Nigeria News (Standard)
Katsina Airport: Federal Government Arrests Seven Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders Returning From Hajj
Interior Minister credits NIN verification system for high-profile arrests; DSS begins investigation into suspects’ travel history
Interior Minister credits NIN verification system for high-profile arrests; DSS begins investigation into suspects’ travel history
Seven suspected commanders of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were arrested by federal authorities at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina State on Thursday, after returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The arrests were made possible through Nigeria’s integrated National Identification Number (NIN) verification system, according to Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The minister revealed that the suspects were flagged immediately upon arrival at the airport, following a cross-check of their details with national and international security watchlists linked to the NIN database. Security operatives promptly handed over all seven individuals to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation. Tunji-Ojo stated, “I’m happy to tell you that even last week, Thursday, seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP at the point of coming back from Mecca were arrested in Katsina Airport and were handed over to the DSS.”
The development comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen border security and digital identity management, especially following President Bola Tinubu’s recent signing of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law. The Act is expected to deepen biometric verification for public service delivery and immigration management. Government has described this incident as one of the first major successes for its integrated approach to combating terrorism and criminal movement across borders.
Explaining how the system works, Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria’s NIN database is now fully linked with the Nigeria Immigration Service, INTERPOL and other international intelligence platforms—enabling security agencies to instantly flag individuals on watchlists attempting to enter or leave through official border posts. “The NIN has become more than just an identity number. It is now a major security tool that helps us identify and intercept persons of interest,” he said during a briefing following Tinubu’s assent to the NIMC Act.
Despite these successes, questions remain about how individuals designated as Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders were able to obtain travel documents and depart Nigeria undetected before their eventual interception on return. The minister did not provide details on whether the suspects travelled independently or under sponsorship, nor did he disclose their identities. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment as at press time.
Security analysts have welcomed the arrests but say they highlight persistent gaps in document vetting and border controls prior to departure. Government maintains that improving identity management remains central to its wider strategy against terrorism, organised crime and cross-border threats across all zones.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Education Ministry Summons Federal University Vice-Chancellor Over Appointment of 24 Aides in Delta State
Move comes days after new vice-chancellor assumed office, raising concerns over university governance and spending
Move comes days after new vice-chancellor assumed office, raising concerns over university governance and spending
The Federal Ministry of Education has summoned the vice-chancellor of a federal university in Delta State for explanation after he reportedly appointed 24 personal aides within days of assuming office. The development, which emerged on Saturday, has drawn attention to the management of public universities and the use of government resources.
According to sources within the education sector, the appointments were made shortly after the vice-chancellor officially resumed his duties at the institution. The ministry intervened following concerns raised by stakeholders about the scale and necessity of such a large number of aides in a single federal university, especially considering ongoing debates about cost management in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
This incident has reignited conversations about transparency and accountability in university administration across Nigeria. Many Nigerians have expressed worries about how public funds are allocated and spent by heads of tertiary institutions, especially at a time when universities are facing funding challenges, staff welfare issues, and infrastructural deficits. The matter is particularly sensitive in Delta State, where several federal institutions have come under scrutiny for similar administrative decisions.
While details of the aides’ roles remain unclear, the education ministry’s move signals a renewed focus on oversight and governance standards for federal universities. Ministry officials have indicated that further action could be taken depending on the outcome of discussions with the vice-chancellor.
The vice-chancellor has not issued a public statement as at press time. The development is expected to prompt a wider review of appointment practices in Nigeria’s higher education system as government seeks to ensure that institutional resources are managed judiciously.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Endocrinologist Warns Women Face Higher Risk of Thyroid Disorders
Medical expert attributes increased vulnerability to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, urges early detection
Medical expert attributes increased vulnerability to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, urges early detection
A leading endocrinologist in Lagos State has raised concern over the higher prevalence of thyroid disorders among women, citing hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause as major contributing factors. The expert made this known on Saturday, 27 June, while addressing a gathering of health professionals in Lagos.
According to the medical specialist, thyroid diseases—including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism—are more common in women due to the impact of reproductive hormones on thyroid function. The doctor explained that these hormonal changes often trigger immune responses that can lead to thyroid gland dysfunction, especially during life stages such as pregnancy and menopause.
Thyroid disorders can significantly affect metabolism, energy levels, and overall well-being. Many Nigerian women remain unaware of their risk or mistake symptoms for other health issues. The endocrinologist emphasised that early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in preventing complications such as infertility, heart disease, or severe fatigue. “Women should pay attention to persistent symptoms like unexplained weight changes, mood swings, or swelling in the neck area,” the expert advised.
The medical community is calling for increased public awareness and routine screening for thyroid disorders among women, especially those with a family history of the condition. The Lagos-based doctor urged government and non-governmental organisations to support educational campaigns and affordable diagnostic services across Nigeria.
With rising cases of non-communicable diseases nationwide, health practitioners warn that neglecting thyroid health could have long-term consequences for women’s health outcomes in Nigeria. Further consultations with specialists are recommended for anyone experiencing persistent symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Vice President Shettima Announces €35bn Nigeria-EU Trade, €26bn FDI at Lagos Business Forum
Federal Government says partnership has created over 130,000 direct jobs as EU pledges deeper economic cooperation
Federal Government says partnership has created over 130,000 direct jobs as EU pledges deeper economic cooperation
Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that annual trade between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) now exceeds €35 billion, with European foreign direct investment (FDI) reaching about €26 billion. Shettima made this announcement in Lagos on Thursday during the opening of the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum, highlighting the growing economic ties between both sides.
Represented by Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu, Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Shettima described the partnership as a strategic alliance that has moved beyond diplomatic relations to a robust economic collaboration. According to him, more than 130,000 direct jobs have been created in Nigeria through EU investments.
He noted that the annual business forum has become a key platform for translating policy discussions into actual investments and development initiatives. “The Nigeria-European Union Business Forum has evolved beyond a dialogue platform. It has become an important vehicle for translating shared aspirations into investments, commercial partnerships and sustainable growth,” Shettima said in his address.
The Vice President explained that ongoing reforms by government are targeted at making Nigeria more attractive for foreign investment and improving ease of doing business, particularly for European companies operating in sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture and technology. He stated that both Nigeria and the EU remain committed to expanding investment flows, increasing trade volume and supporting private sector partnerships under their recently strengthened Strategic Partnership agreement.
Stakeholders at the forum welcomed the figures as evidence of deepening cooperation but called for more progress in areas like infrastructure, energy transition and inclusive growth. EU representatives reaffirmed their readiness to support Nigerian priorities through targeted investments and technical support. The next phase of engagement is expected to focus on boosting technology transfer, renewable energy projects and job creation across various sectors.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-eu-economic-ties-hit-e35bn-annual-trade-attract-e26bn-fdi/
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