INSIDE AGWA NEWSPAPER – MAJOR NATIONAL HEADLINES
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
1. Fuel marketers have resumed lifting Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) from private depots following the resolution of disruptions caused by recent price adjustments in the downstream petroleum sector. The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike, assured the public that private depots had recommenced sales to marketers, dismissing concerns over any imminent fuel scarcity.
2. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has disclosed that nationwide anti-crime operations conducted between June 9 and June 21, 2026, led to the arrest of 1,198 suspects across the country. Addressing senior police officers during the Force's monthly strategic conference in Abuja, the IGP said the operations also resulted in the recovery of illegal firearms, stolen vehicles, and the rescue of several kidnapped victims.
3. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered an illegal university operating in the Imeke area of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Lagos State. According to the corps, the institution admitted students into unaccredited academic programmes and allegedly compelled them to participate in a Ponzi scheme. Six suspects were arrested during the operation, while 107 students were rescued from the premises.
4. The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Tuesday officially inaugurated the party's governorship campaign in Osun State with a visit to Ile-Ife. Accompanied by the ADC governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, and other party leaders, Aregbesola was received by a large crowd at the palace of the Ooni of Ife as the campaign gathered momentum ahead of the election.
5. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a flood alert for 17 states across the federation, warning that they may experience significant flooding between July 21 and July 27, 2026. The agency's Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arc. Umar Mohammed, listed Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue among the affected states, urging residents in vulnerable communities to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories.
6. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has informed the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the operations and legal status of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) that it opened two domiciliary accounts for the council based on an authorisation received from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF). The disclosure formed part of the committee's ongoing investigation into the controversial council.
7. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria has retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 26.5 per cent following the conclusion of its 306th meeting in Abuja. Announcing the committee's decision on Tuesday, CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, said members unanimously agreed to maintain the benchmark interest rate after a comprehensive assessment of prevailing economic conditions and associated risks.
8. The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has distanced itself from the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), informing the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the body that it declined requests for collaboration after identifying discrepancies in documents submitted by its self-acclaimed Director-General, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi. The ministry's Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, stated that the ministry has no official relationship with the council.
9. Gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday attacked a cattle settlement in Ifite Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing four herders. The victims, identified as Mohammed Bujumi, Hassan Bujumi, Abubakar Bujumi and Sani Bujumi, were brothers from the same family. Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as investigations continue.
10. The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), on Tuesday dismissed reports suggesting he was planning to resign from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's cabinet. Speaking after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the minister described the speculation as false and misleading, expressing surprise over the rumours and warning that he was considering legal action against individuals responsible for spreading the misinformation.
