Rising concerns over subnational debt also emerged after states paid about ₦455bn to service foreign loans, even as football fans await clarity on the Super Eagles’ World Cup fate ahead of crucial play-offs, among others. Here are the top stories to start your day:US deploys 200 troops to NigeriaAbout 200 United States troops are to be deployed to Nigeria, according to reports outlining ongoing security cooperation between both countries and the context of current defence engagements. https://punchng.com/us-deploys-200-troops-to-nigeria/Dangote cuts fuel price, explores new Burundi investmentsDangote cut fuel prices and is exploring new investment opportunities in Burundi, according to details on the company’s pricing adjustments and expansion plans released on Wednesday. https://punchng.com/dangote-cuts-fuel-price-explores-new-burundi-investments/Eagles await World Cup fate ahead play-offsThe Super Eagles are awaiting their World Cup fate ahead of scheduled play-off fixtures expected to determine Nigeria’s qualification pathway for the tournament. https://punchng.com/pressure-mounts-on-bayelsa-gov-over-choice-of-deputy/States pay ₦455bn to service foreign loansStates paid about ₦455bn to service foreign loans, according to recent figures highlighting subnational debt servicing obligations across the country.

SECURITY experts and stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to criminalise ransom payments to terrorists, describing them as the biggest betrayal in the war against insurgency in Nigeria. The experts, who condemned the menace, especially when the government secretly paid terrorists a ransom, said that such a practice would only further encourage and deepen insecurity in the country. He said that the system comprises multiple layers, including state police, county police, rangers, and sheriffs, which work together in synergy to achieve their goals. MEANWHILE, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has condemned the recent killing of more than 178 people in Kwara State communities, describing the incident as “heartbreaking” and a grave provocation. He, however, cautioned South-West governors against politicising insecurity, urging them instead to adopt a united regional response.

Police cracked down on people in Sydney protesting a visit by the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog. Footage provided to Guardian Australia appears to show a person being repeatedly punched by a police officer while on the ground. The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, has defended the actions of police at a rally against Herzog’s visit, after video footage emerged showing officers repeatedly punching a number of protesters

Two persons —a commercial bus driver and his passenger—were burnt to death, while eight others sustained injuries after a minibus caught fire along the Okota–Mile 2 corridor in Lagos State. “Preliminary findings revealed that an unknown private vehicle reversed on the main carriageway, compelling the commercial minibus to apply an abrupt brake. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Ambulance Service were also deployed to extinguish the fire and manage rescue operations. “On behalf of the Lagos State Government, I express deep sorrow over this needless loss of life and extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We pray for the speedy and complete recovery of the eight rescued passengers,” Giwa said.

A PUNCH Metro correspondent, who visited the area on Tuesday, gathered from residents and video clips circulating in the community that the attackers struck inside the church, where Baba Iwo was allegedly hacked to death on the altar. In one clip lasting less than a minute and seen by PUNCH Metro, the deceased, dressed in Ankara fabric, had his neck almost severed. She explained that Baba Iwo, who was outside the church at the time, became suspicious after noticing movements within the premises. “With his cutlass in hand, he told another security guard who works in a nearby area that he wanted to go inside the church to inspect what was going on,” she said. “When he peeped through the entrance of the church, he saw Baba Iwo lying helpless on the altar.

There is growing confidence within the Nigeria Football Federation that the Super Eagles could receive another lifeline in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, as the country awaits FIFA’s verdict on a protest against DR Congo, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. As the play-offs draw closer, a verdict from FIFA is expected soon, and the NFF remains confident in the process. Nigeria’s protest is hinged on the alleged illegal switch of nationality by some DR Congo players. “I mean, we’re still waiting — hopefully we can go to the World Cup,” midfielder Alex Iwobi said recently. The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the three host countries.

The cargo agents operating at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, have suspended their strike following a reduction in tariff by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Ogunojemite said that the crisis was resolved on Monday in a meeting with the representatives of FAAN at the Lagos airport. According to him, FAAN crashed the cargo tariff from the initial N20per kg to N15per kg. Agbebire in the statement, said that FAAN had reached an agreement with the cargo agents on the tariff. “FAAN believes the resolution will enhance the ease-of-doing business at MMA while supporting sustainable airport and cargo infrastructure development.”The air cargo agents had last week embarked on industrial action to protest the upward review of tariff introduced by FAAN, describing it as anti-business

The Peoples Democratic Party has rebuked the Senate’s inclusion of a manual result transmission clause in the Electoral Amendment Bill, describing it as a “backdoor move” that undermines efforts to strengthen electoral reforms and ensure credible elections in Nigeria. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, in a statement released on Tuesday said it is inconceivable that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, which reliably handles election accreditation, would suddenly fail in transmitting results. The decision followed a review of a disputed clause in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill during an emergency plenary session on Tuesday. Should this democracy fail, the names of Senator Akpabio and all Senators who voted against electronic transmission will undoubtedly occupy a conspicuous chapter in the book of infamy. “We also call on Nigerians to remain resolute in their demand for the real-time electronic transmission of election results.

The National Sports Commission has announced the disbursement of N200m in training grants to 26 Nigerian athletes as part of preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, The PUNCH reports. “The training grants disbursed to 26 athletes across different sports followed a careful and professional selection process by the Yusuf Ali-led Elite and Podium Board. Olopade said the support would significantly aid preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland and other major events, including the Olympic Games. The latest disbursement marks the second time within six months that the commission has released training grants to Nigeria’s elite athletes , according to the NSC. Nigeria will be aiming to extend its Commonwealth Games medal tally of 271 medals, made up of 82 gold, 84 silver and 105 bronze, at the Glasgow 2026 Games, which are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026.

UK police said on Tuesday that they were questioning a teenager suspected of stabbing two boys at a London school, as counter-terrorism officers took over the investigation. “The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody for questioning by our officers,” he said. The UK, and London in particular, has long grappled with teenage violence and the use of knives, while violence within schools has been growing nationwide, according to unions representing teachers. Both teenage victims in the London stabbings, which occurred just after midday, were taken to hospital. In a letter to parents, Kingsbury High School headteacher Alex Thomas said it had been “a deeply traumatic event for the whole school community”.

Nigerian Senate has approved the electronic transmission of election results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) after all necessary procedures at the polling station are completed. According to the new rules, the presiding officer must ensure that results are signed off by the presiding officer, party agents, and security personnel before uploading them electronically. This process aims to boost trust, ensure transparency, and safeguard the fairness of the election. The decision was unanimously approved on Tuesday during an urgent Senate session, where it was agreed that this amendment would help restore public confidence and ensure the process remains organised and verifiable. Lawmakers highlighted that transmitting results to IReV after certification marks an important step forward in Nigeria’s democratic journey, increasing openness in result reporting and allowing citizens to track elections more easily.

A personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Chief Narcotic Agent Sadiq Bako Mujahid, has lost his life during a raid by operatives of the agency on a notorious drug enclave known as Ama Hausa in Bonny Island, Rivers State. During the raid, six suspects were arrested and a significant cache of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and tramadol, was recovered. NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, in a statement, said Mujahid lost his life as a result of severe head injuries sustained when the drug dealers mobilised armed hoodlums to attack operatives during the raid. Babafemi said that despite the violent attack, the NDLEA operatives were able to apprehend all six targets of the raid, including the gang leader, Genesis George Benson, who is responsible for the death of the NDLEA operative. Even after the cowardly attack on Mujahid, our operatives ensured that the assailants were overpowered and arrested, and their illicit substances confiscated.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable, calling for the electronic transmission of election results in real time across Nigeria. On the issue of electronic voting and result transmission, Obi argued that network excuses could no longer justify delays or manipulation. Claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable,” he said, pointing out that financial institutions operate nationwide through secure digital networks daily. Last week, the Senate passed the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill, 2026, through third reading. Critics argue that the deletion of the term “real-time” weakens safeguards against manipulation, even though the Senate insists electronic transmission itself was not rejected.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced its Premium Motor Spirit gantry price by N25 per litre, lowering its ex-depot rate from N799 to N774 per litre in what industry analysts describe as a strategic price recalibration amid evolving market dynamics in 2026. The refinery communicated the price adjustment to marketers on Tuesday, noting that the new rate takes immediate effect. The latest reduction comes against the backdrop of volatile PMS pricing in 2025, following the full deregulation of the downstream sector and the removal of petrol subsidies. Throughout much of 2025, PMS ex-depot prices fluctuated sharply, driven by exchange rate pressures, global crude oil movements and reliance on imported fuel. Dangote Petroleum Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is Africa’s largest single-train refinery and a cornerstone of Nigeria’s drive to reduce fuel imports and conserve foreign exchange.

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) maintained its bullish run on Tuesday, extending gains recorded earlier in the week as sustained investor appetite pushed key market indicators higher. On the downside, Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc, Sky Aviation Leasing Company Plc, Guinea Insurance Plc, Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc, and Livestock Feeds Plc recorded the steepest declines for the session. The NGX Banking Index led sectoral gainers with a 1.83 per cent rise, supported by renewed interest in major deposit money banks. The NGX Insurance Index edged up marginally by 0.01 per cent, while the NGX Consumer Goods Index advanced by 0.18 per cent. Overall, the market’s performance underscores sustained bullish sentiment on the NGX, driven by broad sectoral gains, expanding market capitalisation, and rising transaction values.