2026 World Cup: FIFA Releases Statement On Golden Boot Race Between Mbappe, Messi

July 12, 2026

FIFA has confirmed that France captain, Kylian Mbappe, is leading Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the race to win the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup.

The world football governing body made the clarification in a statement on Sunday.

Both Mbappe and Messi have scored the same number of goals (8) ahead of the semi-finals.

But Mbappe has the edge as he has provided three assists, while Messi has one.

Norway striker, Erling Haaland, who has been eliminated scored seven times.

England duo of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are tied on six goals and one assist each.

“If two or more players score the same number of goals, the number of assists (as determined by the members of the FIFA Technical Study Group) shall be decisive,” FIFA’s statement read.

“If two or more players are still equal after taking into account the number of assists, the total minutes played in the tournament will be taken into account, with the player playing fewer minutes ranked first.”

Mbappe Responds After Penalty Miss

France were made to work hard by a disciplined Moroccan side that had already stunned Canada en route to the last eight.

Mbappe had the chance to break the deadlock earlier after France were awarded a penalty, but the forward was denied from the spot as Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou guessed correctly.

NDLEA Arraigns Drug Baron Anochili, 3 Mexicans, 6 Others, Remanded In Prison

Emenike Agu

July 12, 2026

63-year-old drug baron, Anochili Innocent, three Mexican nationals and six other Nigerians have been arraigned before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on an 11-count
bordering on the setting up of a super clandestine laboratory and the production of 2,419.48 kilograms of criminal charge methamphetamine worth over Four Hundred and Eighty Billion Naira (N480,000,000,000.00) in the international market at Mowe village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The defendants identified as Anochili Innocent, 63; Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40, all Mexican nationals except Anochili; Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; and Nwobum Emeka, 59, were docked on Friday, July 10, following their arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in coordinated raids in Ogun and Lagos state between 16th and 18th May 2026.

Suspects arrested in the super lab hidden deep inside Mowe forest, Ijebu East LGA of Ogun State, on 16th May were Nwankwo Sunday Christian; Igwe Abuchi Remijus; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua; and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor; as well as the three Mexican meth experts: Martinez Felix Nemecto; Jesus López Valles; and Torrero Juan Carlos; while the cartel’s mastermind, Anochili Innocent, was simultaneously arrested at his luxury residence located at No. 8 Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lekki area of Lagos state.

In follow-up operations on Monday, 18th May 2026, NDLEA operatives stormed another property owned by the baron at House 70, Close 3, Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos where another key member of the syndicate, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, was arrested, after which investigators stormed the residence of another syndicate member, Emeka Nwobum, whose property served as the cartel’s strategic stash house same day

The 11-count charge, filed by the NDLEA prosecution team accuses the defendants of conspiring, between February and 16th May 2026, to establish a clandestine laboratory for the preparation, processing and production of methamphetamine, in violation of Section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act.

Other counts include managing, organising and financing a drug trafficking organisation contrary to Section 20(1)(g); unlawfully transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane (P2P), phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the Mowe laboratory using a Toyota Tacoma, a Mercedes Benz marked APP 942 YL and a Toyota Highlander marked GWA 662DJ, contrary to Section 20(1)(f); and the unlawful production and possession of the 2,419.48kg haul of methamphetamine, contrary to Sections 11(a) and 19 of the Act respectively.

The charge sheet further details the separate possession of large quantities of precursor chemicals recovered at the laboratory, including 358kg of toluene, 1,834kg of hydrochloric acid and 22.5kg of acetone, alongside quantities of P2P and phenyl acetic acid, all contrary to Section 20(1)(e) of the NDLEA Act.

In a count peculiar to only the kingpin, Anochili Innocent, described by the Agency as the owner of the fenced expanse of land on which the super lab was sited, he was charged separately under Section 12 of the NDLEA Act for unlawfully allowing his property to be used for the production of the illicit drug.

All ten defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read before Justice Kakaki. The prosecution thereafter called seven witnesses to commence trial having served the defence the proof of evidence since 3rd of July 2026 but the defence objected asking for more time. The court consequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Correctional Centre Lagos with the case adjourned to the 16th and 22nd of July for trial and hearing of the application for bail.

Speaking on the arraignment, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) said the case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.

“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed”, Marwa stated.

He reiterated NDLEA’s commitment to ridding Nigeria of drug cartels and their local collaborators, and called on members of the public to continue providing useful information to support the Agency’s operations nationwide.

UPDATE: Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regain Freedom, Eight Kidnappers Arrested

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

July 10, 2026

The pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, who were abducted about 56 days ago, have now regained their freedom.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga disclosed this on Friday in a shared post on his verified X handle.

Onanuga announced that the victims had been released by their abductors.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.

He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.

He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.

“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.

In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.

@ln247news
BREAKING: Kidnapped Oyo pupils and teachers have been freed after months of coordinated operations by security agencies. The successful rescue came following sustained efforts involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies. #breakingnews #oyostate #latestnews #nigeria
♬ original sound – LN247 News

The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools; Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area and no fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken during the attacks.

During the attack, a teacher, Joel Adesiyan, was killed while attempting to escape. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded in the kidnappers’ den.

The terrorists holding the victims had reportedly made a four-point demand before agreeing to free the captives, including the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law.

The Oyo State Government had consistently maintained that no ransom would be paid to secure the release of any victims.

The incident had triggered weeks of public anguish, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers embarking on a month-long strike in the state to press for the victims’ rescue before suspending the action in July.

It also drew federal intervention, with military and police authorities repeatedly assuring Nigerians that operations to secure the victims’ freedom were ongoing.

Three Times Nigerian Military Minimum Wage Was Increased

Enyosa Favour

July 10, 2026

Nigeria’s military salary structure has undergone several adjustments over the years as successive administrations reviewed the welfare of armed forces personnel. While concerns over funding, equipment and operational capacity continue to dominate discussions on national security, soldiers’ salaries have also seen gradual increases through different minimum wage reforms.

The latest adjustment was confirmed by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), who disclosed that the minimum monthly salary for Nigerian soldiers now stands at N100,000, up from N49,000.

The minister made the disclosure while discussing military welfare and funding, noting that although soldiers’ salaries have improved significantly, the defence sector still requires more financial support to effectively address the country’s security challenges.

Three Times Nigerian Soldiers’ Minimum Wage Was Increased

Nigeria’s military minimum wage has increased alongside the country’s national minimum wage reviews over the years:
From N18,000 to N30,000 (2019)

The first major increase came after the Federal Government approved a new national minimum wage of N30,000 in 2019, replacing the previous N18,000 benchmark.

This adjustment also affected military personnel, as soldiers’ salaries were reviewed upward in line with the new wage structure.

From N30,000 to N49,000

Following subsequent salary reviews and welfare adjustments for members of the Armed Forces, the minimum monthly salary for Nigerian soldiers rose to N49,000. This became the baseline salary for junior military personnel before the latest review announced by the current administration.

From N49,000 to N100,000 (2026)

The latest increase doubled the previous minimum salary from N49,000 to N100,000.

Speaking during an interview on News Central, Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.) said:
“When they started, a soldier was collecting N49,000 monthly (as minimum wage). We tried so hard, now he’s collecting N100,000.”
Despite the increase, the minister maintained that the military remains underfunded and requires additional resources to effectively carry out its constitutional responsibilities.

Musa also called for tougher measures against insecurity, advocating the introduction of the death penalty for kidnappers as part of efforts to combat rising cases of abduction across the country.

Meanwhile, the Senate approved N403.1 billion for the Nigerian Police Trust Fund, allocating N170.1 billion for the 2025 fiscal year and N233 billion for 2026 to strengthen policing, improve infrastructure, procure equipment and enhance security operations nationwide.
In addition, President Bola Tinubu forwarded the proposed Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2026 to the Senate, seeking to repeal the 2015 law and introduce reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Also weighing in on the security situation, Senator Ali Ndume supported the Federal Government’s decision not to negotiate with terrorists or pay ransom, insisting that sustained military offensives remain the most effective strategy for defeating insurgent groups.

Conclusion

The increase in Nigerian soldiers’ minimum monthly salary to N100,000 marks the latest milestone in a series of wage reviews aimed at improving military welfare. While the salary has progressed from N18,000 to N30,000, then N49,000, and now N100,000, defence authorities continue to argue that improved funding, modern equipment and sustained investment are equally essential to enable the Armed Forces effectively tackle the country’s security challenges.

South Africa Xenophobia: Fourth Batch Of Nigerian Evacuees Return

Enyosa Favour

July 10, 2026

The Federal Government has successfully completed another phase of its evacuation programme for Nigerians stranded in South Africa, with the fourth batch of returnees arriving safely in Lagos on Thursday evening.

The latest group was transported by Air Peace after a technical fault delayed the scheduled departure of the aircraft on Wednesday. Despite the setback, the operation was successfully completed, allowing more Nigerians affected by the recent xenophobic attacks to return home.

The arrival marks another milestone in the ongoing repatriation exercise coordinated by the Federal Government to assist citizens caught up in the unrest in South Africa.

With the latest flight, the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has now climbed to nearly 1,000, reflecting the government’s continued efforts to ensure the safe return of affected citizens.

Authorities have maintained that the evacuation exercise remains focused on providing support for Nigerians impacted by the recent wave of xenophobic violence, while ensuring that all returnees are safely brought back to the country.

Governor Fubara Presents ₦1.85Tn 2026 Budget To Rivers Assembly

Enyosa Favour

July 10, 2026

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking his first official budget presentation before the Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule since the political crisis that divided the legislature in 2023.

The presentation is widely seen as a significant political milestone following the reconciliation between the governor and lawmakers after nearly three years of parallel legislative activities. The proposed budget, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” is aimed at driving economic expansion, improving infrastructure, strengthening education and healthcare, boosting agriculture, and enhancing social investments across Rivers State.

The plenary commenced with Speaker Martin Amaewhule entering the chamber in full regalia ahead of Governor Fubara’s arrival. A motion to receive the governor was moved by Majority Leader Major Jack and seconded by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo before the governor formally presented the appropriation bill.

While presenting the budget, Governor Fubara explained that the proposed ₦1.854 trillion spending plan represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.

He attributed the projected revenue growth to improved allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), increased derivation funds, and stronger internally generated revenue.

Of the total estimate, ₦413.1 billion is proposed for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is allocated to capital projects.

The capital expenditure includes:

₦533.3 billion for works and infrastructure
₦315 billion for education
₦105.4 billion for healthcare
₦41.4 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly
₦30 billion for the judiciary
₦19.3 billion for agriculture
Additional allocations for other critical sectors of the economy.

Governor Fubara also announced plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent, while settling outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.

According to him, the administration has maintained fiscal discipline through prudent management of public finances and remains committed to transparency and accountability.

“We will ensure every kobo is spent wisely to create jobs for our people. The collective interests of our people are most important to us as a government,” the governor said.

He appealed to lawmakers to support the budget, describing it as a people-focused financial plan designed to accelerate development, attract investments, create employment opportunities and improve the standard of living across Rivers State.

“Let us join hands to make sure Rivers State continues to stand out in good governance,” he added before officially handing the budget proposal to Speaker Amaewhule.

Receiving the appropriation bill, Amaewhule assured the governor that the House would give it prompt consideration.

“Let me assure you on behalf of the members that we will give due consideration to your budget proposals,” the Speaker said.

He noted that the legislature understood its constitutional responsibility and remained committed to supporting the state’s development.

“Our state has to grow, and all hands have to be on deck for the growth of Rivers State.”

He further added:

“We are willing to do all that is needed as an assembly so our people can smile again.”

The 2026 Appropriation Bill subsequently passed its first reading.

Following the presentation, Governor Fubara exchanged pleasantries with members of the Assembly before leaving the chamber alongside Speaker Amaewhule and other lawmakers for a group photograph, symbolising renewed cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.

The House later adjourned plenary until July 20.

The budget presentation marks a new chapter in Rivers State politics, coming after the reconciliation between Governor Fubara and the Assembly, ending nearly three years of political tensions, parallel legislative sittings and separate budget presentations, while paving the way for closer collaboration on governance and development.

US Cyclosporiasis Outbreak: What To Know About The ‘Explosive Diarrhoea’ Parasite

Enyosa Favour

July 10, 2026

Health authorities in the United States are monitoring a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection that has sickened thousands of people across several states in recent weeks.

The illness, caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, is known for triggering severe and frequent watery diarrhoea, often described as “explosive diarrhoea.” People typically become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.

The outbreak has now spread across more than a dozen states, with Michigan reporting nearly 1,000 infections within a two-week period alone. Despite the rising number of cases, no deaths linked to the current outbreak have been recorded.

Although investigators have yet to identify the exact source of contamination, previous outbreaks have commonly been associated with raw fresh produce.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 145 cases of cyclosporiasis were reported nationwide between May 1 and June 16, the latest period covered by publicly available federal data.

During that time, no fatalities were reported, while 20 infected individuals required hospital treatment.

The CDC said outbreaks have been recorded across 17 states since early May, including Illinois, New York and Texas.

State health departments have continued to report rising infection numbers.

As of July 8, Michigan health officials confirmed nearly 1,000 cases had been identified within just two weeks.

Illinois health authorities reported 141 infections on July 7, describing the figure as “higher-than-average.”

Ohio has also confirmed 177 cases of the illness.

Health experts believe the actual number of infections is likely much higher because many people recover without seeking medical care or undergoing laboratory testing.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal disease caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite, according to the CDC.

People become infected after consuming contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

Although the illness is generally not life-threatening, it is less common than foodborne infections such as salmonella and E. coli.

Some infected individuals may not develop symptoms. However, those who do commonly experience diarrhoea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC.

If left untreated, symptoms can persist for several days or even more than a month, with some patients experiencing recurring illness after initially improving.

The incubation period is typically about one week after exposure.

Dr Caitlin Rivers of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security noted that person-to-person transmission does not occur.

The epidemiologist wrote in a July 8 newsletter that transmission occurs exclusively through the faecal-oral route by consuming contaminated food or water.

Health officials have not yet identified a specific food product, grower or supplier responsible for the current outbreak.

According to Dr Rivers, “Contamination typically occurs at the farm or irrigation level, making traceback investigations difficult.”

Previous outbreaks in both the United States and Canada have been linked to bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions.

In response to the growing number of infections, Michigan health officials have advised restaurants, food service providers and households to thoroughly wash fresh produce, cook raspberries and leafy vegetables where possible, and remove the outer layers of lettuce and green onions before consumption.

While the US Food and Drug Administration notes that rinsing produce alone may not completely eliminate the parasite, the CDC continues to recommend washing fruits and vegetables before eating them.

Health authorities also advise anyone experiencing persistent diarrhoea to seek medical attention and discuss the possibility of a cyclospora infection with their healthcare provider.

Typhoon Bavi: Philippines, Taiwan, Japan And China Brace For Destructive Storm After Landslides Kill 15

Enyosa Favour

July 10, 2026

East Asia is preparing for the impact of Typhoon Bavi, one of the largest and most powerful storms to threaten the region in decades, after landslides triggered by heavy rainfall claimed at least 15 lives in the southern Philippines.

The deadly storm has already unleashed destruction in parts of the Philippines, while Taiwan, Japan and China are racing to strengthen emergency measures ahead of its expected landfall. Authorities have suspended classes, cancelled flights, mobilised rescue teams and urged residents to stock up on essential supplies as the typhoon approaches.

According to weather authorities, Typhoon Bavi stretches about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) across at its widest point—roughly the size of France—and is moving across the Pacific toward Taiwan. It is expected to bring torrential rainfall to northern and eastern Taiwan, as well as a chain of remote Japanese islands, before making landfall in southeastern China on Saturday.

In the Philippines, overnight landslides on the island of Mindanao buried several families, leaving at least 15 people dead. Rescue teams are continuing search operations for those still missing, while officials warned that moderate to heavy rainfall would continue across affected areas throughout the weekend.

Taiwan has warned that the storm could dump up to one metre (39 inches) of rain, prompting the defence ministry to place about 29,000 soldiers on standby to support emergency response operations.

Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration told Reuters that Bavi is expected to be the largest storm by size to hit the island since 1987.

Farmers across the region rushed to harvest crops and protect farmland before conditions deteriorate, while fishermen secured their boats ahead of the storm.

“Don’t be fooled by the nice and calm weather now. A storm like this could be the most terrifying,” 60-year-old fisherman Chen Ming-hui told Reuters.

Authorities have also distributed thousands of sandbags to residents and business owners living in flood-prone communities.

Across the Taiwan Strait, Chinese authorities warned that the typhoon could have a “significant impact” even after making landfall, with forecasts suggesting it may continue moving northward across several provinces.

“Bavi’s large size and abundant energy mean its remnants and outer rainbands could move from Jiangsu and Anhui provinces toward the Bohai Sea region,” said Ma Jun, director of China’s Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs.

He warned that northern provinces, which have “less experience” dealing with typhoons than southern China, should “strengthen preparations.”

Some weather forecasts indicate that Bavi could make landfall twice in China.

Japan is also on alert, particularly across the remote Sakishima Islands, where residents have reinforced homes by taping windows and installing protective wind barriers.

Airlines across the region have cancelled hundreds of flights as a precaution. Japan Airlines suspended more than 100 flights for Friday and Saturday, affecting nearly 20,000 passengers, while All Nippon Airways cancelled more than 160 flights through Sunday, disrupting travel for another 20,000 passengers.

Thai Airways and Malaysia Airlines have also suspended flights to and from Taipei due to the approaching storm.

The latest weather emergency comes as parts of southern China continue recovering from the devastation caused by Typhoon Maysak earlier this week.

Maysak reportedly claimed at least 39 lives, forced the evacuation of more than 130,000 people—mostly in Guangxi—and caused extensive agricultural losses. The storm also triggered two rare tornadoes in central China’s Hubei province.

With Typhoon Bavi continuing to intensify, authorities across East Asia are urging residents to remain vigilant as emergency services prepare for what could become one of the region’s most destructive storms in recent years.

U.S. Lists 124 Nigerians For Deportation In Latest Immigration Crackdown

Enyosa Favour

July 10, 2026

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport 124 Nigerians identified among what it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal aliens in the country.

According to a statement published on the DHS website on Wednesday, the affected Nigerians are part of an ongoing immigration enforcement exercise targeting foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes as the Trump administration intensifies its deportation programme.

While the department released the names and photographs of those listed, it did not specify when the deportations would begin or provide details of the individual offences committed by each person.

DHS Says Deportation Targets the “Worst of the Worst”

In a statement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the deportation exercise forms part of its broader effort to remove criminal immigrants from the United States.

The agency stated:

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations — starting with the worst of the worst — including the illegal aliens you see here.”

Although the DHS said those listed had been convicted of serious crimes, it did not disclose the specific offences linked to each individual.

List Of Nigerians Named For Deportation

The 124 Nigerians listed by the DHS include:

Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau and Oriyomi Aloba.

Others named are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi and Omotayo Akinto.

The list also includes Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru, Henry Idiagbonya, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba and Akeem Adeleke.

Also listed are Bernard Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu.

Previous Deportation Announcements

This is not the first time the DHS has identified a large number of Nigerians for deportation.

In February 2026, the department announced plans to deport 79 Nigerians, also describing them as the “worst of the worst” criminal aliens in the United States.

At the time, the affected individuals were reportedly convicted of offences including fraud, drug trafficking, assault, robbery, manslaughter and other related crimes.

Nigeria Faces Increased U.S. Immigration Scrutiny

Nigeria has recently faced increased attention under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

In June 2026, the United States introduced partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening procedures.

The latest deportation announcement is widely seen as part of the Trump administration’s intensified nationwide immigration enforcement campaign, which has prioritised the removal of criminal immigrants following the President’s return to office on January 20, 2025.

Conclusion

The inclusion of 124 Nigerians on the DHS deportation list highlights the continued expansion of the U.S. government’s immigration enforcement efforts. While authorities have confirmed that those listed were convicted of serious crimes, the department has yet to announce when the deportations will take place or provide details of the individual convictions. The development comes amid broader immigration measures affecting Nigeria, including recent visa restrictions and heightened security screening policies.

World-First Ultrasound Treatment Saves Identical Twins From Rare Pregnancy Condition

Enyosa Favour

July 10, 2026

A groundbreaking non-invasive treatment using high-powered sound waves has successfully saved identical twins diagnosed with a rare and potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication, offering new hope for expectant parents.

Researchers say the innovative procedure could transform the treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a condition that affects some identical twins sharing a placenta by correcting abnormal blood flow without the need for surgery.

The findings, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, mark the first successful use of the technique and could pave the way for less invasive treatment options in the future.

What Is Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome?

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) occurs when identical twins sharing a placenta develop an uneven blood supply.

The imbalance causes one baby to receive too much blood and grow larger than normal, while the other receives too little, leaving it dangerously underdeveloped. The condition threatens the survival of both babies and affects between 10% and 15% of identical twin pregnancies sharing a placenta—around 300 to 400 pregnancies each year in the UK.

Traditionally, treatment involves inserting medical instruments into the womb to either drain excess fluid or seal abnormal blood vessels using laser surgery.

World-First Procedure Saves Nancy and Margo

Brioney Garrett’s identical twin daughters, Nancy and Margo, were among the first babies in the world to benefit from the pioneering treatment after doctors at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London detected TTTS during her pregnancy.

Instead of performing surgery, specialists used a specially designed machine to deliver highly focused ultrasound waves that sealed the abnormal blood vessels in the placenta without making any incisions.

Brioney described the experience as simple and comfortable.

“It was very quick and pretty painless,” she said.

The treatment lasted about 20 minutes while she lay flat as the machine directed high-powered sound waves at tiny blood vessels causing the condition.

Now four years old, Nancy and Margo are healthy and preparing to begin primary school.

Brioney described them as “my miracle twins.”

“We were in a very dire situation and I don’t forget that,” she said. “It stays with me always how things could have been. Every day I still count my blessings.”

Trial Results Show Promising Outcomes

The clinical trial involved 10 pregnant women from the UK and across Europe.

According to the researchers:

Half of the participants required additional treatment after the procedure.
12 of the 20 babies involved in the trial survived.
The treatment successfully blocked blood flow in 90% of the targeted blood vessels.
No unwanted side effects were recorded.

The research team said it was “extremely exciting” to have developed a non-invasive method of treating TTTS without inserting needles or surgical instruments into the mother’s womb.

However, they stressed that larger clinical studies are still needed before the treatment can become widely available.

Experts Welcome the Breakthrough

Professor Christoph Lees, Head of Fetal Medicine at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Professor of Obstetrics at Imperial College London, described the findings as highly encouraging.

“If this could work in a fully-fledged study, it could give hope to a lot of women who otherwise might have to have quite invasive treatment,” he said.

Unlike conventional ultrasound used for pregnancy scans, the new technology uses highly focused ultrasound capable of generating enough heat to seal blood vessels measuring just 2 millimetres in diameter several centimetres beneath the skin.

Charity Says Treatment Could Be a Turning Point

The charity Twins Trust, which supported the research, believes the new approach has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for families affected by TTTS.

Helen Peck, the charity’s Head of Healthcare Engagement and Research, said:

“Any procedure that is non-invasive and can potentially identify TTTS earlier and improve outcomes for our families with this life-threatening condition could be a turning point.”

Healthy Future for the Twins

Follow-up scans confirmed that the treatment had restored balanced blood flow between the twins.

Brioney said Margo, who had previously suffered from dangerously low fluid levels, was “in a much better position,”while “the strain on Nancy’s heart had eased.”

The twins were delivered at nearly 34 weeks, with Nancy weighing 3 pounds 7 ounces and Margo 3 pounds 3 ounces.

“They were both healthy, and Margo wasn’t as small as we worried she was going to be,” Brioney said.

Today, the sisters are thriving.

“They’re funny, smart, energetic little girls that just fit right in with their age group,” Brioney said.

Conclusion

The successful use of focused ultrasound to treat twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome represents a major milestone in fetal medicine. While more extensive trials are needed before the technique becomes standard practice, the early results suggest it could provide a safer, non-invasive alternative to surgery for families facing one of the most serious complications in identical twin pregnancies.

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