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Warri–Itakpe Train Derails, Three Passengers Confirmed D3ad
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Three passengers have been confirmed dead following the derailment of a train on the Warri–Itakpe railway service.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed that the incident occurred on Monday, June 8, 2026.

In a statement signed by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Opeifa, the NRC stated that emergency response teams and relevant authorities were already at the scene providing assistance.

The corporation said it is closely monitoring the situation and would issue a detailed statement as more information becomes available.

The incident comes shortly after the Warri–Itakpe Train Service resumed operations following a temporary suspension for operational assessment and safety checks.

The route had also recorded a derailment in November 2025, which the NRC linked to vandalism.

We Have ACs and TVs, Our Cells Are VIP Ones, Suspects Are Enjoying, Says FCT Police Commissioner
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A police spokesperson has stated that suspects described as "TikTok bandits" are being held in what he called "VIP cells," stressing that they are not being subjected to harsh conditions.

In a video statement, he said the detention facility is equipped with air conditioners and television sets, allowing inmates to watch Premier League matches and news broadcasts.

"As you know, and you can have a view, our cell is a VIP one. We have air conditioners — you can go and see that," he said.

He added that the suspects have access to television and are able to follow entertainment and current affairs while in custody.

"In fact, we have television for Premier League and other things that they want to watch. All of our suspects watch news they'll even see this one if you air it. They are enjoying," he said.

According to him, the suspects are "not kept in any harsh conditions" and are not being unlawfully detained.

The officer also restated the agency's commitment to tracking and arresting individuals involved in criminal activities, especially those who allegedly use social media to create panic or showcase criminal operations.

"We will go after you, we will chase you in reverse order and arrest you," he added.

The statement has drawn attention amid ongoing security operations targeting armed groups and suspected bandits across the country.

GenCos Reject FG Claims, Say No Payment Has Been Made on ₦3.3 Trillion Power Debt
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Power generation companies (GenCos) have stated that the Federal Government is yet to begin payment of the ₦3.3 trillion electricity sector debt approved by President Bola Tinubu in April, despite claims that implementation has started.

The GenCos, under the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), also rejected the government's reduction of the debt from about ₦4 trillion to ₦3.3 trillion, insisting that the full amount remains outstanding.

APGC CEO Joy Ogaji said during a webinar on Monday that no company had received any payment.

"You know that this acceptance of the government is like a moving target… from ₦3.3 trillion or ₦2.8 trillion, to date, we have not received a dime. Nothing has been received by the GenCos," she said.

President Bola Tinubu had approved the debt settlement under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga earlier stated that ₦3.3 trillion was agreed as a "full and final settlement" of debts between 2015 and 2025, following verification.

He also said implementation had begun, with 15 power plants signing agreements worth ₦2.3 trillion and ₦501 billion raised for payments.

But Ogaji maintained that no disbursement had reached GenCos. "The ₦500 billion bond… they've not even finished disbursing," she said.

She added that the revised figure was not accepted by operators: "We have not accepted ₦3.3 trillion… we owed gas suppliers over ₦4 trillion."

According to her, gas suppliers also rejected any debt reduction, insisting on full payment.

Ogaji said only five GenCos Geregu, Ibom Power, FIPL, NDPHC, and Mabon Energy accepted the bond terms and are receiving payments.

"When the FG floated the ₦500 billion bond, the GenCos rejected it except for five… These are the ones receiving payments," she said.

She warned that unresolved obligations could push sector debt beyond ₦7 trillion, while the government insists reforms and settlements are ongoing to stabilise the power sector.

If You Think Nigeria Can Only Be Good When Senators Trek to Work, You're Not Serious — Senator Victor Umeh Tells Critics
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Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) has defended lawmakers' entitlement to official vehicles, stating they are necessary for legislative duties.

Speaking on AIT's Political Platform, he rejected criticism of National Assembly benefits and insisted that lawmakers should not be expected to trek to work.

He said: "Why wouldn't I get a vehicle for performing official functions? Are you not seeing people in the executive arm of government having fleets of vehicles?"

Umeh also argued that lawmakers are unfairly targeted over benefits, adding that each senator is entitled to one official vehicle.

"If the only way Nigeria can be good is for senators to be trekking to work, well, I don't think we're being serious," he said.

On the SERAP court ruling against vehicle procurement and allowances, he stated that enforcement lies with the group: "SERAP should go and execute the judgment."

He maintained that National Assembly finances are auditable, dismissing claims of "jumbo pay," and urged verification through official audit bodies.

The debate follows a Federal High Court ruling in Lagos which voided a planned N40 billion vehicle procurement for lawmakers and N70 billion in allowances, describing them as unlawful and contrary to procurement laws and public trust.

Africa's Best World Cup Referee Reportedly Denied Entry to US Despite Diplomatic Passport
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A Somali referee widely regarded as one of Africa's best officials has reportedly been denied entry into the United States and sent back to Istanbul after arriving at Miami International Airport ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, 34, was reportedly stopped at the point of entry and placed on a return flight despite holding a diplomatic passport issued with the assistance of the Somali Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. The embassy stated that the passport was provided to ease previous visa-related challenges.

Artan had travelled from Kenya and transited through Turkey before arriving in Miami but was turned away on arrival. No official explanation has been given for the decision.

This comes after FIFA recently stated that his visa issue had been resolved, confirming that it "had been fully resolved and he will now be available to officiate at the FIFA World Cup."

Somalia is included on President Donald Trump's travel ban list. He was quoted last month describing Somali immigrants in the United States as "they're all crooks," and earlier in January referred to Somalia as "the worst country in the world."

Artan was recently honoured as Africa's Best Referee for 2025 at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards held in November.

2027: President Tinubu Is the Most Unserious Person — Solomon Dalung
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Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has described President Bola Tinubu as the most unserious presidential candidate.

The former minister said this during an interview with media personality Seun Okinbaloye. According to him, President Tinubu's supporters make up less than 14 percent of Nigerians.

"I don't see Tinubu as serious as you are presenting him. President Tinubu in 2027 is the most unserious person with all his strategies because he is underestimating the combustion that is coming with his party. They have shielded him so much that he is living in a world of his own, being fed by produced social media support.

"Tinubu's support, if I will be very sincere, is not up to 14 percent in Nigeria. Let's take the states — can you show me where Tinubu will win? There is none.

"Lagos is going to be a battle zone between APC, NDC, ADC, and PDP. He was defeated in 2023. He will be defeated worse than what happened in 2023 because Tinubu doesn't learn any lessons. If he learnt lessons, he should have known that allowing insecurity, hunger, and frustration to fester is designing your political grave as a politician," he said.

NLC, TUC Warn of Possible Strike as Insecurity Deepens in Nigeria
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have warned that they may embark on industrial action if the rising cases of terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings across the country are not urgently addressed.

The labour unions issued the warning during a joint press briefing at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, where they expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria.

They stated that the continued violence is putting workers and citizens at risk, adding that organised labour would be forced to act if the government fails to respond decisively.

The unions also dismissed reports by some state governors suggesting that discussions were ongoing regarding a proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage, stating that such claims do not reflect the actual status of negotiations on workers' welfare.

If They Want to Overthrow Tinubu, It Shouldn't Be by K!dnapping Our Children — Fr. Mbaka Alleges Political Plot Behind Insecurity
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Father Mbaka has reacted strongly to the recent kidnapping of Oyo schoolchildren, calling for urgent action from authorities while making controversial political claims about insecurity in Nigeria.

In a statement expressing anger over the incident, he said: "Governor Makinde, wake up. Let the Nigerians march to Oyo State there's a governor there. If they want to overthrow Tinubu, it shouldn't be by kidnapping our children so that the whole of Nigeria will be angry against the President."

He further alleged a pattern behind national crises, saying: "That was what they did against Jonathan they've started it again. It's a satanic politicking agenda, putting panic in the whole country so that everybody will say the President should go."

Mbaka also questioned the motives behind the insecurity, adding: "Then if this one goes, who else will come? And they'll support him. Governor Makinde, take the phone and trace where they are. I'm speaking in prophetic anger it shall not be well with those who are doing this thing. Because today it's these children; who knows who will be the next victim? Don't think you're safe."

He concluded by warning about repeated violence in political transitions, saying: "Using atrocity each time they want to push a President."

His remarks come amid growing public concern over rising kidnapping cases in parts of the country, with security agencies continuing investigations and rescue operations.

We Survived COVID-19 and Ebola, We Will Survive Insecurity Too, Says Senate President Akpabio
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, stating that the country will overcome its current security challenges despite ongoing concerns over insecurity.

He made the statement on Sunday during an inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, part of activities marking Democracy Day. The service had the theme "God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams."

Akpabio said Nigeria has passed through several difficult phases, including political instability, economic challenges, pandemics, and periods of military rule, yet continues to maintain democratic governance for 27 years.

"We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence. We will survive insurgencies," he said, noting that the country has also endured Ebola, COVID-19, and other national crises.

He acknowledged that insecurity remains a serious national issue, stressing that the government deliberately marked this year's Democracy Day in a low-key manner due to the situation in the country.

According to him, communities have been attacked, farmers are afraid to go to their farms, and many Nigerians now travel in fear. He also highlighted the emotional trauma caused by kidnappings, especially those involving children.

"The kidnapping of innocent citizens, especially children, wounds the conscience of our nation," he said.

Akpabio added that the pain of abducted children resonates deeply with him due to his childhood experiences during the civil war, noting that such suffering must not be ignored.

"We shall continue to act together, pray together, and persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure," he said.

Bándits Abdûct 50 Elderly Residents on Reconciliation Mission in Zamfara
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Bandits have abducted 50 elderly residents of Magamin Diddi village in Magami/Faru ward of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped while on a reconciliation mission to meet a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Jammo, who operates from Muntsira Forest in Maradun LGA.

According to reports, the elders had gone to negotiate with the bandits following repeated restrictions on residents' access to markets and rising insecurity in the area.

The councillor representing Magami/Faru ward, Bello Husseini, said the community sent a 50-man committee to meet the bandit leader, but the mission turned tragic when the group was held hostage.

He stated that the bandit kingpin later released 11 persons, while others remained in captivity.

Husseini also claimed that Jammo is demanding ₦24 million over three rifles allegedly seized during earlier clashes involving local security operatives.

The Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Bello Dosara, confirmed the incident, stating that the reconciliation move was carried out without the approval of the local or state government.

Dosara said Governor Dauda Lawal's administration remains opposed to reconciliation with bandits, stressing that such groups cannot be trusted.