongside several other distinguished guests.

NYSC reforms: Adire fabric to replace khaki as uniform

The Federal Government has announced plans to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) traditional khaki uniform with Adire fabric as part of ongoing reforms aimed at promoting Nigerian culture and supporting locally made products.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made the announcement on Thursday, explaining that the decision is part of broader government efforts to strengthen local production and ensure that public spending contributes directly to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.

According to the minister, the proposed Adire uniforms will be produced locally. He noted that the fabric is already widely manufactured across different parts of the country, making it a practical choice for large-scale production.

Olawande added that the initiative is expected to boost indigenous industries, particularly Nigeria’s textile sector, while creating more opportunities for local artisans and encouraging government-backed patronage of homegrown products.

The minister also revealed that, in response to security concerns in some parts of the country, the Federal Government is considering deploying prospective corps members to states where they studied and are already familiar with the environment, especially in areas affected by insecurity.