The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed that 24 personnel connected to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State will remain in protective detention for two weeks. This directive stands pending the conclusion of an independent investigation by a Federal Government committee.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

National Public Relations Officer Babawale Afolabi stated in an interview that the officers will be kept at the national headquarters in Abuja to ensure they remain accessible to the 10-member investigative panel constituted by Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The committee has been given a two-week window to look into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and submit its official report.

Key Highlights:

• Protective Detention Status: The NSCDC clarified that the detention is a special directive rather than a standard criminal arrest, designed specifically to prevent any interference with the ongoing probe.

• Suspensions and Custody: Following the deaths of the suspects—who were arrested and detained between September 15 and 16—three additional personnel were identified and suspended, raising the total number of officers in custody to 24.

• High-Profile Personnel Involved: The affected officers under interrogation include the suspended Niger State Commandant, Ajayi Philips, along with various heads of intelligence, operations, and legal units from the state command.

The Corps has emphasized that administrative disciplinary proceedings are running concurrently with the independent presidential investigation.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has officially named his starting line-up for Nigeria’s crucial Group L opening match in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar, scheduled for 5 p.m. today at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Nigerian currency, the Naira (₦), experienced further pressure against the United States dollar during the official foreign exchange market session on Friday, September 25, 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) indicated that the local currency traded at an official rate of ₦1,329.5138 per $1 on Friday. This reflects a slight shift from the previous day’s rate of ₦1,328.6687 per $1 recorded on Thursday. Meanwhile, at the parallel market, the naira closed the week trading at ₦1,390 to the dollar.

Key Highlights:

• Official vs. Parallel Rates: While the CBN official rate hovered around ₦1,329.5138/$1, street and parallel market rates closed slightly higher at ₦1,390/$1.

• Market Variances: Actual rates offered by commercial banks and Bureau de Change (BDC) operators may fluctuate based on transaction margins, as well as prevailing supply and demand dynamics.

• Future Outlook: Market watchers and participants continue to closely track forex inflows, greenback demand, and upcoming CBN policy adjustments to gauge the naira’s trajectory.