Plan garners strong support from parents as officials consider stricter age checks and curfews for young users

The United Kingdom government has announced plans to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X and YouTube. The move, unveiled on Saturday in London, follows a nationwide consultation that received over 116,000 responses and is aimed at addressing growing concerns over child safety online.

According to officials, the proposed policy will require all user-to-user social media platforms to block access for users below 16 years through tougher age verification systems. Features considered particularly risky for young people—including livestreaming and communication with strangers—will also be targeted. Some gaming platforms that allow these functions are expected to be affected by the restrictions. Messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal will remain exempt for now.

This development comes as many Nigerian parents and educators closely monitor global tech regulations amid rising debates on the impact of social media on youth well-being. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the policy as a “line in the sand” designed to give children their childhood back and reduce exposure to harmful online content. The government is also considering further measures such as overnight curfews and scrolling limits for those under 18, with more details expected next month.

Announcing the decision, Starmer said he had listened to families worried about the effects of unrestricted social media use. “I’ve heard first hand from families crying out for change and we will do right by them,” he stated. “That’s why we’re going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give kids their childhood back.”

A government survey revealed that nine out of ten parents support the ban, citing mental health and privacy concerns for children. Around two-thirds of young people who participated agreed that children younger than 16 should not have access to certain platforms. Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, welcomed the move but stressed that its effectiveness would depend on robust enforcement against tech companies.

To ensure compliance, UK communications regulator Ofcom has been tasked with conducting a rapid review into effective age verification methods. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has also requested a detailed assessment of Ofcom’s enforcement powers and strategies to make sure companies adhere to new rules.

The proposal signals a significant shift in how governments globally are responding to Big Tech’s influence over young users. For Nigerian stakeholders watching from afar, the UK’s approach could provide lessons or models if similar debates arise locally about protecting minors from online risks.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/uk-to-ban-tiktok-instagram-snapchat-and-other-social-media-platforms-for-children-under-16-2026061513264055704

Justice Minister insists authorities are not treating security challenges with levity, pledges ongoing intervention across troubled states

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has declared that government is not handling the nation’s security challenges with levity, assuring Nigerians of continued commitment to tackle insecurity. Speaking on Monday, 15 June 2026, in Abuja, the minister reaffirmed federal resolve to address rising incidents of violence and unrest in various parts of the country.

According to the Attorney-General, government has adopted a multi-faceted approach to improve national security, working closely with relevant agencies and state authorities. He emphasised that interventions are ongoing in communities affected by banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities, with a view to restoring peace and confidence among citizens.

In recent months, Nigeria has witnessed several high-profile attacks and abductions in states such as Zamfara, Kaduna and Plateau. These incidents have fuelled public concern over safety and prompted calls for stronger government action. The justice minister’s assurance comes amid heightened pressure from civil society groups and opposition parties demanding urgent reforms in policing and intelligence gathering.

“We are not taking issues of insecurity lightly,” the Attorney-General stated during his remarks. He maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains focused on deploying resources for improved law enforcement operations nationwide. The minister also called for greater public cooperation with security agencies to help identify suspects and prevent further attacks.

While no specific new measures were announced at the briefing, the Attorney-General pledged that government would continue reviewing its strategy to adapt to changing threats. As at press time, opposition leaders had not issued a formal response to the minister’s statement.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887844-government-not-taking-insecurity-with-levity-agf-says.html

Operation Enduring Peace intercepts police officer suspected of running interstate illegal weapons network in Plateau State

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested an alleged arms trafficker identified as Inspector Danjuma Yusuf in Jos, Plateau State capital, recovering two pistols and 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition on Sunday, June 14, 2026. The arrest was made at a military checkpoint in the Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area after the suspect was placed under surveillance.

According to a statement from Operation Enduring Peace, Yusuf—who was travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards Makera—was apprehended with additional items including three cans of pepper spray, a jack knife, two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff tag, photographs of himself in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card, and ₦73,300 in cash.

Security officials say preliminary investigations link Yusuf to an interstate illegal weapons syndicate operating across state lines. The incident has heightened concerns about the involvement of security personnel in arms trafficking amid ongoing insecurity challenges facing Plateau State and the North-Central zone at large.

The statement from Operation Enduring Peace did not disclose further details on possible accomplices but emphasised that the suspect is now in custody and will face further interrogation. “The suspect was identified and intercepted based on credible intelligence. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal arms flow into conflict-prone areas,” the statement read.

Plateau State has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months. Security agencies have intensified checkpoints and patrols across vulnerable routes. As at press time, police authorities had yet to issue an official response regarding Inspector Yusuf’s status or possible disciplinary action. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the development.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/troops-nab-high-profile-arms-trafficker-recover-pistols-167-rounds-of-ammunition/