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Recent reporting and features from Queen Phillips.
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A dispute over a failed late-night POS transaction in Ojo, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State spiralled into deadly violence that disrupted businesses and forced residents to flee. While eyewitnesses said four people were feared dead, the state government said it had officially confirmed two deaths and launched investigations.
Defence Minister Christopher Musa has ordered Nigerian troops to engage terrorists on sight, saying they no longer need to wait for further directives before taking action. The directive came as the Sokoto State Government unveiled ₦27.6 billion in security assets to support operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West.
The Lagos State Police Command says it arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms during coordinated raids across the state ahead of the July 7 cult-related celebration and initiation. Police said the operation was aimed at preventing violent clashes and other criminal activities linked to rival cult groups.
Two teenage sisters died after a house fire in Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, in an incident now under police investigation. A female suspect has been arrested as residents mourn the deaths and authorities work to establish what led to the blaze.
Two senior Boko Haram commanders have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Yobe State, handing the military fresh intelligence to support counter-terrorism operations in the North-East. The development signals added pressure on the insurgent group as coordinated offensives continue across the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it dismantled three illegal refining sites in Rivers State and recovered 205,680 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined products. The operation is the latest in ongoing efforts to curb crude oil theft, protect oil infrastructure and limit economic losses in the Niger Delta.
Ogbo Ogwu Medicine Market in Onitsha has handed over fake, expired and unwholesome drugs valued at more than N430 million to NAFDAC for destruction. Market leaders and regulators said the move reflects deeper cooperation to curb illicit medicines and protect public health despite resistance from criminal cartels.
DOHS Cares Foundation and the House of Representatives' Gender Technical Unit have begun efforts to push femicide provisions into the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act. Stakeholders said the move is urgent as data cited by the organisers shows a femicide case occurs in Nigeria every 49 hours.
Police in Abia State say they have arrested a 35-year-old woman seen in a viral video allegedly attempting to kill her 12-year-old niece with a kitchen knife. Authorities say the child was rescued, the weapon recovered, and the suspect will face an attempted murder charge after investigations are concluded.
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria says its Unity 2026 conference will bring together senior government officials, regulators and health experts to push reforms aimed at widening healthcare access and strengthening pharmaceutical systems. Organisers say the event will focus on practical policies around universal health coverage, medicine access and the role of community pharmacists in frontline care.
Police in Cross River State have opened an investigation after Blessing Ayebe was found dead inside a church toilet facility in Calabar. Authorities say an autopsy will determine the cause of death as key questions over when and how she died remain unanswered.
