Nigeria News (Standard)
NDLEA Arrests 306 Suspected Drug Offenders, Shuts Down Meth Lab in Ogun State
Agency prosecutes 64, seizes over 2,500kg cannabis and other drugs during clampdown between January and May
Agency prosecutes 64, seizes over 2,500kg cannabis and other drugs during clampdown between January and May
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ogun State has arrested 306 suspected drug offenders and prosecuted 64 individuals for various drug-related offences between January and May 2026. The State Commander, Tijjani Rabe, made this disclosure on Thursday in Abeokuta during the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to Rabe, those apprehended comprised 272 males and 34 females. He further stated that 140 suspects—136 males and four females—were placed in counselling and rehabilitation programmes within the period under review. The agency also dismantled a methamphetamine laboratory in the state as part of its intensified operations targeting drug syndicates.
Rabe revealed that NDLEA operatives seized a total of 2,518.16 kilograms of cannabis sativa, alongside 86.74 kilograms of substances including methamphetamine, cocaine, and tramadol. Additionally, the command confiscated 44.90 litres of codeine syrup and 171.50 litres of locally brewed mixtures known as “skuchies” and “monkey tail.”
Highlighting the significance of these operations, Rabe said the crackdown aligns with this year’s United Nations theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persistent Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.” He noted that substance abuse remains a major concern in Ogun State and across Nigeria, with far-reaching social and economic consequences.
While presenting a review of activities for the previous year (2025), Rabe said the command arrested a total of 771 suspects comprising 650 males and 121 females. He emphasised that ongoing enforcement efforts will focus on both disrupting drug supply chains and increasing public sensitisation to reduce demand. The NDLEA called on parents, community leaders, and all stakeholders to support anti-drug campaigns for greater impact.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kano’s Shawall Barau Jibrin Leads Barau FC to Eighth-Place NPFL Finish and Kano FA Cup Triumph
Club president clinched Sports and Wellness award as Barau FC exceeded expectations in maiden Nigeria Premier Football League campaign
Club president clinched Sports and Wellness award as Barau FC exceeded expectations in maiden Nigeria Premier Football League campaign
Barau Football Club, under the guidance of its president, Alhaji Shawall Barau Jibrin, recorded an impressive eighth-place finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/26 season and secured the Kano FA Cup, marking a period of remarkable progress for the Kano-based side. The club’s achievements have brought renewed recognition to Jibrin, who emerged as winner of the Sports and Wellness category at the CEOs Network Africa Awards held in December 2025.
Barau FC’s rise has been swift, with the team making its NPFL debut this season and surpassing expectations by not only finishing in the top half of the league table but also claiming silverware at state level. The club’s upward trajectory coincided with Jibrin being named youngest club president in the league, a feat acknowledged by stakeholders across Nigerian football.
According to organisers of the CEOs Network Africa Awards, Jibrin was honoured for his growing influence in sports administration, youth development, and community engagement. His leadership has been credited with transforming Barau FC from lower division contenders into an NPFL side within a short period. The club’s recent performances have been described by observers as evidence of focused investment and effective management.
Since receiving his award, Jibrin has continued to steer Barau FC towards greater ambitions. “This recognition is not just for me but for everyone at Barau FC who has worked tirelessly to put Kano on the national football map,” he said after receiving his award last December.
Football analysts say Barau FC’s success is significant for northern clubs competing in Nigeria’s top-flight league and demonstrates how robust leadership can drive grassroots football development. As attention shifts towards preparations for the next NPFL season, supporters are hopeful that Barau FC will continue its positive run under Jibrin’s stewardship.
Nigeria News (Standard)
CBN Orders Nigerian Banks to Freeze Accounts of Six Terrorism Financing Suspects
Central Bank directive targets individuals flagged by authorities; financial institutions begin compliance as security agencies intensify probe
Central Bank directive targets individuals flagged by authorities; financial institutions begin compliance as security agencies intensify probe
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has ordered all commercial banks in the country to immediately freeze accounts linked to six individuals suspected of financing terrorism. The directive, issued on Thursday, 25 June 2026, applies nationwide and forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt funding for terrorist activities.
According to official communication from the apex bank, financial institutions are required to place a no-debit, no-credit restriction on the affected accounts pending further investigation. The names of the six suspects were circulated among licensed banks with an instruction for prompt action and reporting back to regulatory authorities.
This move comes amid heightened concerns about terrorism financing in Nigeria, especially with recent reports of groups exploiting gaps in digital governance and financial oversight. Authorities have been under increasing pressure to strengthen counter-terrorism measures following security advisories and calls from stakeholders for more robust action against financiers.
A senior CBN official, who confirmed the development, stated that the measure aligns with existing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. “We are working closely with security agencies and other regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and prevent any loopholes that could be exploited by criminal elements,” the official said. No immediate comment was available from the affected individuals or their legal representatives.
Banks have started implementing the freeze instructions while awaiting further guidance from both the CBN and security agencies. The latest crackdown signals intensified scrutiny of financial transactions in Nigeria’s banking sector as authorities seek to trace, disrupt, and prosecute sources of funding for terrorism.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Graduates Turn to Job Aggregation Platforms as Labour Market Fragmentation Deepens
Digital tools like Jobberman and MyJobMag gain popularity among young job seekers, offering relief from scattered listings and lengthy searches
Digital tools like Jobberman and MyJobMag gain popularity among young job seekers, offering relief from scattered listings and lengthy searches
Thousands of young graduates in Lagos are increasingly relying on job aggregation platforms to simplify their search for employment, as Nigeria’s fragmented labour market continues to frustrate new entrants. The trend became more evident in June 2026, with many citing digital tools such as Jobberman, MyJobMag, LinkedIn, and Indeed as crucial lifelines in their daily hunt for opportunities.
For Adaeze Okonkwo, a 2024 computer science graduate from the University of Lagos, the transition from campus to career has been marked by daily hours spent trawling multiple platforms and WhatsApp groups for job openings. “You start to feel like finding the job is harder than doing the job,” Okonkwo explained. Her experience mirrors that of millions of Nigerians navigating what experts describe as one of Africa’s most fragmented employment landscapes.
The issue stems from Nigeria’s vast but disjointed jobs market, where vacancies are advertised across numerous websites, social media groups, and company pages—often leading to missed opportunities and duplicated efforts for applicants. As at June 2026, youth unemployment remains a persistent concern despite ongoing government interventions and private sector initiatives aimed at stimulating job creation.
Industry observers note that the emergence of aggregation platforms is starting to consolidate scattered listings into single portals, making it easier for job seekers to access verified openings. While government officials have acknowledged the role of technology in bridging information gaps, some recruitment experts urge further regulation and improved transparency to protect applicants from scams or outdated postings.
As digital adoption rises among Nigeria’s youth population—now estimated at over 70 million according to NBS data—stakeholders expect competition among platform providers will drive further innovation. For graduates like Okonkwo, however, the immediate priority remains finding reliable channels to secure meaningful work amid an increasingly crowded field.
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