Nigeria News (Standard)
Yoruba Group Faults South-West Governors Over Oyo School Abductions, Demands Security Overhaul
Egbe Omo Yoruba North America says rising kidnappings expose failures in intelligence and security coordination across region
Egbe Omo Yoruba North America says rising kidnappings expose failures in intelligence and security coordination across region
Egbe Omo Yoruba North America has criticised South-West governors for what it described as lapses in tackling insecurity, following the abduction of primary school pupils in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The group made its position known in a statement issued on Tuesday, urging urgent reforms to the security architecture across the zone.
The abduction incident, which occurred recently in Ogbomoso, has drawn condemnation from various quarters. According to the National President of Egbe Omo Yoruba North America, Dr. Ayodeji Famuyide, the kidnapping of schoolchildren highlights glaring weaknesses in governance and intelligence gathering. Famuyide said the development has heightened fear among residents and raised doubts about the authorities’ ability to safeguard citizens, especially vulnerable children within educational institutions.
Yorubaland has long been regarded as a centre for educational excellence and peaceful coexistence, but stakeholders say increasing attacks threaten this legacy. Dr. Famuyide lamented that the region is now exposed to criminal activities that instil fear and disrupt daily life for communities. He stated: “The present situation demands an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of our security system to stem kidnappings and violent crimes.”
The group called on state governments in the South-West geopolitical zone to prioritise improved intelligence sharing and stronger collaboration between local security outfits and federal agencies. While no official response had been issued by any South-West governor as at press time, Egbe Omo Yoruba North America maintained that proactive measures are critical to restoring public confidence.
With incidents of banditry and abductions on the rise nationwide, analysts say effective response from both state and federal authorities will be essential to curbing insecurity and ensuring safe learning environments across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Arrests Aviation Security Officer, Two Others Over Alleged ₦4.4bn Gold Smuggling Attempt at Lagos Airport
Commission says suspects tried to ferry undeclared gold out of Nigeria; investigation ongoing as agency vows prosecution
Commission says suspects tried to ferry undeclared gold out of Nigeria; investigation ongoing as agency vows prosecution
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an aviation security officer along with two accomplices for allegedly attempting to smuggle gold valued at ₦4.4 billion through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday. According to the anti-graft agency, the suspects were apprehended during a routine security check at the airport while trying to move the gold out of the country without proper declaration.
EFCC officials disclosed that the arrest followed a tip-off about suspicious movements involving airport staff and passengers at one of the terminals. The officers intercepted the suspects with several kilograms of gold concealed in their luggage, which they failed to declare to customs and other relevant authorities as required by Nigerian law.
This incident comes at a time when government has been tightening controls on mineral exports due to concerns over revenue losses from illegal mining and smuggling activities. The seizure underscores persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s efforts to regulate its solid minerals sector and secure more foreign exchange earnings from legal exports.
An EFCC spokesperson confirmed that all three suspects are currently in custody and will be charged after investigations are concluded. “We are committed to curbing economic sabotage and prosecuting all those involved,” the spokesperson said in a statement issued on Thursday. Attempts to reach the suspects’ legal representatives were unsuccessful as at press time.
The commission has indicated it will collaborate with other agencies, including Customs and airport authorities, to strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures around airports nationwide. Industry stakeholders say stricter oversight is needed as illegal mineral exports continue to undermine Nigeria’s economic prospects.
Nigeria News (Standard)
CBN Governor Cardoso Receives 2026 Central Banking Award in London
Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority
Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority
Governor Olayemi Cardoso of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been presented with the 2026 Central Banking Central Bank of the Year Award at a ceremony in London on Thursday. The award, which recognises excellence in central banking practice and leadership, highlights Nigeria’s role in global monetary policy discussions.
The event saw Cardoso join other top financial leaders from around the world as he accepted the prestigious accolade on behalf of Nigeria’s apex bank. The organisers noted that the CBN was selected for its performance and reforms in recent years, though specific criteria for this year’s recognition were not disclosed at the event.
The Central Banking Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for outstanding achievement among financial regulators globally. Past winners have included central banks from both developed and emerging markets, making this year’s award a significant milestone for Nigeria. Financial analysts say such honours can boost investor confidence and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to international best practices in economic management.
While official reactions from other government figures were not immediately available as at press time, observers within Nigeria’s financial sector have welcomed the recognition. Stakeholders point to ongoing reforms under Cardoso’s leadership and efforts to stabilise the naira and strengthen regulatory frameworks.
The CBN is expected to continue engaging with international partners following this achievement, as monetary authorities look to build on recent gains and address ongoing economic challenges. Further statements from Cardoso or federal officials are anticipated in the coming days.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Leaders Urge Protesters to Vacate Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention
Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins
Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins
Ijaw and Urhobo community leaders in Delta State have appealed to protesters occupying oil facilities in Warri South-West Local Government Area to withdraw, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the ongoing dispute. The call was made on Thursday after federal authorities began mediation efforts aimed at resolving long-standing grievances over the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency.
According to community sources, the affected oil installations had been occupied by demonstrators demanding implementation of a Supreme Court judgment on constituency boundaries. This action, which disrupted operations at several key sites, prompted urgent engagement from both local leaders and the presidency.
The dispute over Warri Federal Constituency has persisted for years, with various ethnic groups raising concerns about political representation and resource allocation in the oil-rich region. The recent protest heightened tension in Delta State’s South-South zone, with stakeholders warning of possible economic losses if oil production remained paralysed.
Leaders from both Ijaw and Urhobo communities issued separate statements urging their youths to stand down while talks with federal officials continue. “We must give room for dialogue now that Mr President has shown commitment to address our demands,” one statement read. The elders also cautioned against further disruptions, noting the strategic importance of oil revenues for Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.
Presidential envoys are expected to meet with representatives of all aggrieved groups in the coming days. Meanwhile, security agencies have maintained patrols around major installations to deter any escalation. Delta State government officials have not issued an official comment as at press time.
EFCC Arrests Aviation Security Officer, Two Others Over Alleged ₦4.4bn Gold Smuggling Attempt at Lagos Airport
Mexico Star Overtakes Ex-Super Eagles Forward as Opabunmi Misses Out on Eto’o’s World Cup Record
Nwabali Breaks Silence as Okoye Takes Super Eagles Number-One Spot in Goal
CBN Governor Cardoso Receives 2026 Central Banking Award in London
Mexico Beat South Africa 2–0 but World Cup Opener Marred by Violent Protests Outside Estadio Azteca
Drama in Mexico City as Three Sent Off in 2–0 World Cup Opener Against South Africa
Delta Leaders Urge Protesters to Vacate Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention
South Africa’s Sithole and Zwane Set Unwanted 96-Year Record in World Cup Loss to Mexico
Lagos Returnee Narrates Trauma as Xenophobic Attacks Trigger Mass Evacuations from South Africa
EFCC Arraigns Three in Lagos Over Alleged ₦10 Billion Bank Fraud Attempt
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Chelsea Set for Blockbuster FA Cup Fifth Round as Manchester City Await at Stamford Bridge
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
