Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Passes State Police Bill, Empowers Governors to Appoint Commissioners Nationwide
Legislation allows state governors to appoint police commissioners and issue directives, marking major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture
Legislation allows state governors to appoint police commissioners and issue directives, marking major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, passed a landmark bill enabling the creation of state police across the country and granting governors the authority to appoint police commissioners. The vote, which took place at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, marks a significant move towards decentralising policing powers in Nigeria.
The bill’s passage followed several weeks of intense debate among lawmakers from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties. Supporters argued that allowing states to manage their own police forces would improve security response times and address localised threats more effectively. Under the new framework, each state governor will have the legal right to appoint a commissioner of police for their state and issue operational directives within the boundaries of federal law.
This development is considered one of the most consequential changes to Nigeria’s security structure since independence. Calls for state police have grown in recent years amid rising insecurity, with many stakeholders citing the limitations of a centralised police system in responding to banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence in different regions. With this bill, proponents believe states will be better equipped to tailor law enforcement strategies to their unique needs.
The Senate’s decision has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders and security experts. While several governors welcomed the move as overdue, some critics expressed concern about potential misuse of power by state executives. The Inspector General of Police is yet to issue an official statement on how federal and state agencies will coordinate under the new arrangement. There was no immediate comment from major opposition parties as at press time.
The bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent. If signed into law, implementation guidelines are expected within months, potentially ushering in a new era for policing and public safety across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FCT Minister Wike Blasts Super Eagles for Missing 2026 World Cup, Cites ‘Unknown Countries’ Qualifying
Minister urges ex-captain Joseph Yobo to convey Nigerians’ disappointment as NFF renews coach’s contract after second consecutive World Cup miss
Minister urges ex-captain Joseph Yobo to convey Nigerians’ disappointment as NFF renews coach’s contract after second consecutive World Cup miss
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has openly criticised the Super Eagles for failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, lamenting that even countries he had never heard of secured their spots while Nigeria missed out. Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Gwagwalada-Kuje Road in Abuja, with former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Wike congratulated Yobo for his service to Nigerian football but did not hide his frustration with the current national team. The minister said, “Yes, we have congratulated one of our stars, Joseph Yobo. But let me use this medium through you to tell the Super Eagles: we are not happy.” He further stated that while some were applauding the team, he could not join them because “countries I have never heard of before” qualified for the World Cup while Nigeria did not.
The Super Eagles’ absence from the 2026 World Cup—set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico—comes after a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the final round of CAF play-offs. This marks Nigeria’s second straight failure to reach football’s biggest stage, a development that has left fans and officials frustrated despite having no fewer than 13 Nigerian players active in top European leagues.
Wike instructed Yobo to deliver his message directly to the team. In response to criticism, Yobo previously urged patience with the squad at a charity event last year, emphasising that “it’s about winning, even if it’s a scrappy 1-0,” and warning against harsh criticism that could damage morale. However, Wike’s intervention signals growing political pressure for results.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has since renewed coach Éric Chelle’s contract with new performance targets. Attention is already turning towards qualification for the 2030 World Cup as calls mount for reforms and improved accountability within Nigerian football. Wike’s comments reflect a wider mood of disappointment among Nigerians who expect better from a country with significant football talent.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/wike-blasts-super-eagles-world-cup-failure-2026062417252105608
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kogi University Arrests Two Suspected Cultists, Intensifies Crackdown on Campus Crime
Vice-Chancellor Salisu Ogbo Usman vows sustained action as students confess to cult membership after arrest in Anyigba
Vice-Chancellor Salisu Ogbo Usman vows sustained action as students confess to cult membership after arrest in Anyigba
Authorities at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, have arrested two suspected cultists on campus as part of a renewed crackdown on cultism and related criminal activities. The suspects, Fidelis Atuluku (Matric. No. 2026SE1252) and Monday Okolo (Matric. No. 2026SE1247), both first-year students from the Department of Social Studies/Education, were apprehended on Tuesday, 23rd June 2026 following a tip-off.
According to the university’s management, the suspects were tracked by a joint security team and found in possession of charms while within the school premises. Upon interrogation, both students confessed to being members of the Juris Confraternity and revealed they had been initiated prior to their admission into the university. The institution stated that the suspects would be handed over to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and legal action.
The latest arrests come amid heightened security concerns after a recent breach on campus prompted university authorities to declare ‘total war’ against cultism. Cult-related violence has remained a pressing issue in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, with many stakeholders worried about its impact on academic life and student safety.
In an official statement issued by Uredo Omale, the university’s public relations officer, Vice-Chancellor Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman reiterated management’s commitment to rooting out cultism and restoring sanity within the institution. “We will not relent until we rid our campus of all criminal elements,” Usman said. He further advised parents and guardians to closely monitor their wards and remain vigilant against signs of involvement in illegal groups.
With investigations ongoing, the university has pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property on campus. The development underscores growing efforts by educational authorities nationwide to stem the tide of cult-related violence in Nigerian universities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
CAP Plc Appoints New Executive Director and Company Secretary in Lagos
Board makes leadership changes to strengthen governance as company targets improved performance in Nigeria’s paints sector
Board makes leadership changes to strengthen governance as company targets improved performance in Nigeria’s paints sector
Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP Plc), a leading manufacturer in Nigeria’s paints and coatings industry, has announced the appointment of a new executive director and company secretary. The appointments were made public on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, following a meeting held at the company’s headquarters in Lagos State.
According to a statement issued by CAP Plc, the board approved the appointments as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce effective corporate governance and drive business growth. The new executive director is expected to bring strategic leadership experience to the management team, while the company secretary will oversee regulatory compliance and board processes.
Industry analysts say this move is significant for CAP Plc as competition intensifies within Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. The paints and coatings industry has seen increased demand from real estate and construction activities, but also faces challenges such as fluctuating naira exchange rates and rising production costs.
The board expressed confidence that the newly appointed executives will help position CAP Plc for greater efficiency and market leadership. “These appointments align with our vision to maintain high standards of accountability and deliver value to shareholders,” the board noted in its statement.
With these changes, CAP Plc aims to strengthen its management structure ahead of upcoming business expansion plans. The company is also expected to update shareholders on its performance at the next annual general meeting.
