Tuesday, April 14, 2026

NCC Orders Telcos to Compensate Nigerians for Poor Network

By
Fortune Temitope
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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed mobile network operators to compensate subscribers who suffer poor network services that fall below approved Quality of Service (QoS) standards, in a significant regulatory move aimed at strengthening consumer protection in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

In a statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Nnena Ukoha, the regulator said affected subscribers will receive compensation primarily in the form of airtime credits. The credits, according to the NCC, will be calculated based on users’ average spending patterns and their presence in specific Local Government Areas where service disruptions are recorded.

The Commission stressed that the directive is rooted in its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring accountability among service providers. Ukoha stated that “consumers should not bear the burden of service failures when operators fall short of required performance benchmarks,” reinforcing the regulator’s stance on service delivery obligations.

The NCC noted that telecommunications services have become critical infrastructure underpinning economic activity, social interaction, and access to digital opportunities. It warned that persistent poor network quality not only inconveniences users but also disrupts productivity and commercial operations across the country.

In a further push to address systemic challenges, the Commission extended its directive to infrastructure providers, mandating tower companies to reinvest fines imposed on them into critical upgrades. These include the expansion and reinforcement of network infrastructure such as telecom masts, with clear expectations of measurable improvements in service delivery.

The regulator also underscored the need for sustained investment across the telecom ecosystem, highlighting network resilience, capacity expansion, and infrastructure development as key pillars for delivering reliable services. It maintained that strengthening these areas is essential to supporting Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.

AU Chief Raises Alarm Over Somalia Tensions, Urges Dialogue to Avert Escalation

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has called for urgent dialogue and restraint among political stakeholders in Somalia amid rising tensions in the country’s South West State.

In a statement issued as the situation continues to evolve, the AU chief said he is “closely following developments in South West State of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” warning that the growing friction could undermine national stability and security if not carefully managed.

Youssouf emphasized the importance of existing political mechanisms, particularly the National Consultative Council, describing it as a critical platform for inclusive engagement and consensus-building. He urged all parties to “make constructive use of this platform to resolve differences peacefully,” stressing that dialogue remains the most viable pathway to de-escalation.

Highlighting the delicate balance between Somalia’s federal government and its constituent states, the AU Chairperson underscored that disagreements must be handled through cooperation rather than confrontation. He noted that “differences between the Federal Government and Federal Member States should be addressed through dialogue,” pointing to the broader need for unity in safeguarding the country’s fragile progress.

The statement also expressed concern over the potential humanitarian and security implications of the tensions, cautioning that any escalation could further strain an already complex environment. Youssouf therefore called on all actors to “exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could lead to escalation.”

Reaffirming the continental body’s commitment, the African Union reiterated its full support for Somalia’s peace, stability, and ongoing state-building efforts. The Commission also pledged its readiness to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation initiatives aimed at preserving national cohesion.

Plateau Govt Imposes 48-Hour Curfew in Jos After Deadly Attack

By
Web Administrator
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The Plateau State Government has imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North Local Government Area following a deadly security incident in Gari Ya Waye community, Angwan Rukuba, that left several people dead and others injured.

The curfew, which takes immediate effect from midnight of March 29 and will run until April 1, 2026, was announced as part of emergency measures to restore order and prevent further escalation of violence in the area.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the government said the decision was taken in collaboration with security agencies after the “tragic security incident” that resulted in loss of lives and multiple injuries. Authorities have not yet released an official casualty figure, but confirmed that several victims are currently receiving treatment for varying degrees of injuries.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and unprovoked,” and assured residents that security forces have been mobilised to track down those responsible. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.

Announcing the directive, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, said the curfew was necessary to stabilise the situation and enable security agencies to conduct thorough operations in the affected communities.

Residents of Jos North have been urged to remain calm and law-abiding, while cooperating fully with security personnel. The government also called on members of the public to provide any useful information that could assist ongoing investigations.

Russia Summons UK Envoy as Spy Row Deepens After British Diplomat Expulsion

By
Agency Report
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Russia Presiden Vladimir Putin

Tensions between Russia and the United Kingdom have escalated further after Moscow summoned Britain’s Chargé d’Affaires, Danae Dholakia, in the latest diplomatic fallout linked to the expulsion of a British embassy official accused of espionage.

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the British envoy was called in for consultations, a move widely seen as part of a broader pattern of retaliatory diplomacy between the two countries. While officials did not immediately disclose detailed reasons for the latest summons, it follows closely on the heels of Moscow’s decision to expel British diplomat Albertus Gerhardus Janse van Rensburg over alleged intelligence activities.

According to Russian authorities, the expelled diplomat, who served as a second secretary at the British Embassy in Moscow, was accused of engaging in “intelligence and subversive activities that threaten the security” of the Russian Federation. The Federal Security Service (FSB) further claimed that the diplomat attempted to obtain sensitive economic information through informal contacts, allegations that have intensified the already strained relations between the two nations.

In response to such actions, Moscow has maintained a hardline stance. The Russian Foreign Ministry previously stressed that it would not “tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers” on its territory and warned of reciprocal measures should the situation escalate further.

The summoning of Dholakia reflects a familiar diplomatic script that has played out repeatedly since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, with both countries engaging in tit-for-tat expulsions of embassy staff. In earlier incidents, British officials dismissed similar accusations as unfounded, describing them as “malicious and baseless” claims that undermine normal diplomatic engagement.

NRC Arrests Suspected Track Vandal in Lagos, Court Remands Him in Custody

By
Fortune Temitope
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The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced a fresh breakthrough in its ongoing clampdown on railway vandalism, following the arrest and prosecution of a suspected track vandal in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the corporation disclosed that the suspect, Bashiru Hafeez, 32, was apprehended on Thursday, March 26, 2026, by security personnel attached to the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in Ebute-Metta during a routine patrol. According to the NRC, the arrest was carried out by operatives of Multi Eye Security Services, who are responsible for safeguarding critical rail infrastructure within the corridor.

The suspect was reportedly found in possession of fifteen pandrol clips—iron rail fasteners essential for maintaining track stability—believed to have been illegally removed from the narrow-gauge rail line at Alagomeji. Authorities warned that the removal of such components poses significant safety risks, including the possibility of train derailments.

Following his arrest, Hafeez was handed over to the Nigerian Railway Police Command for further investigation and prosecution. He was subsequently arraigned before a competent court in Lagos, where he was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending further hearing. The case has been adjourned to April 24, 2026.

Reacting to the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Kayode Opeifa, reiterated the corporation’s zero-tolerance stance on railway vandalism. He described such acts as economic sabotage capable of endangering lives and undermining national infrastructure.

Opeifa commended the vigilance and swift response of the security personnel involved in the arrest and assured the public that the NRC would continue to intensify efforts to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals and syndicates responsible for the destruction and theft of railway assets.

He further warned that anyone found culpable of vandalising railway infrastructure or dealing in stolen rail materials would face the full weight of the law.

The corporation also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around railway corridors, stressing that the rail system remains a critical national asset that must be protected collectively.

The ‘Italian Job’ Goes Sweet: 12 Tonnes of KitKat Vanish in Daring Italy–Poland Heist

By
Agency Report
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A major cargo theft dubbed Europe’s “Italian Job” has stunned the confectionery industry after more than 12 tonnes of KitKat chocolate bars were stolen while being transported from Italy to Poland, in what authorities describe as one of the most audacious food heists in recent years.

The shipment, belonging to Swiss food giant Nestlé, disappeared en route after leaving a production facility in central Italy, with both the truck and its cargo still unaccounted for days after the incident. The stolen consignment reportedly contained approximately 413,000 bars, many of them part of a new limited-edition range intended for distribution across European markets.

In a statement, the company confirmed the scale of the loss, noting that “the vehicle and its load are still nowhere to be found,” highlighting the precision and planning behind what analysts are calling a textbook logistics heist reminiscent of a modern “Italian Job.”

Nestlé attempted to strike a measured tone despite the scale of the theft, even injecting humour into the situation. “We’ve always encouraged people to have a break with KitKat, but it seems thieves have taken the message too literally and made a break with more than 12 tons of our chocolate,” a company spokesperson said.

Beyond the light-hearted remark, the company underscored a more serious concern: the growing sophistication of cargo theft across global supply chains. “Whilst we appreciate the criminals’ exceptional taste, the fact remains that cargo theft is an escalating issue for businesses of all sizes,” the statement added, warning that increasingly advanced criminal methods are targeting high-value goods in transit.

Investigations are currently underway in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and logistics partners across Europe, though officials have yet to determine exactly where the truck was intercepted or how the operation was executed. Industry observers suggest the scale and coordination involved point to an organised network with detailed knowledge of transport routes and shipment schedules.

Nestlé has also warned that the stolen chocolate could surface in unofficial sales channels across Europe, urging retailers and consumers to remain vigilant. Each bar carries a unique batch code, allowing authorities to track and identify products linked to the heist if they reappear on the market.

While the company insists there are no safety concerns and that overall supply remains stable, the timing of the theft—just ahead of peak seasonal demand—has raised fears of localized shortages in some markets.

NDLEA Busts Cocaine Hidden in Dry Fish Shipment

By
Fortune Temitope
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Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted a large consignment of cocaine ingeniously concealed inside the heads of dry stock fish, exposing a new layer of sophistication in international drug trafficking operations.

The seizure, disclosed in an official statement by the agency, followed a targeted operation based on intelligence tracking suspicious cargo movements. NDLEA operatives discovered that traffickers had hollowed out the heads of dried fish and stuffed them with cocaine, a method designed to evade conventional detection systems at ports and border points.

According to the agency, the consignment was intercepted during a routine inspection, where officers identified irregularities that prompted a more thorough search. The discovery underscores growing concerns over evolving concealment techniques used by drug cartels seeking to infiltrate Nigeria’s borders.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, reiterated the agency’s resolve to stay ahead of traffickers through intelligence-led operations and enhanced surveillance. He noted that the agency remains committed to dismantling drug networks and preventing illicit substances from circulating within the country.

The NDLEA emphasized that the operation forms part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking syndicates exploiting unconventional methods to smuggle narcotics. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the shipment, while further forensic analysis is being conducted on the seized substances.

The agency also urged the public to remain vigilant and support ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, stressing that such criminal activities pose serious threats to public health, national security, and socio-economic stability.

CAF to Overhaul Rules After AFCON Chaos, Targets Refereeing, VAR

By
Justice Oladapo
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CAF president Patrice Motsepe

The Confederation of African Football has announced sweeping changes to its statutes and regulations, signaling a decisive attempt to restore credibility and strengthen governance across African football following the controversy that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

In an official media statement released after its Executive Committee meeting in Cairo, CAF confirmed that it is implementing “far-reaching changes and improvements” to its regulatory framework, with a strong focus on refereeing standards, VAR operations, and the integrity of its judicial bodies. The reforms come in response to widespread criticism triggered by the handling of the AFCON final, where a contentious decision and subsequent disciplinary ruling sparked a crisis of confidence in the organisation.

CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, acknowledged the need for urgent reform, stating that the changes are designed to rebuild trust in the system. He said the overhaul would “strengthen the trust and confidence in CAF Referees, VAR Operators, Match Commissioners, and in the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board,” underscoring the governing body’s commitment to institutional credibility.

The regulatory reforms are being developed in consultation with leading African and international football legal experts to ensure alignment with global best practices. According to Motsepe, CAF has “taken extensive legal advice” to ensure its statutes meet international standards both on and off the pitch, reflecting a broader effort to professionalise operations and eliminate inconsistencies in decision-making.

A key pillar of the reform agenda is the improvement of officiating across competitions. CAF confirmed it is working closely with FIFA to enhance the training and development of referees, VAR officials, and match commissioners, with the aim of raising performance levels to match global benchmarks.

Beyond officiating, the organisation reiterated its commitment to strengthening governance, transparency, and ethical standards. Motsepe stressed that impartiality within CAF’s disciplinary and appeal structures remains “imperative,” while also warning against favoritism among member associations. He stated that “under no circumstances will any Member Association be treated preferentially,” reinforcing the body’s stance on fairness and equality.

The reforms are also intended to prevent a repeat of the controversial scenes witnessed during the AFCON final, which saw the outcome overturned by CAF’s Appeal Board under existing regulations—an unprecedented decision that has since been challenged at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

While CAF did not disclose detailed amendments to specific rules, the governing body made clear that the regulatory overhaul forms part of a broader institutional reset aimed at safeguarding the integrity of African football and restoring stakeholder confidence.

CAF Leadership Transition: Mosengo-Omba Steps Down as Samson Adamu Takes Interim Charge

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has entered a new phase of leadership transition following the resignation of its Secretary General, Véron Mosengo-Omba, after more than three decades in international football administration.

In a press statement issued in Cairo, Mosengo-Omba confirmed his decision to step down, citing a desire to focus on personal projects after a long career dedicated to advancing the game globally. “After over 30 years of an international professional career dedicated to promoting an ideal form of football that brings people together, educates, and creates opportunities for hope, I have decided to step down from my position as Secretary General of CAF to devote myself to more personal projects,” he said.

His resignation comes amid a period of heightened scrutiny within African football’s governing body, with governance concerns and internal pressures shaping the broader context of his departure. Addressing controversies that had trailed his tenure, Mosengo-Omba maintained that he leaves office with his integrity intact. “Now that I have been able to dispel the suspicions that some people have gone to great lengths to cast on me, I can retire with peace of mind and without constraint, leaving CAF more prosperous than ever,” he stated.

Véron Mosengo-Omba

He also paid tribute to the leadership of CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, as well as colleagues and stakeholders across the continent. “I sincerely thank the CAF’s President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, my teams, and all those who, directly or indirectly, have enabled CAF and organized African football to make real and remarkable progress. Let us hope that the progress made will last and be sustained,” he added.

In response to the vacancy, CAF has appointed Samson Adamu as Secretary General on an interim basis. Adamu will steer the administrative affairs of the organization until a substantive appointment is made at the next CAF General Assembly.

Adamu, a seasoned football administrator who has played key roles within CAF’s competitions and events structure, is expected to provide continuity and stability during the transition period. His interim appointment underscores CAF’s intent to maintain operational momentum while navigating the leadership change.

Mosengo-Omba, who assumed office in 2021 after a distinguished stint with FIFA, had been instrumental in driving administrative reforms and competition management within CAF. However, his tenure was also marked by mounting criticism in recent months, reflecting broader governance challenges within the organization.

Despite the circumstances surrounding his exit, the outgoing Secretary General expressed confidence in the future of African football, emphasizing that the progress recorded during his tenure should be sustained. With Adamu now at the helm in an interim capacity, attention will shift to the next General Assembly, where CAF is expected to chart its long-term administrative direction.

Tinubu at 74: President Thanks Nigerians, Signals Hope Amid Reforms, Global Pressures

By
Fortune Temitope
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support and goodwill as he marked his 74th birthday, using the occasion to reflect on his administration’s reform agenda and the nation’s economic trajectory.

In a personally signed message released on Sunday, the President thanked citizens across the country for their prayers and solidarity, acknowledging the widespread goodwill demonstrated through messages, media tributes, and public gestures.

“Today, as I clock another year in the journey of life, I’m filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity given me to serve this great nation,” Tinubu said. “I want to take this moment to thank Nigerians for their messages, show of love and prayers on the occasion of my 74th birthday.”

He extended appreciation to individuals and groups who marked the occasion through newspaper placements and broadcast messages, noting, “To those who have taken space in newspapers or paid for air time on radio and television to wish me well, I thank you immensely.”

The President also acknowledged close allies and family members, including the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, for their support and kind remarks.

Maintaining a long-standing personal tradition, Tinubu said he opted for a low-key celebration in consideration of the prevailing national mood, even as he reflected on the challenges encountered since the launch of his administration’s reforms.

“As I mark this special day, I am reminded of the challenges we’ve faced since we initiated our reforms,” he said, adding that there are emerging signs of progress. “I’m glad that our sacrifices have not been in vain as we can see some glittering light at the end of the tunnel, despite the temporary setback caused by ongoing Middle East crisis.”

Tinubu emphasised that the gains recorded so far are a collective achievement, crediting both his administration and the Nigerian people. “The credit for the positive outcomes we have achieved does not belong solely to me… We achieved the gains together,” he stated.

Looking ahead to the third anniversary of his administration, the President expressed confidence in the government’s direction and reaffirmed his commitment to tackling the country’s challenges. “As we march towards the third anniversary of our administration, it is my deepest conviction that we shall succeed in building a brighter future for our citizens and future generations,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to remain united and supportive, stressing that sustained collaboration is key to overcoming current difficulties. “Let us continue to work together to build a stronger, prosperous and more resilient nation that will make Nigeria the pride of Africa,” Tinubu added.

The President concluded his message with a light note, saying, “Thank you all, and happy 74th birthday to me,” as he marked another milestone in both his personal life and political leadership.

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