The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has released a new "Fake News Alert" as of March 30, 2026, advising the public to ignore deceptive messages that are currently being shared on social media.  The NCS stresses that it does not engage in recruitment, issue appointment letters, or conduct auction sales via social media or third-party messaging services.   The recruitment process of the NCS is entirely free of charge. Any solicitation for payment into a personal account is fraudulent. Verified information is disseminated solely through the NCS website and its official social media platforms. Fraudsters are establishing counterfeit accounts using the names and images of high-ranking Customs officials, including the Comptroller-General, to swindle money from unsuspecting individuals. To ensure you are accessing genuine information, please refer only to the following verified channels: Official Website: customs.gov.ng Recruitment Portal: updates.customs.gov.ng Facebook: Nigeria ...

The United States decreased its acquisition of Nigerian crude oil by roughly 47.16% from the previous month in January 2026. This significant reduction is linked to a wider deceleration in U.S. crude imports and evolving global energy trends, with other African nations such as Angola and Ghana increasing their market presence. Import Volume: Decreased to 1.664 million barrels, down from 3.149 million barrels in December 2025. Market Share: Nigeria's proportion of total U.S. crude imports fell from 1.59% to 0.88%. The customs value of these imports declined from $217.36 million in December to $115.99 million in January. Notwithstanding the monthly decrease, Nigeria continued to be Africa's largest crude supplier to the U.S. throughout 2025, representing 52.2% of the continent's exports to the nation. Challenges in domestic sourcing and the emergence of the Dangote Refinery have altered supply flows; in mid-2025, U.S. crude actually surpassed Nigerian supply for the refinery...

On Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong denunciation of those who exploit faith as a rationale for violence, asserting that God "does not heed the prayers of those who engage in warfare". During his homily in St. Peter's Square, the Pope depicted Jesus as a "King of Peace" who disavows war and cannot be co-opted to rationalize it. His comments were particularly aimed at leaders who are contributing to the intensification of global conflicts, specifically noting that their "hands are full of blood". The Pope's statement emerged as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran progressed into its second month, following military actions that commenced on February 28, 2026. Without naming specific individuals, Leo XIV called upon leaders—including U.S. President Donald Trump—to forsake "projects of death" and opt for diplomacy rather than military pursuits. This address followed reports indicating that Is...

Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen is poised to utilize a specialized forearm protective splint upon his return to play, following a successful operation on a fractured right forearm.  The 27-year-old athlete incurred the injury during a UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool on March 18, 2026, as a result of a collision with defender Ibrahima Konaté. This new equipment is a custom-designed apparatus aimed at ensuring maximum protection throughout his recovery period.   It is intended to immobilize both the forearm and wrist, thereby supporting the bone during the healing process, alleviating pain, and preventing any further injury from physical contact.   The splint features adjustable straps for compression and breathable padding to enhance comfort during high-intensity games. This arm protection will be worn in conjunction with his now-famous protective face mask, which he has been using since undergoing facial surgery in 2021. Osimhen's return is being meticulo...

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has apprehended seven individuals, including fintech entrepreneur Vuong Le Vinh Nhan, also referred to as Eric Vuong, for orchestrating a multi-billion dollar cryptocurrency fraud.  This deceptive operation, which persisted from 2018 until March 2026, targeted millions of users via the ONUS crypto ecosystem, marking it as one of the most significant financial scams in the nation's history. The group devised and marketed counterfeit digital tokens (VNDC, ONUS, HNG), manipulated their market demand and pricing, and functioned within a legal grey area in Vietnam to entice investors, according to police reports.  The fraudulent platform, ONUS, was utilized by millions of individuals. It became unavailable around March 20, 2026, resulting in substantial financial losses estimated in the billions of dollars. Vuong Le Vinh Nhan and six accomplices were detained on charges of property appropriation and money laundering after more than 140 individu...

During the preliminary competition of Miss Grand Thailand 2026, which took place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, contestant Kamolwan Chanago (Miss Grand Pathum Thani) gained significant attention after her false teeth (veneers/flipper) unexpectedly fell out while she was introducing herself on stage. As she spoke, Chanago's upper set of removable veneers became dislodged and fell onto her tongue, briefly affecting her ability to articulate.  Without hesitation, the 18-year-old turned away from the audience, quickly adjusted or removed the dental piece, and promptly continued her performance with a confident smile and a graceful runway walk. She has received widespread acclaim online and from pageant organizers for her "professionalism and composure" in managing the unforeseen incident. These types of dental appliances, commonly referred to as "flippers" or "snap-on veneers," are frequently utilized in beauty pageants to enhance a contestant's smile f...

In 2025, China reaffirmed its status as the largest automotive producer globally for the 17th consecutive year, achieving a remarkable production of 34.531 million vehicles, which marks a 10.4% increase compared to the previous year.  The surge was primarily driven by new energy vehicles (NEVs), which surpassed 16 million units and constituted over 50% of domestic sales, while exports exceeded 7 million units. Domestic sales reached 34.4 million units, reflecting a 9.4% increase, as reported by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). The production and sales of NEVs, which include electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, soared to over 16 million units, solidifying their leading position in the domestic market, as reported by Vanguard News and AutoCango. The total number of vehicle exports reached a record high, exceeding 7 million units, with NEV exports witnessing substantial growth. Top Performers: BYD surpassed its competitors, overtaking Tesla to become the lead...

  A recent investigation published in the journal Environmental Pollution revealed that sharks in the Bahamas are testing positive for various substances, including caffeine, painkillers, and, in one instance, cocaine, which is attributed to human-induced marine pollution. Researchers examined blood samples from 85 sharks belonging to five distinct species (lemon, Atlantic nurse, blacktip, Caribbean reef, and tiger sharks) near Eleuthera Island. Approximately one-third (28) of the sharks exhibited detectable levels of different drugs in their systems.   Substances Detected:   Caffeine emerged as the most frequently identified substance.   Painkillers, particularly acetaminophen (Tylenol) and diclofenac (Voltaren), were also found.   One shark tested positive for cocaine. These substances are thought to enter the ocean mainly through human wastewater, sewage discharge, coastal urban development, and tourism activities. In the case of cocaine, researchers hypothes...

As of March 27, 2026, President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to unprecedented lows during his second term, now standing at 36% according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll.  This decrease is mainly due to insufficient public backing for the current military engagement with Iran and the consequent economic pressures, which include a significant increase in gas prices. Multiple major polls conducted between March 20 and March 24, 2026, show a consistent downward trend: Pollster Approval Rating Disapproval Rating Key Findings Reuters/Ipsos 36% 62% Down from 40% the previous week; record low for his second term. Fox News 41% 59% Highest disapproval recorded across both of his presidential terms. AP-NORC 38% 60% Shows a significant 22-point gap between disapproval and approval. Quinnipiac 38% 56% Majority (54%) oppose the military action against Iran. Emerson College 42% 51% Lowest economic approval (38%) ever received in this poll. Primary Drivers of the Decline The Iran War: ...

  Nigeria's Defence Headquarters has formally refuted claims that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) made statements rejecting the rehabilitation of "repentant terrorists" and opposing appeasement strategies.  The military has characterized these assertions as misinformation, urging the public to disregard the remarks attributed to the CDS. Debunked Claim: The CDS did not make any specific comments concerning "repentant terrorists" or the rejection of appeasement. The Defence Headquarters asserts that the comments attributed to the CDS are inaccurate and do not represent his actual views. The public is encouraged to dismiss these erroneous reports, which may be intended to misrepresent the military's counter-insurgency strategies. The DHQ Nigeria reiterated that the Armed Forces are dedicated to safeguarding all citizens and called upon media organizations to verify information prior to publication to prevent the creation of "undue tension".

  On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the BBC officially named former Google executive Matt Brittin as its 18th director-general. Brittin, the former president of Google’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), will formally assume the role on May 18, 2026.  He replaces Tim Davie, who resigned in November 2025 following a controversy involving a BBC Panorama documentary about U.S. President Donald Trump. Following Davie's departure on April 2, Rhodri Talfan Davies (Director of Nations) will serve as interim director-general until Brittin takes over. Brittin will receive an annual salary of £565,000, matching his predecessor's pay. His appointment is seen as a move to leverage "big tech" expertise to accelerate the BBC's digital transformation, specifically for platforms like BBC iPlayer and digital news. Brittin enters the role during a period described by BBC Chairman Samir Shah as one requiring "radical reform". His immediate priorities in...

By Oluseye Arowolo - Ibadan. Drivers have been told to avoid reckless driving and ensure that their vehicles are in good condition, especially, break to prevent accident that can cause loss of lives and property. The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Oyo State Sector Command, Mrs. Rosemary Alo gave the warning at the accident that occurred in Beere, Ibadan, Oyo State capital this afternoon. Mrs. Alo attributed the crash to loss of control, likely caused by over- speeding and break failure. An eye-witness account explained that two persons were confirmed dead on the spot while three others sustained injuries. The crash involved a commercial DAF tanker belonging to a Petroleum company, BOVAS and five commercial tricycles. The reliable source revealed that the tanker lost control and rammed into the tricycles, thereby causing multiple crash. A total of eleven persons were involved in the accident, out of which three adult males sustained varying degrees of injuries while o...

  Nigerian footballer Alex Iwobi was reportedly the victim of a violent aggravated burglary at his residence in London on March 23, 2026.  The Fulham midfielder was allegedly threatened at knifepoint by a group of intruders who forcibly entered his home just hours before he was scheduled to join the Nigeria national team (Super Eagles) camp.   The estimated total value of the stolen items is around £500,000. Approximately £200,000 in cash was taken from a safe. The thieves also made off with designer wristwatches and luxury jewelry. Additionally, two iPhones and a MacBook laptop were reported stolen.  Status of Investigation: Authorities are actively investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made thus far.  The robbery took place while Iwobi was present at home, categorizing it as a "home invasion" crime where he encountered the armed intruders directly. This incident highlights a concerning trend of professional footballers being targeted by organize...

Hundreds of Georgia families are set to lose their housing assistance on June 30, 2026, due to the expiration of the federal Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program. Established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the program was originally expected to last until 2030. However, rapidly increasing market rents across Georgia drained the $5 billion national allocation much faster than projected. Congress has not renewed or extended the funding for these pandemic-era vouchers. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) currently supports approximately 560 families through this program across 149 counties. Effective July 1, 2026, Housing Assistance Payments (HAPs) will stop, and the contracts between landlords and the DCA will terminate. After this date, any ongoing relationship between the landlord and tenant (such as a lease) will no longer involve the DCA, meaning tenants will be responsible for the full rent. This modification is applicable solely to the EHV program. The...

  Nigeria is introducing long-acting HIV prevention injections, such as Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), to enhance prevention efforts and aims to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. This initiative aligns with global UNAIDS 95–95–95 targets, aiming to curb high HIV prevalence rates, particularly among key populations. The advent of injectable, long-acting HIV prevention medications, such as Cabotegravir, presents a noteworthy alternative to the daily oral pills, enhancing adherence and lowering transmission rates.  Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable medication for HIV prevention that is administered only twice a year. This initiative is a central part of Nigeria's strategic plan to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The move is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, a goal supported by PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov). Efforts focus on key populations (female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and injecting drug users) which c...