Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Trump Announces End to Iran Conflict, Says Peace Deal to Be Signed Soon in Europe

By
Agency Report
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U.S. President Donald Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared an end to the conflict with Iran, announcing that a formal peace agreement is expected to be signed in Europe in the coming days following high-level negotiations involving key Middle Eastern leaders.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Trump said planned U.S. military strikes against Iran had been called off after discussions with Iranian authorities reached what he described as the highest levels of leadership and received approval from all parties involved.

“Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,” Trump said.

The U.S. president added that negotiations had produced an agreement in principle, stating that “discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved.”

According to Trump, the countries involved in the talks include the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Egypt. He also indicated that a venue and date for the formal signing ceremony would be announced shortly.

“Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly,” he said.

The announcement marks a dramatic shift from recent tensions that had raised fears of a wider regional conflict. Trump noted that a naval blockade would remain in effect until the agreement is formally finalized, suggesting that some security measures will stay in place during the transition period.

The breakthrough reportedly followed direct diplomatic engagements involving Trump and leaders of Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, countries that have played increasingly influential roles in regional mediation efforts. The negotiations are being viewed as a significant diplomatic development aimed at preventing further military escalation in the Middle East.

Notably, reports indicate that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not part of the negotiations that led to the agreement, a development that could generate fresh debate about the future direction of regional security arrangements and U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East.

 

 

UEFA Appoints Somali Referee Omar Artan for Super Cup After World Cup Setback

By
Kazeem Busari
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FIFA referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan

UEFA has named Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan as the match official for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, handing the celebrated African referee a prestigious assignment just weeks after he was ruled out of officiating at the FIFA World Cup in the United States.

In a statement posted on its official social media channels, UEFA announced that Artan will take charge of the highly anticipated Super Cup clash between French champions Paris Saint-Germain and English side Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria.

“Referee announced for 2026 #SuperCup! We’re pleased to share that Somali referee Omar Artan will officiate the highly anticipated match between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg,” UEFA said.

The appointment marks another major milestone in Artan’s remarkable rise in international football officiating. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading referees, the Somali official was named the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) African Referee of the Year for 2025 and has overseen several high-profile continental and international fixtures.

The UEFA appointment comes amid continued global attention surrounding Artan’s exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The referee was forced to miss the tournament after being denied entry into the United States despite reportedly holding a valid U.S. visa. The development sparked disappointment across Somalia and generated widespread debate within football circles, with many expressing concern that one of Africa’s top referees would be absent from the sport’s biggest stage.

Following the controversy, Artan received strong public support from Somali leaders and football stakeholders. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud personally spoke with the referee, praising his achievements and assuring him that his contributions to the game had brought pride to the nation. The president described Artan as a source of inspiration for young Somalis and commended his professionalism despite the setback.

The referee’s return to Mogadishu after the World Cup controversy was also expected to be marked by a hero’s welcome, with preparations underway in the Somali capital to celebrate his achievements and recognize his growing influence in world football.

UEFA’s decision to hand Artan one of the most prestigious officiating assignments in European football is likely to be viewed as a significant vote of confidence in his abilities. The Super Cup traditionally pits the winners of Europe’s premier club competitions against each other and is regarded as one of the continent’s marquee football events.

The 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide, placing the Somali referee firmly in the international spotlight once again.

Thai Police Arrest Nigerian Man Accused of Leading Multi-Million-Dollar Drug, Romance Scam Syndicate

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Photo: The Nation

Thai authorities have arrested a Nigerian national accused of leading a sprawling transnational criminal network allegedly involved in cocaine trafficking, romance scams and money laundering, in a major operation that investigators say disrupted a syndicate with more than 380 million baht (approximately $11.5 million) in circulation.

According to multiple reports, the suspect, identified by police as 36-year-old Patrick, was apprehended late on June 9 outside a luxury condominium on Rama III Road in Bangkok’s Yannawa district during a coordinated enforcement operation dubbed “Operation Clip the Wings of the Dodorima Gang Leader.”

According to Thai police, Patrick is believed to have risen from a low-level drug courier to become the alleged leader of the Dodorima network after living in Thailand for more than seven years. Investigators claim he regularly travelled between Thailand and Africa while overseeing the group’s operations.

Authorities said Patrick was charged with selling and possessing cocaine, classified under Thailand’s Category 2 narcotics laws, for commercial purposes without authorization. He was also accused of resisting arrest and obstructing law enforcement officers during the operation. Investigators noted that a separate probe into alleged money laundering activities remains ongoing.

Police said officers had been monitoring the suspect’s movements before locating him at the condominium. During the arrest operation, Patrick allegedly attempted to evade capture by reversing his vehicle into police officers after authorities blocked his path. One officer reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontation.

Following orders from Pol Maj Gen Teeradet Thumsuthee, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau responsible for narcotics suppression, officers smashed the vehicle’s window, disabled the engine and took the suspect into custody.

A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered approximately 18 grams of cocaine. Further searches at the suspect’s residence led to the seizure of cash and other assets valued at roughly 700,000 baht.

Investigators allege that Patrick initially operated as a cocaine runner targeting tourist destinations before rapidly climbing the ranks of the criminal organization. According to police findings, the network generated more than 380 million baht in financial transactions over the past year alone.

Authorities further alleged that proceeds from the operation were transferred to Nigeria and used to build a large mansion. Police also claimed the syndicate’s activities extended beyond drug trafficking to include romance scams and suspected money laundering operations.

Investigators said members of the group allegedly organized charitable and donation-related activities as a cover for their illicit operations and to cultivate relationships with influential individuals. Authorities believe the Dodorima group may be linked to a broader international criminal network identified as NBM operating across parts of Africa and beyond.

The investigation gained momentum following an earlier raid on May 22 at a luxury condominium near Phra Nang Klao Bridge in Nonthaburi Province, where six foreign nationals linked to an alleged romance scam operation were arrested. Police said evidence recovered during that operation, including communications from a secret chat group, helped uncover the wider criminal network.

Authorities claimed the recovered messages included derogatory remarks about cocaine users in Thailand, which investigators said reflected the group’s alleged contempt for local drug users despite profiting from narcotics sales.

During questioning, police said Patrick admitted to certain allegations relating to cocaine distribution but denied involvement in any money-laundering operation. He reportedly maintained that the organization was established to support charitable and donation activities funded through a fish export business operating between Thailand and Nigeria.

The suspect also reportedly told investigators that the name “Dodorima” means “hello” in Thai.

Commenting on the operation, Pol Maj Gen Teeradet said the arrest aligns with the Thai government’s intensified efforts to dismantle foreign criminal networks using the country as a base for illegal activities. He noted that the suspect allegedly displayed violent behavior during the arrest, resulting in injuries to officers and damage to property.

Thai police described the operation as a significant breakthrough in disrupting the financial infrastructure of a major transnational crime syndicate. Authorities said they will continue working with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and international law enforcement agencies to trace financial transactions and identify additional suspects, including both foreign nationals and Thai citizens believed to be connected to the network.

The investigation remains ongoing.

NECO Warns Public Against Fake Recruitment Portals

By
Fortune Temitope
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The National Examinations Council (NECO) has alerted the public to the activities of fraudsters operating fake online recruitment portals designed to deceive individuals seeking appointment as examination supervisors for the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal.

The examination body said the fraudulent websites have been requesting interested applicants to upload details of their academic qualifications and make payments under the guise of securing supervisory appointments.

In a statement, NECO stressed that it does not charge any fee for the recruitment of teachers who wish to serve as examination supervisors and urged members of the public to disregard any portal or individual demanding payment for such appointments.

The Council explained that, in line with the recommendations of the Ministerial Committee on the Improvement of Quality of Examination in Nigeria, it has fully digitised the recruitment process for supervisors and assistant supervisors. The transition from the traditional analogue method to an electronic system is aimed at strengthening examination supervision and enhancing transparency in the recruitment process.

NECO clarified that all qualified pensionable teachers on Grade Level 12 and above, who are at least 30 years old and interested in serving as supervisors during the forthcoming 2026 SSCE Internal examination, are expected to apply directly through its official recruitment platform.

According to the Council, the recruitment process is fully automated and does not require the involvement of any third party, agent or intermediary. The move, it noted, is designed to eliminate fraud, curb examination malpractice and ensure fairness, credibility and efficiency in the selection of supervisors nationwide.

The warning comes as NECO intensifies preparations for the 2026 SSCE Internal examination, which is scheduled to commence on June 15, 2026. The Council disclosed that no fewer than 22,000 supervisors will be recruited across the country to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination.

The examination body urged prospective applicants and members of the public to remain vigilant and rely only on information published through its official channels, warning that anyone dealing with unauthorized recruitment portals does so at their own risk.

NECO reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of public examinations and ensuring that the recruitment of examination officials is conducted in a transparent, merit-based and technology-driven manner.

Trump Warns Iran Will ‘Pay the Price’ as Tehran Accuses US of Politicising UN Nuclear Agency

By
Agency Report
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US President Donald Trump

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply on Monday as President Donald Trump declared that Tehran would “pay the price” for delaying negotiations over its nuclear programme, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of attempting to manipulate the United Nations nuclear watchdog for political purposes.

In a series of strongly worded remarks posted on Truth Social, Trump claimed Iran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded and suggested the country had missed an opportunity to reach a favorable agreement with Washington.

“They have been completely defeated. Iran is all talk and no action. The Bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!!” Trump wrote.

The U.S. president also reiterated earlier claims about the state of Iran’s armed forces, saying the country’s military was a “complete and total mess” and that its navy and air force “doesn’t even exist anymore.”

“They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!” Trump added, without providing further details.

The comments came as Iran intensified diplomatic efforts ahead of discussions at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, where a U.S.-drafted resolution targeting Tehran’s nuclear programme is expected to be debated.

In a letter addressed to foreign ministers of countries represented on the IAEA board, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged member states not to allow the agency to become what he described as a political tool of Washington.

Araghchi characterized the proposed resolution as “politically motivated” and “made in bad faith,” arguing that the United States bears responsibility for the current standoff over Iran’s nuclear activities.

He warned against allowing the nuclear watchdog to be used as a “US political instrument” and insisted that Washington should not be permitted to exploit the institution to justify what he called “illegal measures” against Iran.

The diplomatic clash unfolded against a backdrop of growing regional tensions following Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, actions that have drawn widespread condemnation from Gulf states and international observers.

Qatar became the latest country to denounce the attacks, describing them as a direct violation of the sovereignty of the affected nations and a threat to regional stability.

In a statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the attacks represented a “flagrant violation” of the sovereignty of Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan and constituted a “clear breach of international law.”

The ministry stressed “the need to spare the region the consequences of such unjustified attacks and to work toward de-escalation in order to restore security and stability at both the regional and international levels.”

Qatar also reaffirmed its “full solidarity” with the three countries and expressed support for “all measures they take to preserve their sovereignty and security.”

Davido, Bryan Adams, Andrea Bocelli Headline FIFA World Cup Concert Series

By
Kazeem Busari
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Davido

FIFA has unveiled an expanded star-studded lineup for its historic FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert series, adding several internationally acclaimed performers to what is being billed as the first live music event to take place simultaneously across three host nations ahead of football’s biggest tournament.

The groundbreaking celebration will be held on June 10 across Toronto, Mexico City and Los Angeles, bringing together music, football and culture in a unique cross-border spectacle one year before the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

In Toronto, Canadian rock band The Beaches has joined the lineup and will perform alongside previously announced artists Bryan Adams, Nora Fatehi featuring Sanjoy, and French-Congolese singer Vegedream. Fans will also witness a special collaboration between Canadian singer-songwriter AHI and Haitian music icon Wyclef Jean.

Mexico City’s concert has also received a major boost with the addition of world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. He joins an already impressive lineup featuring Mexican music legends Los Ángeles Azules alongside singer Belinda and Venezuelan artist Elena Rose.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, pop sensation Ava Max and rapper BIA have been added to the bill, joining Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido and electronic music group Major Lazer, led by internationally acclaimed DJ Diplo.

According to FIFA, the Countdown Concert series is being staged in collaboration with the Recording Academy, organizers of the Grammy Awards, and will feature artists connected to the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album alongside other globally recognized performers.

The event is expected to include surprise guest appearances, live broadcast segments and synchronized performances linking the three host cities in a first-of-its-kind celebration designed to build excitement ahead of the expanded 48-team World Cup.

FIFA said the concerts will provide fans with an opportunity to experience the cultural diversity and global appeal that the 2026 tournament aims to showcase. Organizers believe the event will serve as a symbolic opening chapter to the largest FIFA World Cup ever staged.

Tickets for the concerts are now available in Toronto, Mexico City and Los Angeles, with organizers expecting strong demand from football and music fans eager to be part of the countdown festivities.

The celebrations will also reach a global audience through a live broadcast across FIFA’s international television and digital platforms. Fans worldwide will be able to follow the event through FIFA’s official channels, including a global livestream on the FIFA World Cup TikTok account, with TikTok serving as the exclusive social media livestream partner.

 

Somalia Prepares Hero’s Welcome for World Cup Referee Omar Artan After US Entry Denial Ends FIFA Dream

By
Kazeem Busari
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FIFA referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan

Somalia is preparing a hero’s welcome for FIFA referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan as the celebrated official returns home after being ruled out of officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the denial of entry into the United States despite reportedly holding a valid U.S. visa.

Artan, Somalia’s most decorated football referee and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Referee of the Year for 2025, departed Istanbul and is expected to arrive in Mogadishu on Monday morning, where supporters, football officials and government representatives are planning a grand reception in recognition of his achievements on the international stage.

The planned celebrations come amid widespread disappointment in Somalia and across football circles over the decision that prevented the highly-rated referee from participating in the World Cup. Artan had been selected among the match officials for football’s biggest tournament, a landmark achievement widely viewed as a breakthrough moment for Somali sport.

The controversy surrounding his exclusion from the tournament prompted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to personally call the referee, congratulating him on his accomplishments and expressing support during what many Somalis have described as a deeply unfortunate setback.

According to a statement released after the conversation, the President praised Artan for elevating Somalia’s profile internationally through his excellence in football officiating.

“Referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has raised the flag of Somalia high and represented our nation with distinction,” President Mohamud said.

The President noted that Artan’s career continues to serve as an inspiration to young Somalis and demonstrates that citizens of the Horn of Africa nation can excel at the highest levels of global competition.

“His achievement shows the ability of Somalis to compete and succeed on the world stage,” the President added.

Artan’s rise has been remarkable. In addition to being named CAF African Referee of the Year in 2025, he also earned selection for major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations, establishing himself among Africa’s elite match officials.

The referee’s return has sparked an outpouring of national pride, with many Somalis viewing him as a symbol of perseverance, professionalism and international excellence. Preparations for his arrival have intensified across Mogadishu, where supporters are expected to line major routes to welcome him home.

For many Somalis, Artan returns not as a victim of misfortune but as a national hero whose journey has inspired a generation and whose achievements have placed Somalia firmly on the global football map.

Adeleke Alleges APC-Linked Thugs Behind Attacks in Osogbo, Ede, Ile-Ife, Urges Tinubu to Intervene

By
Kazeem Busari
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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accused political thugs allegedly loyal to the AMBO political movement of carrying out coordinated attacks in parts of Osun State, claiming that several residents were injured and some feared killed in incidents that rocked Ile-Ife, Ede and Osogbo on Saturday.

Addressing an emergency press briefing at the Government House in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as deliberate attempts to destabilise the state and plunge it into chaos.

According to the governor, the violence began in Ile-Ife before spreading to several communities, including Akoda, Owode, Olaiya, Old Garage and Okefia in Osogbo. He alleged that the attackers moved through the affected areas in a convoy of about 15 vehicles branded with AMBO campaign materials.

“As at the time of calling this press conference, several residents were feared injured and even one or two people killed. The attackers are led by thugs known as Aleba and Asiri,” Adeleke said.

The governor further alleged that security operatives failed to respond adequately to the incidents despite the movement of the convoy through major parts of the state.

“Worst still, the state police command has not raised a finger to stop the attacks or arrest the attackers. These attacks are outrageous, unprovoked and a deliberate step to plunge the state into chaos,” he stated.

Adeleke directly blamed the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, for what he described as escalating political provocations in the state.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the destabilising roles of Marine Minister, Gboyega Oyetola and the Osun APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. The provocation is getting to an unbearable level. For the past few months, I have been calming my people to maintain peace despite persistent attacks,” the governor said.

He also linked the latest incidents to a series of previous violent attacks in the state, citing the killing of an Accord Party youth leader in Ikire and the shooting of the party’s chairman in Osogbo.

“Just a month or so ago, a youth leader of Accord was killed at Ikire. A few days ago, the Osogbo chairman of Accord was shot at Osogbo. These attacks must stop. Our people should not be pushed to the wall,” he added.

The governor called on top security officials, including the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), to pay urgent attention to the security situation in Osun State.

“I call on the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of DSS and other top security officials to shine a special light on Osun State. I appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Mr Oyetola and Oyebamiji to order,” Adeleke said.

Following the briefing, the governor embarked on visits to some of the reported flashpoints and later proceeded to the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he met with victims receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attacks.

During the hospital visit, Adeleke interacted with injured residents, their families and medical personnel, assuring them of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. He also paid a solidarity visit to the Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area, who was reportedly attacked by suspected assailants last week.

 

Edo Woman Arrested for Staging Own Kidnap, Demanding ₦50m Ransom from Family

By
Laziz Olatunde
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The Edo State Police Command has uncovered an elaborate kidnapping scam involving a woman who allegedly staged her own abduction and conspired with accomplices to extort ₦50 million from her family through a fabricated ransom plot.

Police said the operation led to the arrest of four suspects, including the alleged victim, Mrs. Oluchi Ugbowan, and the recovery of a firearm used to create fake ransom videos intended to convince her relatives that she was being held captive by kidnappers.

According to the Command, the case began on June 1, 2026, when Mr. Tony Ugbowan of Agbor Road, Benin City, reported that his 45-year-old wife, Oluchi, had been kidnapped while travelling to her shop at Ramat Park along Agbor Road. He told investigators that he had received a call from a concealed telephone number on May 28 demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for her release.

Following the report, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a discreet investigation, deploying intelligence and technical resources to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction.

The breakthrough came with the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect, Israel Ability, at Ramat Park in Benin City. During the operation, police recovered the mobile phone belonging to the purported victim. Investigators said the suspect confessed that he had been contracted by Mrs. Ugbowan to negotiate ransom payments with her family while presenting her as a kidnap victim.

Further investigations led detectives to a hotel in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State on June 5, where Mrs. Ugbowan was arrested. Police said she subsequently confessed to orchestrating her own kidnapping and directed investigators to the residence of another accomplice, 38-year-old Ochukwudem Uwadia.

According to the police, the residence served as the location where videos showing Mrs. Ugbowan with her hands and feet tied were produced and circulated to relatives as evidence of her captivity. Investigators also discovered that Uwadia’s 18-year-old son, Chibuzor Ochukwudem, allegedly appeared in the videos pointing a firearm at her head to lend credibility to the staged kidnapping.

Police said all individuals linked to the criminal conspiracy have now been arrested. A search conducted at the premises resulted in the recovery of an automatic pump-action gun allegedly used during the production of the ransom videos.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for what he described as a painstaking and professional investigation that exposed the deception.

The police commissioner warned that the Command treats every kidnapping report with utmost seriousness and deploys significant resources to rescue victims and apprehend perpetrators. He cautioned members of the public against engaging in false kidnapping schemes, stressing that such actions constitute serious criminal offences and divert vital security resources away from genuine victims.

The Command also urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities and avoid actions capable of causing public fear or panic.

The latest arrest comes amid intensified efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping and related crimes across Edo State and other parts of the country, with police reiterating their commitment to ensuring that both real kidnappers and individuals involved in fraudulent kidnapping plots face the full weight of the law.

Warri-Itakpe Train Disaster Claims Four Lives as NRC Confirms Coach Capsizing Near Agbor

By
Laziz Olatunde
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The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers following a serious accident involving the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) near Agbor in Delta State, with at least 24 others sustaining serious injuries.

In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the corporation said the incident occurred along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor when four coaches capsized and one coach derailed, triggering a major emergency response operation.

According to preliminary reports released by the NRC, the deceased comprised two adult women, one adult man and an infant. The train was carrying 442 passengers at the time of the accident, while an additional 40 crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers were on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 482.

The corporation disclosed that rescue and evacuation efforts were immediately activated following the accident, with support from the Delta State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local authorities and other emergency responders.

Rescue operations were completed by approximately 6:30 p.m., with injured passengers transported to medical facilities in Agbor for urgent treatment. Authorities confirmed that 24 passengers suffered serious injuries, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.

The NRC also reported that one of its staff members suffered a traumatic limb injury during the incident and is currently receiving treatment in stable condition.

Among the passengers on board were Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, alongside hundreds of other travelers.

Expressing sympathy over the tragedy, the Ministry of Transportation and the NRC extended condolences to the families of the victims.

“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured,” the statement said.

The corporation further commended the Delta State Government, emergency agencies, security personnel, medical teams, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, and members of the public for their swift response and assistance during the rescue operation.

Officials disclosed that the full passenger manifest has been retrieved and will be made available to relevant authorities as efforts continue to identify all injured and deceased persons for proper documentation and support.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the NRC have launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to account for all passengers and ensure that affected victims and their families receive the necessary assistance.

The Warri–Itakpe Train Service, one of Nigeria’s busiest standard-gauge rail routes connecting Delta, Edo and Kogi states, has become a critical transportation link for commuters and businesses. The latest accident has raised fresh concerns about rail safety and operational standards as investigators work to determine what led to the deadly derailment and coach capsizing.

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