Author: Standard Focus

Human Rights Watch, HRW, has urged the National Assembly to reject the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, warning that it could undermine the independence of civil society organisations and restrict civic space in Nigeria. The organisation raised the concern in a statement on Monday, arguing that some provisions of the proposed legislation could give the government excessive... Read more

The Kaduna State Police Command, working with the Kaduna State Vigilance Service, has dismantled two suspected bandit hideouts in Makarfi Local Government Area. The operation, conducted at the weekend, followed intelligence provided by residents about the activities of suspected bandits operating around the Durum and Danguzuri areas, extending towards the boundary with Kano State. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP... Read more

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security and creating a safer environment for Nigerians living abroad who wish to visit the country.The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, gave the assurance during an interaction with members of the Nigerian community in Angola. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of... Read more

Armed bandits have killed at least eight farmers and injured five others in a fresh attack on Gandi community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.The attack, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, was believed to have been carried out in retaliation for recent security operations in the area during which several suspected bandits were reportedly killed. Residents said the... Read more

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is considering restricting the sale of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, to major oil marketers that continue to import petrol, amid concerns over product quality, blending and the integrity of its brand. The proposed restriction could take effect as early as this week, subject to further consultations and possible intervention, according to sources familiar with... Read more

The Presidency has rejected former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027, describing the policy as a return to a failed system that would place further pressure on public finances and undermine investor confidence. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has proposed bringing down petrol prices through a controlled... Read more

The Plateau State Government has ordered an immediate halt to the activities of a group reportedly operating as Hisbah in parts of Jos North Local Government Area, declaring its operations illegal and unauthorised. Governor Caleb Mutfwang also directed security agencies to identify and investigate individuals involved in the activities and arrest and prosecute anyone found to have violated the law.... Read more

A newborn baby girl has been rescued alive after she was allegedly abandoned inside a carton near Ashar Forest in Wuese community, Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State.The identity of the baby’s mother and the circumstances surrounding the birth remain unknown. The infant was reportedly discovered on Saturday by a passerby, Mrs Mbakasev Yisa, who found her wrapped in... Read more

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 37-year-old security guard, Ndifreke Godwin, over the alleged sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl in Calabar Municipality. The incident reportedly occurred along Tinapa Road and was reported to the police on August 29, 2026, by the victim’s mother. Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, said preliminary... Read more

Troops of Sector 2, Operation ENDURING PEACE Joint Operations Area, have neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered two AK-47 rifles and other items during an operation in Zak village, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. The operation was conducted on Saturday, August 29, at about 9:50am and was aimed at disrupting criminal activities and restricting the movement of terrorist... Read more