WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 20, 2026:  United States President Donald Trump has cut short his weekend stay at Camp David and returned to the White House a day earlier than originally scheduled, as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.  The development came shortly after Saudi Arabia said its air-defence forces intercepted a ballistic missile fired toward Riyadh by Yemen’s Houthi movement on Saturday. The Saudi-led coalition said the missile was destroyed before reaching the Saudi capital, while the Houthis claimed they had targeted what they described as “sensitive sites” in Riyadh.  The incident has heightened concerns about a wider escalation in the region. The U.S. State Department and several American diplomatic missions issued security warnings, urging Americans in the Middle East to exercise increased caution and warning that the conflict could escalate rapidly.  Although Trump’s administration did not publicly give a reason for the cha...

By Spotlight African Reporters | Abuja September 19, 2026 The Federal Government has reportedly identified and suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in connection with the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in custody in Niger State. The development follows growing public concern over the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with authorities launching investigations to establish what happened to the detainees and determine whether any officers or officials were responsible for violations of their rights or failure of duty. The suspension of the officers is expected to allow investigators to conduct their work without interference while efforts continue to establish the immediate and underlying causes of the deaths. The incident has drawn widespread attention, particularly because the deceased miners were reportedly being held in NSCDC custody before their deaths. Authorities have continued to emphasise that the inve...

September 18, 2026 From Spotlight African Reporters The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed deep grief over the deaths of 37 persons who were arrested over suspected illegal mining activities and subsequently died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, conveyed the governors’ condolences to the Niger State Government, the families of the deceased and communities affected by the tragedy. Governor Yahaya said the death of such a large number of people while in custody was a matter of grave concern, stressing that every human life remains valuable regardless of the circumstances surrounding an individual’s arrest. He called for a thorough, transparent and credible investigation to establish what happened before, during and after the victims were taken into custody. “We must allow the facts to emerge through a credible investigation....

By Spotlight African Reporters | Abuja September 18, 2026 Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has visited Niger State over the deaths of 37 suspected artisanal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), pledging a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Disu made the commitment on Friday during a condolence visit to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, at the Government House in Minna. The IGP said the Nigeria Police Force would “leave no stone unturned” in determining what led to the deaths, describing the incident as tragic. He said he was in the state not only to condole with the government and people of Niger but also to visit the scene of the incident and conduct further investigations.  According to the IGP, deaths occurring in custody constitute a serious matter within the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force, regardless of which security a...

By Spotlight African Reporters | Abuja September 18, 2026 Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has granted a pardon to controversial native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, and set him on a new path of youth reorientation. Nwangwu, who was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison by the High Court sitting in Awka, had about 11 months remaining on his sentence after part of the term was counted concurrently with time already spent in custody.  Governor Soludo announced the pardon on Friday, September 18, 2026, during a visit to the Correctional Centre in Amawbia. As part of the conditions surrounding Nwangwu's rehabilitation, he is expected to serve as an ambassador for youth reorientation, renounce Oke-ite and related charm practices, and publicly discourage youths from engaging in such practices. Nwangwu's arrest followed the Anambra State Government's wider crackdown on activities involving native docto...

NSCDC Commandant General Suspends Niger State Commandant, Team Over Tragic Incident September 18, 2026 | Abuja By Spotlight African Reporters The Niger State Government has constituted a Committee of Inquiry to determine the root cause of the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, speaking at a press conference, said the investigation is aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensuring that the appropriate action is taken based on the findings. The committee will be chaired by the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, while the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, will serve as Secretary. Governor Bago disclosed that other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC, have also constituted separate co...

September 18, 2026 | Ibadan Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the renewal of the ₦25,000 monthly wage award for civil servants for another three months, while also directing the continuation of the state’s ₦10,000 transport subsidy for workers. Makinde announced the decision on Friday after resuming official duties following his annual leave. He said the measures were aimed at cushioning the impact of rising living costs and the recent increase in petrol prices on workers and residents.  The governor assured workers that his administration would continue to engage with labour leaders to address the economic challenges confronting residents across the state. The extension means the wage award and transport support will continue through December 2026, according to Radio Nigeria.  Makinde also disclosed that Oyo State’s monthly wage bill had increased from ₦4.5 billion in 2019 to about ₦18 billion, while the state’s minimum wage had risen from ₦18,000 to ...