Nigeria News (Standard)
Zamfara Security Forces Repel Bandits’ Attack, Neutralise Six in Maru LGA
Police confirm joint operation with Army and vigilantes after armed men storm Kanoma, Gidan Daji communities with heavy weapons
Police confirm joint operation with Army and vigilantes after armed men storm Kanoma, Gidan Daji communities with heavy weapons
A joint security team has foiled an attempted attack by armed bandits on Kanoma and Gidan Daji communities in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising six suspects during the operation on Tuesday. The intervention followed a distress call as bandits wielding sophisticated weapons targeted the area.
According to a statement issued by DSP Yazid Abubakar, Police Public Relations Officer for Zamfara State Command, the assailants arrived in large numbers, armed with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), general-purpose machine guns (GPMGs), anti-aircraft guns, and AK-47 rifles. Security operatives responded swiftly after receiving reports from residents under threat.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Zamfara and across the North-West, where rural communities continue to face attacks from armed groups. Recent months have seen increased military and police deployments to curb banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnappings that have displaced thousands and disrupted farming activities.
“On receiving the alert, a combined team made up of Police Tactical Operatives from Maru Division, soldiers attached to Operation Fansan Yamma, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), and local vigilantes moved to the scene under the command of the Divisional Police Officer,” Abubakar said in his written statement. He added that the operatives engaged the attackers in a gun battle that forced them to retreat, preventing further casualties among residents.
The Zamfara State Police Command assured that patrols would be intensified in vulnerable areas while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements. As at press time, opposition political parties could not be immediately reached for comment on the development.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Group Demands Probe Over Alleged Vote Buying, Pre-Thumbprinted Ballots in 2026 Governorship Election
Civil society calls for INEC and security agencies to investigate claims of irregularities in PVC distribution across Ekiti State
Civil society calls for INEC and security agencies to investigate claims of irregularities in PVC distribution across Ekiti State
A civil society group has demanded a thorough investigation into allegations of vote buying, pre-thumbprinted ballot papers, and irregular Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution during the Ekiti State governorship election. The call was made on Sunday, 21 June 2026, as concerns mounted over the credibility of the electoral process in the South-West state.
According to the group, reports emerged from several polling units about incidents of voters allegedly being induced with cash and other items to influence their choices at the ballot. There were also claims that some ballot papers had been thumbprinted before reaching polling stations, raising further questions about transparency. The group further alleged that PVCs meant for eligible voters were distributed in a manner that could disenfranchise some segments of the electorate.
These developments come as Ekiti State prepares for a highly contested poll, with political observers warning that such practices undermine public trust in democratic institutions. Electoral malpractice has remained a recurring issue in Nigeria’s elections, despite repeated assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies about reforms and enhanced monitoring.
The group urged INEC to “promptly investigate all reported cases of irregularities” and called on security agencies to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. “The legitimacy of any government is rooted in the integrity of its election,” they said. As at press time, INEC had not issued an official statement regarding these specific allegations.
Stakeholders say prompt action is required to safeguard the credibility of future elections in Ekiti and across Nigeria. The group also appealed to voters and political parties to remain peaceful while investigations proceed.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Releases Emergency Funds to States for Ebola Preparedness
Health authorities say fund disbursement will strengthen surveillance and rapid response teams nationwide amid regional outbreak fears
Health authorities say fund disbursement will strengthen surveillance and rapid response teams nationwide amid regional outbreak fears
The Federal Government has released emergency response funds to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to boost Nigeria’s preparedness against a potential Ebola outbreak. The funds were disbursed on Sunday, 21 June, as part of a proactive strategy to enhance disease surveillance and strengthen public health infrastructure across the country.
According to health officials, the funds are intended to support state-level activities such as training of rapid response teams, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), and increased monitoring at points of entry including airports and land borders. The move comes in response to rising concerns about Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring West African countries, which have prompted Nigerian authorities to heighten vigilance nationwide.
Ebola last appeared in Nigeria in 2014, when the country successfully contained the virus through coordinated federal and state efforts. Since then, experts have urged government not to relent in maintaining robust surveillance systems, given Nigeria’s status as a major travel hub in the region. The latest fund release aims to ensure that states can act quickly if any suspected cases arise.
While details of the allocation per state were not immediately available, health authorities confirmed that all states have received their share. Officials say the funding will enable states to scale up community sensitisation campaigns and improve readiness at designated isolation centres. “This intervention is crucial for preventing any potential spread,” a senior health official stated, adding that regular simulation exercises will also be conducted.
The Federal Ministry of Health has directed state commissioners for health to submit weekly situation reports and update Abuja on progress made with the funds. Experts advise continued collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies as well as public education efforts. As at press time, Nigeria had not recorded any new Ebola cases.
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Declares Final Results for Ekiti Governorship Election Amid High Voter Turnout
Electoral commission announces official figures after Saturday poll as stakeholders await reactions from parties and candidates
Electoral commission announces official figures after Saturday poll as stakeholders await reactions from parties and candidates
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final results for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, following voting and collation that concluded on Saturday, 20 June. The announcement marks the official end of the electoral process, with the commission declaring figures from all local government areas.
According to INEC, results from across Ekiti’s 16 local government areas were collated at the state headquarters in Ado-Ekiti under tight security. The process began shortly after polls closed on Saturday evening and continued into the early hours of Sunday, with party agents and observers present throughout. High voter turnout was recorded in several constituencies, with many residents expressing hope for improved governance.
The Ekiti governorship race is widely seen as a significant test for both ruling and opposition parties in the South-West geopolitical zone. Observers noted that this year’s contest featured heightened political activity, following recent reforms to Nigeria’s Electoral Act and a push for greater transparency by INEC. The outcome is expected to shape political alignments ahead of the next general elections.
As at press time, INEC officials were yet to issue detailed statements on any complaints or petitions received from aggrieved parties. However, both major political parties have called on their supporters to remain calm while awaiting further pronouncements. Security agencies deployed across Ekiti maintained a visible presence at collation centres and major roads to forestall any disruptions.
With the final results now declared, attention will shift to possible legal challenges from candidates or parties dissatisfied with the outcome. Analysts say how INEC manages post-election processes in Ekiti could influence public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system going forward.
Ekiti Group Demands Probe Over Alleged Vote Buying, Pre-Thumbprinted Ballots in 2026 Governorship Election
Federal Government Releases Emergency Funds to States for Ebola Preparedness
INEC Declares Final Results for Ekiti Governorship Election Amid High Voter Turnout
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