Nigeria News (Standard)
NCDC Updates Lassa Fever Fatality Rate to 19.3% as Outbreak Spreads to 23 States
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control urges heightened vigilance as confirmed cases and deaths rise across multiple regions
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control urges heightened vigilance as confirmed cases and deaths rise across multiple regions
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has revised the national fatality rate for the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak to 19.3 percent, following a surge in confirmed cases and deaths reported across 23 states. The update, released on Monday, highlights the continued spread of the disease and raises fresh concerns about public health preparedness nationwide.
According to the latest NCDC situation report, the current outbreak has affected a wide range of states, with both rural and urban communities experiencing infections. The agency stated that the increased fatality rate reflects recent data showing a rise in both suspected and laboratory-confirmed cases, as well as associated deaths. The NCDC did not specify the total number of new infections or fatalities in its latest update.
Lassa fever is endemic in several parts of Nigeria, particularly during the dry season, but this year’s outbreak is notable for its reach across nearly two dozen states spanning multiple geopolitical zones. Health officials say this development underscores persistent gaps in surveillance and early detection at the local government level, as well as challenges facing overstretched health workers in responding swiftly to suspected cases.
The NCDC has advised all state ministries of health to intensify case finding, strengthen infection prevention measures at healthcare facilities, and ensure public awareness campaigns reach vulnerable communities. The agency also called for improved coordination among federal and state stakeholders to support rapid response teams deployed to affected areas.
With reports indicating that more states could record new cases in coming weeks, health authorities are urging Nigerians to maintain strict hygiene practices and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache or bleeding. The NCDC said it will continue monitoring the situation closely and provide regular updates as more information becomes available.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Asake Unveils Four New Songs at Exclusive Spotify Concert in London
Lagos-born Afrobeats star delivers first-ever live performance of ‘M$NEY’ album, thrilling invited guests and top Spotify listeners
Lagos-born Afrobeats star delivers first-ever live performance of ‘M$NEY’ album, thrilling invited guests and top Spotify listeners
Nigerian singer and two-time Grammy nominee Asake premiered four unreleased tracks during an exclusive Spotify concert held at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London on Sunday, June 21. The one-night-only event, organised in partnership with Spotify, marked Asake’s first live performance of his chart-topping album ‘M$NEY’ since its release in May.
The intimate gathering brought together friends, family, and select top listeners from Spotify for a unique experience. Asake was joined by a live orchestra as he performed popular songs from ‘M$NEY’ alongside the new material. The concert was recorded for a forthcoming film that will be released on the streaming platform.
‘M$NEY’, released on May 1 via Giran Republic and EMPIRE, is Asake’s fourth studio album and has enjoyed widespread success since launch. The project topped streaming charts in over 19 countries including Nigeria, and reached No. 8 on the United States chart. According to global digital ranking service Kworb Data, Asake was recently named the fifteenth most popular digital artist worldwide, joining the ranks of major international stars.
The 13-track album sees Asake blend choral arrangements, orchestral sounds, jazz influences and Afrobeats rhythms in what many observers consider his most musically diverse project to date. In a statement about the album, Asake described ‘M$NEY’ as “a reflection of my spiritual and creative journey”, adding that every song expresses gratitude and personal evolution.
Industry stakeholders say this latest performance cements Asake’s position as a leading figure in Nigerian music, following his record as the most-streamed artist on Spotify Nigeria and his unprecedented run on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. The full concert film is expected to be available to global audiences via Spotify in coming days.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oyo Police Reassure Families on Swift Release of Abducted Pupils and Teachers
State command renews commitment to rescue operation as community anxiously awaits return of victims
State command renews commitment to rescue operation as community anxiously awaits return of victims
The Oyo State Police Command has given fresh assurance regarding the ongoing efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers who were abducted in the state. The reassurance came on Monday, 22 June 2026, as families and residents in the affected community continue to await positive news.
According to police authorities, operatives are intensifying their search and rescue operations across identified locations linked to the abduction. The command stated that every available resource is being deployed to ensure that those held captive are freed unharmed and reunited with their loved ones.
The incident has heightened concerns over security in Oyo State, especially among parents and educational stakeholders. Many have called for improved security measures around schools and increased patrols in vulnerable areas. The police have urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate by providing credible information that could assist investigators.
While the details surrounding the number of abducted persons remain undisclosed, the police reiterated their commitment to resolving the matter swiftly. “We are working round the clock with other security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of all victims,” a statement from the command noted.
The state government is yet to issue a separate statement on the incident as at press time. Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified surveillance in neighbouring communities as part of ongoing efforts to prevent further incidents.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Releases Updated Emergency Hotlines for All 36 States and FCT to Boost Rapid Response
Direct state control room numbers, national toll-free codes, and specialised agency contacts published for medical, fire, and security incidents
Direct state control room numbers, national toll-free codes, and specialised agency contacts published for medical, fire, and security incidents
The federal government has unveiled a comprehensive list of emergency hotlines for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aiming to improve rapid response to medical, fire, and security emergencies nationwide. The updated directory was released on Saturday, highlighting both national toll-free lines and direct mobile numbers for state police commands and emergency control rooms.
According to the directory, while Nigerians can dial the national 112 toll-free code for immediate assistance in any part of the country, direct 11-digit mobile numbers are also provided for each state’s command centre. These lines are intended to bypass delays often experienced on national switchboards during critical incidents such as health emergencies, fire outbreaks or criminal attacks.
The directory also features dedicated numbers for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and domestic violence support units. For example, NEMA can be reached on 0800 22 55 63 62 for disasters such as floods or building collapses, while FFS is available on 0803 200 3557 nationwide.
A breakdown of the contact details shows that every state—including Lagos (with its unique toll-free codes ‘767’ and ‘112’)—has at least one direct-dial number for its police or emergency control centre. Other shortcodes like ‘199’ for Police and ‘122’ for Road Safety remain active across Nigeria. Authorities advise citizens to save both local and national lines to ensure swift access during emergencies.
Officials said publishing the verified contacts is part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety infrastructure amid rising concerns over delayed first responder deployment. The government urged Nigerians to make use of these lines responsibly and reminded callers that while shortcodes are toll-free, standard network charges apply on full-length mobile numbers. The new directory is expected to reduce response times significantly and ensure that help reaches affected communities faster in times of need.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigeria-emergency-numbers-state-directory-2026062213515128457
