Canada have already made World Cup history, while Mexico and the USA are also on course to beat their best ever runs in the tournament as home advantage has paid dividends.

AFP Sports looks at how all three co-hosts have thrived while others have struggled with the sprawling tournament spread over three countries and 17 cities.

Mexico

Swept along by fanatical support in the stadiums and the streets, Mexico have already ended a 40-year wait to win a knockout game by beating Ecuador to make the last 16.

El Tri are confident of eliminating England in what could be a World Cup classic on Sunday.

Javier Aguirre’s side made the most of a kind group-stage draw to ease past South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic.

But the first half destruction of Ecuador, who beat Germany in the group stages and finished second to Argentina in South American qualifying, served as a warning to England.

Winger Julian Quinones has been Mexico’s breakout star with three goals in four games, while veteran striker Raul Jimenez broke down in tears after ending his long wait for a World Cup goal in the opening game of the tournament.

Now in his third spell in charge, Aguirre is aiming to achieve where he failed in 2002 and 2010 by taking Mexico to the quarter-finals, matching their best ever World Cup performance on home soil in 1970 and 1986.

“I can tell you that this team deserves what is happening,” he said after a reported 1 million people took to the streets of Mexico City to celebrate the win over Ecuador.

“This big connection with the fans and playing the World Cup.”

USA

Any fears that the Americans would fail to show up to their own party have been emphatically swept away as Mauricio Pochettino’s men have energised a nation where football has to fight for its place in the spotlight.

A 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32 was the most-watched football match in US television history, averaging 33.5 million viewers across all networks.

The brand of high-energy, attacking football that made Pochettino one of the most sought after coaches in European football has been successfully implemented at international level.

Paraguay, who went on to eliminated Germany to reach the last 16, were blown away in a 4-1 victory that got the US off to a flying start.

Even the sending off of Folarin Balogun, who has been one of their stars of the tournament with three goals, against Bosnia could not derail the USA as the 10 men saw the game out with ease.

Even without the suspended Balogun, a last 16 clash with Belgium should hold no fear for Pochettino’s men as they eye the quarter-finals for just the second time.

Canada

The glass ceiling for Canada at a World Cup was shattered when they made the knockout stages, and in some style, as they thrashed Qatar 6-0.

A second-place finish in Group B behind Switzerland, meant Canada were forced onto American soil for the remainder of the tournament.

A first ever knockout victory followed against South Africa, thanks to Stephen Eustaquio’s late strike in Los Angeles.

A much tougher taks awaits in Houston on Saturday when highly-fancied Morocco face Jesse Marsch’s men.

Outspoken American Marsch has branded his team “Canadian heroes” just for making it this far and said taking on the 2022 semi-finalists was a “free hit” at more glory.

The post Hosts Canada, Mexico and USA thrive in their World Cup appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Esther Onyegbula 

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old suspected cultist, Yusuf Lamina Adigun, and recovered a locally made pistol loaded with one live cartridge during a routine stop-and-search operation in the Ijaiye/Ojokoro area of Lagos.

The Police said the suspect was apprehended as part of the Command’s sustained efforts to combat cultism and other violent crimes across the state.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, operatives intercepted a motorcycle conveying three passengers during the operation.

The statement disclosed that a search conducted on the passengers led to the recovery of a locally made pistol loaded with one live cartridge from Adigun.

“During the search, one of the passengers, Yusuf Lamina Adigun, a 27-year-old male, was found in possession of a locally made pistol loaded with one live cartridge,” the statement read.

The Police further revealed that the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

According to the Command, Adigun also disclosed that he and other members of the cult group, who are currently at large, were allegedly on their way to launch an attack on some individuals before they were intercepted by the Police.

“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity. He further disclosed that he and other members of the cult group, who are currently at large, were on a mission to launch an attack on some individuals before they were intercepted by the Police,” the statement added.

The Command said the suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue.

It added that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the alleged cult group and recover additional weapons that might be in their possession.

Reaffirming the Command’s resolve to tackle violent crime, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, said the Police would continue to intensify intelligence-led policing and proactive operations aimed at dismantling cult groups and criminal networks operating across the state.

According to the statement, the Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information that would aid crime prevention and enhance public safety.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, has reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining intelligence-led policing and proactive operations aimed at combating cultism and other violent crimes across the State. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information that will assist the Police in preventing crime and ensuring the safety and security of all,” the statement said.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre has stirred fresh reactions after sharing an AI-generated image depicting First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, frying and selling akara, days after her remarks about small-scale businesses sparked widespread criticism.

The image, posted on Friday, portrays the First Lady operating a roadside akara stand while wearing an apron with the inscription, “Iya Alakara, fueling the nation with love.”

The post came shortly after Mrs Tinubu suggested in an interview that businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli kuli require relatively little capital to start.

According to her, the Federal Government was supporting such ventures through grants rather than loans to help improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.

“We’re trying to give hope, and to start akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant,” she had said.

Her remarks generated widespread debate, with critics accusing her of being out of touch with the country’s economic challenges, while supporters argued that she was merely pointing to affordable business opportunities.

The AI-generated image has since intensified discussions on social media. While some users described it as a humorous response to the criticism, others argued that it mocked Nigerians struggling with rising living costs.

Reacting on X, a user identified as @Top_GunM wrote, “Warra country. It’s so unfortunate. This is meant to be the wife of the president of the most populous black nation in the world and this is what she’s being reduced to.”

Another user, who tweets as #mizmuchstella, criticised the Presidency’s media team, saying, “Whoever is the handler of this account should be sacked. Your job is to position this government as good, but it is obvious you have no basic knowledge of your job.”

Also reacting, #WilverZaddy said, “I hope Nigerians are seeing the man they voted for using them to catch cruise? Is this what a president is supposed to say? A president directly mocking the masses while the economy bites harder with high level of insecurity in the country. Such a big pity and mess.”

Another X uder #ChimaAmako82045 described the post as an insult to Nigerians, writing, “Keep enjoying this mediocrity n insult you are giving Nigerians, e just remain months to vote the idiotic family out of aso rock, and na that time when una wan rig am na him una go know Nigerians pain. Enjoy it while it last but remember it won’t last forever.”

Straight, who writes as #outtahighbee, argued that the Presidency was damaging its own image, saying, “lol You guys are not helping this president of ours at all. You think you are but you keep dragging the old man down and further down with this cruise. Everybody can’t sell akara and kuli kuli now Abi iru wahala wo leleyi gan sef? Oro yin su mi o.”

Gentry, who tweets as #gentrytee22, said the image reflected how little the government valued its citizens, describing it as “a nationwide meme.”

“This is to show how small the government of the day rates its citizens. You advocate for mediocrity and call it innovation, people who wants better for themselves complain now it has to turn to a nationwide meme being used by the government media team lol. It’s a shame,” the user wrote.

Offering a different perspective, Tim Oma, who writes as #SirTimeyin, defended the Presidency, arguing that Nigerians had already turned the First Lady’s comments into online jokes.

“I find it interesting that so many people are suddenly outraged. When the First Lady’s “Akara” comment became content, Nigerians turned it into skits, memes, and endless cruise. We laughed, and moved on. Now the President has added his own quota to thesame joke, and everyone is wailing. Why the surprise? Once a national issue becomes entertainment, don’t be shocked when those in power start treating it like one too. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

Another X user, Sta M, who tweets as #sto0511M, welcomed the image and encouraged the Presidency to release more similar content.

“Thank you for this image we want more of these kind images to dish out to them so that theh can continue roaming in 1 roundabout,abeg pepper dem more for us our body sey sweet us with that PBAT statement,” the user wrote.

President Tinubu had on Thursday jokingly referred to the First Lady as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller) while speaking at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House in Abuja.

The post Tinubu media centre shares AI image of first lady selling akara appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Soni Daniel

Kogi State Government, in collaboration with federal and local security forces, has recovered no fewer than 1000 livestock from bandits.

The successful operation was carried out in conjunction with the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Hybrid Forces from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters.

The security operation targeted the remnants of the criminal network of the late bandit kingpin, Kachalla Ibrahim Battijo, and other cattle-rustling syndicates operating within Kogi State and across the North Central region.

The recovered livestock include no fewer than 200 traced to the criminal network of the late Battijo, while the remaining animals were recovered from other armed bandits engaged in cattle rustling across Kogi State and neighbouring states.

The criminals had attempted to move the stolen livestock through Kogi State for sale to finance their criminal activities.

Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed in a statement to Vanguard on Saturday that the successes were made possible by credible and timely intelligence received and acted upon by the various security agencies involved in the operations.

Fanwo noted that ntelligence enabled the operatives to track the movement of the bandits and launch coordinated offensives before the stolen livestock could be taken to their intended destinations.

According to him, the intelligence revealed that the criminal groups planned to sell the rustled livestock to raise funds for the procurement of arms, food supplies and other logistics.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, security operatives engaged the bandits in fierce gun battles at different locations.

Several of the criminals were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of bullet wounds, abandoning the rustled livestock in their desperate attempt to escape the superior firepower of the security forces. Those who escaped are currently being trailed.

Fanwo said the remnants of Battijo’s gang had become increasingly desperate following the elimination of their kingpin as sustained security operations continue to dismantle their network and deny them freedom of operation within Kogi State as well as access to logistics.

“I can confirm that many of the flies that chose to follow the corpse to the grave have now been buried alongside it, while those who escaped with varying degrees of bullet wounds are being actively tracked by our security forces. They will not escape justice,” he said.

He disclosed that the recovered livestock are currently being kept in a secure location in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area while arrangements are being made to identify their rightful owners and ensure their prompt return.

The Commissioner commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, as well as the military, the police, local vigilantes and hunters for their professionalism, bravery and seamless collaboration, describing the operation as another major milestone in the state’s sustained war against criminality.

“Our feet will remain firmly on the pedals until we rid Kogi State of criminal elements and restore the confidence of our people to sleep with both eyes closed,” he stated.

Fanwo reiterated the commitment of the Kogi State Government to sustaining the ongoing offensive against criminality, stressing that the administration would continue to maximise the security support provided by President Bola Tinubu to safeguard lives and property.

“As a Government, we will continue to make the best use of the security resources and support provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle criminality. The President has demonstrated strong commitment to improving national security, and Kogi State is already recording significant gains through this collaboration. We will not relent until every part of our state is safe for our people,” he said.

The state government also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, assuring them that all useful information would be treated with utmost confidentiality and acted upon promptly.

It reiterated that security remains a collective responsibility and reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that Kogi State remains hostile to criminals and safe for all law-abiding citizens.

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Britain’s outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer warned his probable successor Andy Burnham in an interview released Saturday that he cannot ignore international turmoil and just concentrate on the country’s domestic problems.

In his first interview since announcing his resignation on June 22, Starmer said his successor as leader of the ruling Labour party could not spend less time on turbulent international affairs.

So far, former Manchester mayor Burnham is the only candidate to take over the centre-left party. He could be in office by mid-July.

“Whoever’s my successor is going to face the same global conflict. We keep saying, and it’s true, we’re in a more dangerous and volatile world than we’ve been in for probably most of my lifetime. That’s not just a phrase, that’s reality,” Starmer told the BBC.

Burnham’s supporters have said he should put more focus on domestic issues, such as the cost of living, and Burnham said this week that decentralisation of government would be a priority.

But in a social media question-and-answer session Friday, he discussed international topics and said he would “100 percent” give the same support to Ukraine as Starmer.

Asked by the BBC, Starmer said his successor would not be able to spend less time on diplomacy.

“There’s often this discussion — what’s the right balance between dealing with international affairs and dealing with domestic affairs? They’re one and the same thing,” Starmer said.

“If you’re prime minister and you care what bills are going to be like in any household around the country, you have to care about finding a lasting solution to the situation in Ukraine, you have to care about what happens in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Starmer said he had “never had any personal animosity” towards Burnham and that he would “do everything I possibly can to make sure” that the next government succeeds.

Starmer, who led Labour to a spectacular win in the 2024 general election, has said he will remain in parliament at least until the next nationwide vote, but told the BBC he would be “keeping my mouth shut, rather than giving constant advice to my successor about what they should be doing”.

Starmer had vowed to fight any challenge to his leadership, but gave in to intense pressure from his party. “In the end it became an intensely personal decision,” he said, one taken with his wife and children at the British prime minister’s country retreat.

“We went to Chequers and just spent two days together as a family. And that’s when I came to my final decision,” he said.

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By Vincent Ujumadu 

The World Bank has confirmed that Anambra State did not express interest to participate in its 2024 Hope-Governance Programme, contrary to what the state government described as misleading media reports alleging that the state was denied the loan facility due to poor performance benchmarks.

In the bank’s Implementation Status & Results Report on Nigeria Hope-Governance (P181476), dated July 07, 2025, 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory have expressed interest in participating in the programme, but Anambra State did not express interest to participate.

According to the report, there was no mention of disqualification or failed benchmarks, adding that only interested states engaged the bank for guidance.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Christian Aburime, in a statement said: “Anambra’s non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision, not a penalty. 

“Anambra State  government under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, evaluates every programme against its priorities and fiscal timelines before committing.”

Aburime, however, added that the state government is currently concluding due diligence and ongoing talks with the World Bank, insisting that Anambra State will not fail to participate in any progressive programme or policy that aligns with the state’s priorities, now or in the future.

The post Anambra didn’t show interest in 2024 Hope-Governance loan – World Bank appeared first on Vanguard News.

Says ex-members expelled over financial impropriety, anti-party activities behind move

By Anayo Okoli

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ebonyi State has distanced itself from a purported endorsement of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Chief Ifeanyi Odii, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The party insisted that it remains committed to fielding and supporting its own governorship candidate in the state.

The Ebonyi State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Enyinnaya Udensi Alum, described the reported endorsement as the handiwork of former party members who were expelled over alleged financial impropriety and anti-party activities.

According to him, the NDC has no intention of endorsing the candidate of any other political party, either now or in the foreseeable future.

He urged party members and supporters to disregard the purported endorsement, describing it as contrary to the ideals and principles of the party.

“Information reaching me, Hon. Prince Alum Enyinnaya Udensi, the Ebonyi State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), is that a few former members of the party, who were sacked over financial impropriety and anti-party activities, are purportedly going to endorse one of the factional governorship candidates of the PDP on behalf of the NDC,” he said.

“Ebonyians, NDC members and other teeming supporters of the NDC in the state should note that the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Ebonyi State has its governorship candidate and that the party has not, and will at no time, endorse any candidate other than the NDC governorship candidate.

“NDC members are hereby requested not to attend any such gathering as it amounts to anti-party activities, while the general public is asked to desist from dealing with the said individuals as they are no longer NDC members and do not represent the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”

The party maintained that it remains focused on its preparations for the 2027 governorship election and reaffirmed its commitment to presenting its own candidate to the electorate.

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…Says offence is triable by court

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has fixed July 22, 2026, for the arraignment of former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, over alleged defamatory statements against Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Justice M.O. Folorunsho, in a ruling on Friday, held that the alleged offence is triable by the court, adding that, “this court is blessed with territorial jurisdiction to hear this case.”

The Kwara State Government had instituted criminal defamation proceedings against Saraki over statements allegedly published on April 17, 2026, on social media and in newspapers.

According to the charge, Saraki allegedly published and shared statements containing insulting, derogatory and abusive language, claiming that Governor AbdulRazaq was not educated up to secondary school level.

The government alleged that Saraki knew or ought to have known the statements were false but intentionally published them in a manner intended to insult or provoke the governor and the Kwara State Government, an act it said was likely to cause a breakdown of public peace.

The offence is said to be punishable under Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.

Counsel to Saraki, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), had filed a motion on notice seeking seven principal reliefs, bordering on improper service, lack of jurisdiction, abuse of court process and other grounds, arguing that the case was not triable before the state High Court.

Adopting the defendant’s written address, T.A. Ahmed, who represented Mumini, urged the court to dismiss the charge.

“Looking at the position of our address, we urge the court to decline jurisdiction on the matter,” he submitted.

Responding, prosecution counsel, Rafiu Balogun, told the court that the state had opposed the application by filing a counter-affidavit on June 11, 2026.

“I pray the court to dismiss the application of the defendant/applicant. The application is frivolous and incongruous,” Balogun said.

In his ruling, Justice Folorunsho resolved all seven reliefs sought by the defence in favour of the prosecution.

He held that the offence was triable by the court and reaffirmed that it had the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

The judge further stated that the allegation of criminal defamation against Saraki remained valid and subsisting.

On Saraki’s physical appearance in court for arraignment, Justice Folorunsho held that, by the provisions of Section 227(b), the court could dispense with the defendant’s physical presence in respect of interlocutory applications.

He added that the request to defer Saraki’s appearance and arraignment pending the determination of the application had become academic and was therefore refused.

According to the judge, “An appraisal of the charge sheet and the accompanying proof of evidence does not in any way suggest it is a politically motivated action.”

He concluded: “In view of the above, I hold that the objection of the defendant/applicant is without any iota of merit and it is accordingly hereby dismissed.”

Justice Folorunsho subsequently adjourned the matter to July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s arraignment.

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By Hadiza Yusuf

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has said the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has gone beyond the actions of one individual and has become a matter of public accountability that requires full explanation from the Federal Government.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed.

According to the statement, the movement said the controversy raises serious questions about transparency, credibility and accountability in government.

The spokesperson revealed that while the Presidency has publicly stated that the PFIPC never existed and has distanced itself from anyone claiming to represent the council, reports that over ₦1 billion was allocated to an entity bearing the same or a similar name in the 2026 Appropriation Act have created concerns that deserve clear answers.

“This controversy cannot simply be dismissed as the misconduct of one individual,” the statement said.

“Nigerians are entitled to know: If the council never existed, how did it find its way into the national budget? Who proposed and approved the allocation? Which government offices processed the documentation? Was any public money released or committed? If official documents were allegedly forged, how were they used for such a long period without detection?”

The movement described the questions as matters of public interest rather than partisan politics.

“These are not partisan questions. They are questions of public accountability,” it stated.

The group also said the Tinubu administration came into office promising institutional reforms, transparency and responsible governance, adding that the government’s response to the controversy would be a test of those commitments.

“The Tinubu administration came into office promising renewed hope, institutional reform and responsible governance. Those promises must now be measured against its willingness to provide full disclosure on this and other matters,” the statement said.

It warned that silence, conflicting explanations or attempts to shift responsibility could further erode public confidence in government.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement also argued that the controversy could affect Nigeria’s international image, saying foreign investors pay attention not only to economic policies but also to the credibility of public institutions.

It called on the Presidency to publish a comprehensive account of how the budgetary provision originated, the administrative processes involved and the steps being taken to prevent a similar situation in the future.

The movement also urged the National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies and other oversight institutions to conduct an independent investigation into the matter in line with the law.

“The Nigerian people deserve the truth, and they deserve it without delay,” the statement added.

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Pope Leo XIV on Saturday pressed Europe to do more to protect and integrate migrants as he visited Italy’s Lampedusa island, a major port of call for those risking the perilous crossing from Africa.

His trip to the migration frontline was a stark message to both EU and US leaders in a period of both growing intolerance and indifference.

The Catholic Church’s first US pope, who has clashed with President Donald Trump’s administration over its treatment of migrants, chose to mark July 4, the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence, at a migration hotspot.

Leo’s visit also comes just two weeks after the European Union’s approval of new migrant rules allowing much broader detention powers and the creation of deportation centres outside the bloc.

“From this far-flung corner of Europe on the Mediterranean Sea, one can more clearly perceive the momentous challenge that the phenomenon of migration poses to European societies,” Leo told crowds of faithful.

Yet “Europe is capable of addressing the crisis — in this region — in a comprehensive manner, integrating immediate relief efforts into a long-term strategic plan capable of receiving, protecting, supporting and integrating migrants,” he said.

It should do so “while at the same time assisting developing countries so that no one is forced to emigrate”, he added.

The 70-year-old began his visit by praying at the unmarked graves of shipwreck victims.

He then stood alone on the island’s rocky shoreline, buffeted by the wind as he looked out to sea, where countless migrant boats have been lost to the waves on the frontier between Africa and Europe.

Leo spoke to a migrant family, before taking the children by the hand and standing along with their pregnant mother at the “Door of Europe”, a monument dedicated to people who risk everything in search of a better life.

– Solidarity –

Lampedusa sits 90 miles (145 kilometres) off the coast of Tunisia and has cared for thousands of migrants — and taken in their dead.

The pope thanked the fishing and tourism community of 6,000 “for the solidarity that so many of you have shown”.

He also paid homage to those who have died during the crossing, saying “we feel their presence, which challenges us no less than that of those who have landed in need of attention and aid”.

In 2013, more than 360 people died in the island’s worst shipwreck, and dozens more have drowned in the years since.

The pope also visited the pier where people rescued at sea are brought to safety, and blessed a plaque dedicated to Pope Francis — who chose Lampedusa for his very first trip following his election in 2013.

Leo’s presence “sends a clear message at a time when the global political debate on migration is often framed around borders and deterrence rather than protection and shared responsibility”, Filippo Ungaro, spokesman for the UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, told AFP.

The pope has previously spoken out against measures to clamp down on undocumented migration, and called the US administration’s treatment of immigrants “inhuman”.

In a speech on Friday to mark America’s 250th birthday, Leo called for “moderation” in US public discourse, and spoke of how “successive waves of immigrants” had shaped the future of the country.

– World’s deadliest route –

The central Mediterranean crossing from north Africa is the deadliest migration route in the world, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Around 1,330 people died or went missing while attempting it last year, the IOM says.

More than 14,000 people landed in Italy during the first six months of the year, most of whom set off from Libya, according to UNHCR.

Nearly 60 percent of them arrived in Lampedusa, it said.

The numbers are far from the peaks reached in 2011, when tens of thousands arrived in months as maritime border controls disintegrated during the Arab Spring revolts.

AFP

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By Ayobami Okerinde

The South African government has pushed back against Nigeria’s plan to seek compensation for properties abandoned by Nigerians fleeing recent xenophobic attacks, insisting that only legally registered assets can be recognised while controversially calling on Nigeria to identify alleged “drug dens” linked to its citizens.

South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, made the remarks during a press briefing on Friday.

According to a video of the briefing shared by Newzroom Afrika on X, Ntshavheni said legally acquired properties in South Africa are properly documented and remain under the ownership of their registered owners, who are free to sell them through the country’s property market.

“If you own a property in South Africa, it’s registered. If it’s a house, it’s registered with the Deeds Register. If you own a car, it’s registered in the NATIS system. If you own a business, it’s registered with the CIPC,” she said.

She maintained that Nigerians who legally own property in South Africa could dispose of such assets rather than seek compensation from the government.

“If you own a property in South Africa, those who leave their properties, if they are properly legally registered in the country, they can dispose of the properties in the property market in South Africa, whether it’s movable or immovable property,” she added.

The minister, however, stirred controversy by suggesting that the South African government would be interested in identifying locations allegedly used for drug-related activities by Nigerians.

“We’ll be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are so they can show us where they’ve been holding the drugs so that we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently,” Ntshavheni said.

She also ruled out compensation for structures located in informal settlements, describing them as illegal under South African law.

“Informal squatter camps and settlements are never properties because they are illegal in the country. So you are already violating our law if you tell us about a shack in an informal settlement. So there is no compensation that will come from government,” she said.

Her comments came days after the federal govenrment announced plans to seek compensation for citizens who lost access to businesses and property while fleeing anti-migrant violence in South Africa.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on July 1, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, disclosed that affected Nigerians had been directed to compile detailed records of businesses and properties they left behind.

“In terms of the businesses, just three days ago, myself and the South African deputy minister of foreign affairs were together, and we were discussing this,” Ajayi said.

“I took up the discussion with her, and we have agreed that we are going to ask our people who are returning to begin to document what they are leaving behind.”

He explained that returnees had been instructed to provide detailed information about their abandoned assets before departing South Africa.

“I have asked them before they left yesterday to document very accurately those things they were leaving behind in terms of businesses, in terms of even cars, movable and immovable properties.

“…We are going to work with the South African government to get to the exact locations of all these businesses, shops and properties and present them to the South African government for possible compensation because we will not allow the labour people have suffered to build over the years to just go down the drain or be taken over by people,” he added.

Over 850 Nigerians evacuated

The Federal Government has so far evacuated more than 850 Nigerians from South Africa in four batches following the outbreak of xenophobic attacks.

Before the latest evacuation, 328 Nigerians had returned home in two batches. The first Air Peace flight, which arrived in Lagos on June 11, brought back 262 returnees, while a second batch of 66 arrived on June 25.

A third evacuation flight landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on June 30, conveying about 271 Nigerians from Johannesburg.

The latest batch arrived on July 3, when an Air Peace charter flight brought back 268 Nigerians, alongside two officials and crew members.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the government remained committed to ensuring the safe return of Nigerians affected by the unrest while continuing diplomatic engagement with South African authorities over the crisis.

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The South African government has rejected Nigeria’s request for compensation for citizens who abandoned their businesses and properties after fleeing renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.

Nigeria had indicated that it was compiling records of properties and businesses left behind by returnees as a basis for seeking compensation from South African authorities.

Earlier this week, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, said the Federal Government had begun documenting losses suffered by affected Nigerians to facilitate discussions on possible compensation.

However, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, dismissed the proposal during a press conference on Friday, insisting that the government would not compensate anyone for properties left behind.

According to Ntshavheni, legally owned properties are officially registered with relevant authorities and can be sold through the country’s property market, while structures in informal settlements are illegal and therefore not recognised as legitimate property.

“We’ll be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are. So they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so that we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently,” she said.

“Squatter camps and informal settlements are never properties because they are illegal in the country. So you are already violating our law if you are going to tell us about a shack in some informal settlement.”

She added: “So there’s no compensation that will come from government. Those who leave their properties, if they are properly legally registered in the country, they can dispose of the properties in the property market in South Africa — whether it’s movable or immovable property. And we are going to seriously appreciate being told where the drug dens are.”

Ntshavheni also disclosed that the South African government had approved new measures to prevent the re-establishment of informal settlements after they are demolished.

The latest development follows renewed xenophobic violence targeting African migrants in South Africa, which forced many Nigerians to leave the country amid concerns over their safety.

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Operatives of the Kebbi Hisbah Board, under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, have arrested 25 youths in Argungu town for alleged involvement in immoral acts.

The Director of Shariah of the Board, Sirajo Kamba, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

He said: “On July 3, the Kebbi Hisbah Board carried out a raid at a hotel in Argungu and successfully apprehended 25 suspects allegedly involved in immoral activities.

“Those arrested include 12 males and 13 females.

“The operation is part of the board’s ongoing efforts to combat social vices, promote moral values, and maintain peace and decency across Kebbi,” he said.

Kamba added that the board would conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with the law, and anyone found culpable would face the appropriate legal process. (NAN)

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Jihadists and their separatist Tuareg allies hit Mali with fresh coordinated attacks Saturday, striking multiple towns and a prison, according to the army, residents and security sources.

The fighting, which started around 5:00 am (0500 GMT), came more than two months after the same groups staged attacks against the ruling junta in which the country’s defence minister was killed.

The attacks were reported in Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok and Sevare, as well as a prison in Kenieroba.

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesman for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), an ethnic Tuareg separatist movement, told AFP that “several positions have fallen, but fighting is still underway inside the city” of Anefis.

A resident there contacted by AFP said that “armed groups are in the town, but the army is still putting up resistance. The camp (there) has not yet fallen”.

The northern towns of Anefis and Aguelhok are the last remaining locations where Mali’s army maintains a presence in the Kidal region, following the massive attacks of April 25 and 26.

In a major blow to the ruling military junta, the strategic northern Malian city of Kidal fell under the control of FLA fighters during the late-April offensives.

In Gao, in the north, residents contacted by AFP reported gunfire and “loud blasts” near an army camp.

In the central town of Sevare, “explosions rang out… around 5:00 am, though their origin is not yet known. Shortly thereafter, several aircraft were spotted flying over the area”, a security source told AFP.

The major Kenieroba prison complex, where jihadists, among others, are held, located a few dozen kilometres from the capital, Bamako, was also under attack.

“We are under our beds, the gunfire continues,” a prisoner told AFP.

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Saturday to Monday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Friday in Abuja predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds over the northern region on Saturday.

It forecast chances of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Taraba, Adamawa and Kaduna States during the morning hours.

By the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba States.

For the North Central region, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over parts of Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory during the morning hours.

‘’By afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa States and the Federal Capital Territory,’’ it said.

According to the agency, moderate rains are expected over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Lagos and Bayelsa states of the southern region during the morning hours.

It anticipated moderate rains over the entire region later in the day.

NiMet envisaged thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains on Sunday over parts of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa and Taraba states of the northern region during the morning hours.

It predicted thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa States later in the day.

For the north central region, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over parts of Niger, Kwara States and the Federal Capital Territory in the morning hours.

Later during the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated across the region.

For the southern region: There are prospects of light rains over parts of Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Rivers States during the morning hours.

The agency forecast chances of thunderstorms with moderate rains over the entire region later in the day.

According to NiMet, partly cloudy skies are anticipated over the northern region with chances of thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Bauchi, Jigawa and Yobe States during the morning hours on Monday.

The agency predicted thunderstorms with moderate rains across the region during the afternoon and evening hours.

For the North Central region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the North Central region during the morning hours.

Later, during the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region.

‘’For the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected over the region with prospects of light rains over parts of Edo, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States during the morning hours,’’ it said.

It anticipated thunderstorms with moderate rains over the entire region later in the day.

NiMet urged the public to take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision, as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

‘’ The expected continuous rains over the coastal areas of the South have good prospects of flash flooding. Avoid driving or wadding through flood waters. Driving under heavy rain should be avoided.

“Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

‘Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,’’ it said (NAN).

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The fixtures for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been confirmed following the conclusion of the Round of 32 matches.

Argentina secured their place in the last 16 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cape Verde, while Colombia edged Ghana 1-0 to book their spot in the next round.

Argentina will face Egypt on Tuesday, July 7, while Colombia are set to take on Switzerland.

Co-hosts Canada will kick off the Round of 16 against Morocco on Saturday, July 4. Other fixtures include Paraguay versus France, Brazil against Norway, Mexico taking on England, Portugal facing Spain, and the United States meeting Belgium.

2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 fixtures:

Saturday, July 4

• Canada vs Morocco: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
• Paraguay vs France: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Sunday, July 5

• Brazil vs Norway: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
• Mexico vs England: NRG Stadium, Houston

Monday, July 6

• Portugal vs Spain: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
• United States vs Belgium: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Tuesday, July 7

• Argentina vs Egypt: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
• Colombia vs Switzerland: Lumen Field, Seattle

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America turns 250 on Saturday — a landmark birthday that coincides with a time of deep national division and a president determined to seize the festive center stage.

The independence anniversary also comes in the middle of a brutal heatwave that has placed some 160 million Americans under major or extreme heat warnings, playing havoc with planned parades and block parties in towns and cities across much of the country.

But the searing temperatures have done little to deter President Donald Trump, who has gone to great lengths to ensure the event becomes, in large part, a celebration of himself.

On Saturday evening, Trump will hold a huge campaign-style political rally on the National Mall in the capital Washington, along with roaring military flyovers and what he has touted as the world’s biggest fireworks display.

“It’s going to be approximately 107 degrees (41C) out, and I’m going to go and I’m going to make a really long speech — just to show that I can do anything,” he earlier said.

Late Friday, the president visited the Mount Rushmore national monument for an address under the gaze of the giant granite heads of four of his legendary predecessors.

– ‘Menace in our land’ –

While he lauded American exceptionalism and praised the country’s past leaders, he said that the American identity was “under a renewed attack.”

Taking aim at domestic “radicals and extremists,” he charged that there was “a resurgence of the communist menace in our land.”

It is a theme that Trump has repeatedly hammered home in recent weeks, as the anti-establishment left of the Democratic Party carried a string of US primary victories.

The president has cast the rise of the left ahead of November’s midterm elections as “communists” on the rampage, posing a major “threat” to the country.

On Friday, Trump said there has been an attempt to “beat the American spirit out of us, alienate us from our history” in recent years.

While his language fell short of the more violent anti-immigrant rhetoric he has wielded in past speeches, the underlying message was clear.

“You do not have to be born here, but you do have to love what we have built,” he said.

The location of Trump’s speech was a fitting backdrop for a president who views himself as one of the greats.

Trump’s supporters have even introduced legislation to have his likeness chiseled beside those of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.

– Celebration and reflection –

For Americans, the 250th festivities offer a moment for reflection as well as celebration.

After two and a half centuries of triumphs and tragedies, slavery and freedom, civil war and world wars, multiple surveys indicate a nation divided about where it is and where it’s going.

A Quinnipiac University Poll showed 61 percent of Americans thought the US was not living up to the ideals stated in the Declaration of Independence — though even opinion on that was divided, with most Republicans thinking it did, and most Democrats thinking it didn’t.

“There’s too many people that hate on each other, steal from each other. They don’t love each other,” said Los Angeles-based artist Johnny Presley.

“I’m sick of the way this country treats people. I’m sick of the way this country treats its foreign neighbors,” he added. “I’m sick of a lot of damn things.”

For others, like American-Iranian Karisa Tavassoli, an educator in Atlanta, the basics of the American dream still ring true.

“I have safety, I have freedom of speech, I have freedom of religion, I can wear whatever I want as a woman,” she told AFP.

“There are many flaws here, but we have something very special that’s worthy of protecting,” she added.

Alonzo Coby, a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, is grateful to be able to celebrate 250 years of the United States.

“But I want people to remember that Native Americans have been here a lot longer than 250 years,” he said.

AFP

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Operatives of the Kebbi Hisbah Board, under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, have arrested 25 youths in Argungu town for alleged involvement in immoral acts.

The Director of Shariah of the Board, Sirajo Kamba, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

He said: “On July 3, the Kebbi Hisbah Board carried out a raid at a hotel in Argungu and successfully apprehended 25 suspects allegedly involved in immoral activities.

“Those arrested include 12 males and 13 females.

“The operation is part of the board’s ongoing efforts to combat social vices, promote moral values, and maintain peace and decency across Kebbi,” he said.

Kamba added that the board would conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with the law, and anyone found culpable would face the appropriate legal process.

(NAN)

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Argentina skipper Lionel Messi continues to lead the goalscoring standings at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the tournament moves into the Round of 16.

Messi increased his tally to seven goals after finding the net in Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in the Round of 32.

The Inter Miami star remains one goal clear of France forward Kylian Mbappé, who has scored six times in the competition.

Norway striker Erling Haaland and England captain Harry Kane occupy the next spot on the scoring chart with five goals each.

Messi will be aiming to extend his impressive run and inspire Argentina to another victory when they face Egypt in their Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.

The knockout phase begins on Saturday with co-hosts Canada taking on Morocco.

Current top scorers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

7 goals – Lionel Messi

6 goals – Kylian Mbappé

5 goals – Erling Haaland, Harry Kane

4 goals – Vinícius Júnior, Ousmane Dembele, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ismaïla Sarr

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Funeral ceremonies for Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei officially began on Saturday, state television reported, an event drawing thousands and intended to serve as a show of strength to the Islamic republic’s foes.

Iranian authorities say they anticipate between 15 and 20 million participants in Tehran alone over the next three days for tributes to the man who ran the country for three-and-a-half decades.

Six days of funeral ceremonies are planned to commemorate Khamenei, who ruled the Islamic republic as its number one from 1989 until his killing aged 86 on the first day of the US-Israeli war with Iran on February 28.

The events will be scrutinised in particular for any signs of Khamenei’s son and successor Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named supreme leader a week after the killing of his father but is yet to appear in public.

Thousands of mourners carrying red banners — a symbol of vengeance — gathered in the courtyard of Tehran’s vast Grand Mosalla religious complex waiting for the arrival of Khamenei’s coffin, an AFP journalist witnessed. Chants of “death to America” and “revenge, revenge” echoed at the venue.

“We came (to the funeral) because we promised the supreme leader we would stand by him to the very end,” 37-year-old university professor Reza, who gave only one name, told AFP.

“For a long time, we shouted that we would sacrifice our lives for the leader, but it was he who sacrificed himself for us.”

Javad Akbari, 43, a food-processing plant worker, said: “I never had the chance to see the supreme leader up close, and I regret that. Today, I have come to bid him a final farewell.”

Another AFP journalist saw mourners walking several kilometres to reach the venue. Hundreds of supporters of the Islamic republic had begun arriving on Friday evening outside the Grand Mosalla.

“We want to say a final goodbye to our leader, which is why waiting like this isn’t painful or difficult for us,” Somayye Hamedi told AFP.

Significant security measures have been imposed, with roads blocked and airspace expected to be closed for what is set to be the largest-scale public event in Iran since the burial of Khamenei’s predecessor Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.

– ‘Final goodbye’ –

The coffin will lie in state until Monday, when a procession will pass through Tehran.

On Tuesday it will move to the clerical hub of Qom, before moving on Wednesday to cities holy to Shia Muslims in neighbouring Iraq, then proceeding for burial on Thursday in Khamenei’s home city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.

Officials who survived the war showed their grief and displayed a united front on Friday, with parliament speaker and top negotiator in the US talks Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf visibly tearful.

Top Iranian officials paying their respects included Ahmad Vahidi, who was named chief of the powerful Revolutionary Guards after his predecessor was killed in the same strikes that killed Khamenei, but had not been seen since.

The coming days will be closely watched for signs of Mojtaba Khamenei, who has communicated only by written statements and is said to have been wounded in the same strikes, though the extent of his injuries was never made clear.

Other relatives killed in the strikes will also be buried, including Ali Khamenei’s infant granddaughter.

International guests paying respects Friday included Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has been mediating between Iran and the US, and Russian ex-president Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy head of the Russian security council, who attended on behalf of President Vladimir Putin.

Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah, both backed by Tehran, were also represented, as was the Taliban government in Afghanistan.

– ‘Call for vengeance’ –

After five weeks of fighting, the Middle East conflict is on hold following an initial accord between Iran and the United States. But Iranian officials have warned Tehran is ready to resume fighting if needed.

“The nation’s call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world,” said Ghalibaf, who urged Iranians to turn out en masse.

Army chief Amir Hatami vowed Israel and the US “will pay for the blood of the martyred leader and all the nation’s martyrs”.

But authorities will also want the event to go smoothly, deeply aware of the risk of crowd crushes that have marred similar events in the past. TV broadcasting guidelines on how to stay safe.

With temperatures well over 35C expected over the next few days in Tehran, tankers were stationed to spray water on the roads to cool down attendees.

Ahead of the ceremonies, AFP correspondents reported that Tehran was quieter than usual, with many normally busy streets free of Tehran’s notorious traffic.

AFP

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