Iran Rejects US Claim On Nuclear Inspections After First Round Of Talks

June 23, 2026

Iran has denied claims by US Vice-President JD Vance that it has agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country following the first round of negotiations aimed at securing a final agreement to end tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking after talks in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock, Vance said discussions involving the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could begin within days and suggested inspectors could be invited back as early as Monday.

However, Iran’s foreign ministry swiftly rejected the claim. Spokesman Esmail Baqai told state media that Tehran had made “no new commitments” regarding nuclear inspections and insisted any future cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog would follow existing procedures approved by Iran’s parliament and national security authorities.

The disagreement emerged as the United States announced a major easing of sanctions on Iran. A 60-day waiver issued by the US Treasury allows Iran to sell oil in US dollars and conduct related banking, insurance and transportation transactions, marking a significant shift in decades of US restrictions.

The waiver, which runs until 21 August, permits the production, sale and delivery of Iranian crude and petrochemical products, including direct exports to the United States.

According to mediators Qatar and Pakistan, both sides agreed during the talks to a roadmap aimed at reaching a final deal within 60 days. The discussions also focused on maintaining stability in the Strait of Hormuz and preventing misunderstandings that could threaten regional security.

US officials said Iran had committed to keeping the vital shipping route open and allowing the return of nuclear inspectors. President Donald Trump also stated that Iran would agree to major weapons inspections as part of the process.

Tehran, however, has not publicly endorsed those claims. Iran suspended IAEA access to sites targeted during last year’s conflict with Israel and the United States, and the agency later withdrew its remaining inspectors from the country.

Vance revealed that negotiations had nearly collapsed after Trump warned Iran on social media that the US could respond forcefully if tensions escalated again. According to the vice-president, Iranian negotiators considered leaving the talks before discussions eventually continued.

Trump reiterated his warning on Monday, saying the United States would act if Iran failed to honour any future agreement.

The talks also produced agreements aimed at reducing regional tensions. Mediators announced the creation of a direct communication channel to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a de-confliction mechanism involving the US, Iran and Lebanon.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi described developments in Lebanon as the first major test of the new diplomatic efforts, as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah continues to hold.

Negotiating teams are expected to begin detailed discussions on nuclear issues, sanctions relief and regional security in the coming days as efforts to secure a broader agreement move forward.

Algeria Come From Behind To Defeat Jordan And Keep World Cup Hopes Alive

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

June 23, 2026

Algeria produced a second-half comeback to beat World Cup debutants Jordan 2-1 in San Francisco, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive while ending Jordan’s campaign.

Despite dominating possession for much of the contest, Algeria found themselves behind in the 36th minute after Nizar Al Rashdan capitalised on a costly mistake and curled a superb effort into the net to give Jordan a surprise lead.

Algeria had created several chances before the breakthrough, with Amine Gouiri firing wide, Fares Chaibi seeing an effort blocked, and veteran winger Riyad Mahrez denied by goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila after being played through on goal.

Jordan continued to defend resolutely after the break, but Algeria increased the pressure in search of an equaliser. Ibrahim Maza tested Abulaila from distance, while Nadhir Benbouali was also denied by the Jordanian goalkeeper.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 69th minute when Benbouali rose highest to meet a Riyad Mahrez corner, directing a header into the corner to level the score.

With momentum firmly on their side, Algeria completed the turnaround eight minutes from time. Another dangerous corner caused problems in the Jordan box, and Gouiri reacted quickest to hook the loose ball home and secure a crucial victory.

Jordan pushed for a response but could not find a way back, leaving them without a point from the tournament and officially eliminated from the competition.

The result leaves Algeria’s qualification hopes intact ahead of a decisive final group match against Austria, while Jordan will conclude their World Cup campaign against group winners Argentina.

Nigeria Customs Service To Lose 1,516 Officers To Retirement

Enyosa Favour

June 23, 2026

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to witness a significant wave of retirements over the next two years, with a total of 1,516 officers scheduled to exit the service between 2026 and 2027.

The planned retirements were revealed in two separate circulars containing statutory retirement lists for affected personnel. According to the documents, 825 officers are due to retire in 2026, while another 691 officers will leave the service in 2027.

The circulars were issued by the Service’s Human Resource and Development Department and signed by the Comptroller, Establishment, A.A. Bazuaye, on behalf of the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources and Development.

The retirement exercise will affect officers across various ranks within the Customs Service, ranging from deputy comptroller-generals to customs assistant II officers.

The circular stated:

“I am directed to forward the attached list on the above subject matter as a retirement notice to all affected personnel. In accordance with the Public Service Rule (PSR) No. 100238 and Federal Government circular No. 63216/S.I/X/T; CR 1,/2001/5 of 20/03/2001, all affected officers due for retirement are to disengage from the active service and proceed on pre-retirement leave three months prior to their effective date of retirement.”

The mass retirement comes just days after President Bola Tinubu approved a fresh six-month tenure extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

With the extension expected to expire in six months, attention is already turning to the question of succession at the top of the Customs Service.

Meanwhile, allegations have emerged suggesting that the Chairman of the House Committee on Customs, Leke Abejide, is allegedly making moves to influence future appointments within the agency. However, no official response has been issued regarding the claims.

The upcoming retirement exercise is expected to create vacancies across multiple departments and ranks within the Customs Service, potentially paving the way for a new round of promotions and appointments in the agency.

South Africa Tightens Security Ahead Of Anti-Migrant Group’s June 30 Deadline

Enyosa Favour

June 23, 2026

South African authorities have announced heightened security measures across the country ahead of a June 30 deadline issued by anti-illegal immigration groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.

The move comes amid growing tensions and recent outbreaks of xenophobic violence that have left at least two people dead, raising concerns about public safety in one of Africa’s largest economies.

According to law enforcement officials, police deployments will be reinforced nationwide to maintain order and protect communities, critical infrastructure, and public spaces.

South Africa has witnessed weeks of unrest linked to anti-migrant sentiment, with several small but organised groups calling on undocumented foreigners to leave the country or face consequences. Authorities have emphasised that such demands have no legal standing.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said security agencies have stepped up preparations across all provinces.

“The South African Police Service has elevated its operational readiness across all provinces, with comprehensive deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces,” he said.

While reaffirming citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest, Cachalia warned against any acts of violence or intimidation.

“Criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated”.

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga also confirmed that the military has been placed on standby to support police operations if necessary.

She explained that soldiers would be deployed to secure strategic facilities, including airports and other key national assets.

“Indeed, if, and I hope it is not going to reach that point, called upon by the police to support, we will, but basically ours is around the key points,” she said.

South Africa has long attracted migrant workers from across the continent due to its relatively developed economy. However, high unemployment, which remains above 30 per cent, has contributed to recurring anti-foreigner sentiment, with some citizens blaming migrants for crime and job shortages.

The country has experienced several deadly episodes of xenophobic violence over the years. In 2008, riots claimed 62 lives, while further outbreaks occurred in 2015 and 2016.

Another wave of violence in 2019 saw mobs attack foreign-owned businesses around Johannesburg, resulting in at least 12 deaths, including 10 South African citizens.

The latest tensions are unfolding ahead of South Africa’s local government elections scheduled for November 4.

Political violence has also heightened concerns in recent days. During voter registration activities over the weekend, four individuals linked to political parties were killed in separate incidents.

Two of the victims were associated with the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party, which is headed by former South African president Jacob Zuma.

Another victim was a ward candidate of the Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape, while the fourth was a ward councillor from the African National Congress in the Eastern Cape.

Authorities say security agencies will remain on high alert as the June 30 deadline approaches, with efforts focused on preventing violence and ensuring public order across the country.

Military Rescues 47 Women And Children From ISWAP Captivity In Borno

Enyosa Favour

June 23, 2026

The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has announced the rescue of 47 people, mainly women and children, who were being held captive by suspected ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, located in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military said the victims were freed during a coordinated operation carried out on June 20, 2026, following sustained offensives against terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad region.

In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Captain Mohammed Musa, the operation was described as a major humanitarian breakthrough in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North-East.

“The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded yet another significant humanitarian success with the rescue of over 47 persons, mostly women and children who were held captive by ISWAP terrorists in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State on 20 June 2026”

Captain Musa explained that the success of the operation was made possible by sustained military pressure on ISWAP positions, which forced the terrorists to abandon the area.

“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region. The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity”

According to the military, the rescued individuals have been taken to a secure location where they are receiving medical attention and other forms of humanitarian assistance.

Authorities said relevant agencies are also working to support their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.

The Theatre Command noted that the rescue underscores the military’s commitment not only to dismantling terrorist networks but also to securing the freedom of civilians held by insurgent groups.

Operation Hadin Kai further reaffirmed its determination to sustain ongoing offensives against ISWAP and other terrorist factions operating in the North-East, with the goal of restoring lasting peace and stability across the region.

Iran Insists On Controlling Strait Of Hormuz As Switzerland Talks With US End

Enyosa Favour

June 23, 2026

Iran has reaffirmed its intention to maintain control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz following the conclusion of technical negotiations with the United States in Switzerland, even as both sides continue efforts to reach a broader agreement aimed at ending tensions in the region.

The development comes after US Vice President JD Vance described the recent negotiations as a “very good foundation” for a final settlement, while noting that Washington had suspended sanctions on Iranian oil as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Despite progress in talks, major issues including Iran’s nuclear programme and the future management of the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved.

Iranian state media reported on Tuesday that technical discussions between both countries had ended, with working groups expected to be established to address sanctions and nuclear-related matters.

However, Tehran made it clear that it would not relinquish authority over the vital waterway.

“The Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war conditions and will be administered by the Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with international law,” Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said, according to state media reports.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, briefly reopened after an agreement was reached between Washington and Tehran last week. However, Iran announced on Saturday that it had closed the route again in response to Israeli military actions in Lebanon.

As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, mediators from Qatar and Pakistan said both countries had agreed to establish a communication channel designed to prevent misunderstandings and ensure safer passage for commercial vessels using the waterway.

Iranian state media also reported that Washington had agreed to release $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets and temporarily ease restrictions on the country’s oil exports.

The US Treasury confirmed that sanctions relief would allow Iran to produce, sell and transport crude oil and related products until August 21.

However, Vance stressed that the assets had not yet been released and maintained that any funds eventually made available would be directed toward legitimate commercial activities rather than militant operations.

Iran has faced decades of economic sanctions and asset freezes imposed by the United States and several Western countries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the government of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

The latest negotiations have boosted hopes for a longer-term settlement between both countries and contributed to a decline in global oil prices.

Pakistan and Qatar, which are helping facilitate the discussions, said negotiators had agreed on a roadmap aimed at producing a final agreement within a renewable 60-day timeframe.

“Encouraging progress has been made,” the mediators said, noting that a direct communication mechanism had already been established to reduce the risk of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.

Diplomatic activity is expected to continue in the coming days. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to visit Pakistan following the Swiss talks, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to tour the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain to discuss the evolving agreement and regional security concerns.

Vance also indicated that Iran had agreed to allow United Nations nuclear inspectors to return to the country. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei suggested that nuclear discussions remained limited.

“a very brief discussion took place regarding the nuclear issue, but there was no discussion of details.”

The inspections, originally established under the 2015 nuclear agreement, were suspended after Iranian nuclear facilities were targeted during Israeli-American military operations in June 2025.

Since then, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency have not been granted access to the affected sites, leaving uncertainty over the status of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons while insisting on its right to maintain a civilian nuclear energy programme.

The negotiations have also expanded to include developments in Lebanon, where Iran sought discussions on the conflict involving Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

According to reports, a conflict-management mechanism may be established to help de-escalate fighting in Lebanon.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed that he recently discussed ceasefire efforts and possible conflict-management arrangements with Vance.

The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has reportedly resulted in more than 4,100 deaths and displaced over one million people, according to official figures.

Petrol Depot Prices Fall Across Lagos As Dangote Refinery Holds Steady

Enyosa Favour

June 23, 2026

Petrol depot prices declined across several Lagos terminals on Monday as marketers adjusted rates in response to changing supply conditions and growing competition in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market.

Market data showed that most major depots in Lagos reduced their ex-depot prices by between ₦1 and ₦18 per litre, while diesel prices posted even sharper declines in some locations.

The latest adjustments come amid increased domestic refining activity and intensified competition among fuel suppliers, factors that continue to shape pricing across the country.

Dangote Refinery’s Lagos depot price remained largely stable, edging up slightly from ₦1,175 to ₦1,176 per litre, representing only a ₦1 increase.

Other depots, however, implemented notable reductions. Rain Oil recorded the steepest cut in Lagos, lowering its petrol price by ₦18 from ₦1,180 to ₦1,162 per litre.

A.A Rano reduced its price from ₦1,165 to ₦1,161 per litre, while AIPEC and Bono both adjusted from ₦1,165 to ₦1,160 per litre.

NIPCO cut its PMS price by ₦4 from ₦1,165 to ₦1,161 per litre, while AITEO made a marginal reduction from ₦1,161 to ₦1,160 per litre.

Further reductions were recorded at Masters, Matrix, Sigmund and T.S.L.

Masters: ₦1,203 to ₦1,197 per litre
Matrix: ₦1,205 to ₦1,197 per litre
Sigmund: ₦1,200 to ₦1,195 per litre
T.S.L: ₦1,200 to ₦1,195 per litre

While Lagos witnessed widespread reductions, some depots in other parts of the country recorded increases, reflecting regional supply and logistics variations.

In Port Harcourt, Africanterminal increased its PMS price from ₦1,495 to ₦1,505 per litre, while Duport raised its price from ₦1,490 to ₦1,505 per litre.

Gulftreasure and T.Time were both quoted at ₦1,505 per litre, while Dangote’s Port Harcourt terminal recorded a slight reduction from ₦1,501 to ₦1,500 per litre.

Diesel prices recorded the most significant movement, especially in Port Harcourt.

Matrix reduced automotive gas oil (AGO) from ₦1,630 to ₦1,560 per litre, a ₦70 decline.
Sigmund cut diesel from ₦1,628 to ₦1,560 per litre, representing a ₦68 reduction.

Similar adjustments were observed in Lagos, where Matrix and Sigmund both reduced diesel prices to ₦1,560 per litre.

In Calabar, petrol prices moved slightly upward.

Mainland Depot: ₦1,187 to ₦1,190 per litre
Northwest: ₦1,190 to ₦1,195 per litre

Commenting on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.com, Olatide Jeremiah, said the latest price movements reflect increasing competition in Nigeria’s petroleum market.

“With more domestic supply entering the market, especially from major refining facilities, marketers are expected to continue reviewing depot prices in response to changing supply conditions.

“The immediate impact on consumers will depend on how quickly the reductions at depot level translate into retail pump prices, as marketers factor in haulage expenses, operating costs and profit margins.”

Industry observers say continued expansion in local refining capacity is likely to keep influencing depot pricing in the coming weeks, with marketers closely monitoring supply levels, transportation costs and consumer demand across the country.

Tinubu Appoints Prof. Ogundipe As NUC Governing Board Chairman

Enyosa Favour

June 23, 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, FAS, as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission.

Professor Ogundipe, a renowned academic and experienced university administrator, served as Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG between 2017 and 2022. He currently holds the position of Pro-Chancellor at Redeemer’s University.

His appointment places him in a key leadership role within Nigeria’s higher education regulatory system, where he is expected to contribute to improved governance, policy implementation, and quality assurance across the nation’s universities.

Professor Ogundipe takes over from Olufemi Raphael Aina, who stepped down from the position less than a year after his appointment.

Reacting to the development, the management of the University of Lagos congratulated its former Vice-Chancellor on the new national assignment.

On behalf of the university community, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade T. Ogunsola, extended her best wishes to Professor Ogundipe.

The institution stated that it was pleased with the appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to provide effective leadership in his new role at the National Universities Commission.

Professor Ogundipe is widely recognised for his contributions to higher education administration and academic development in Nigeria, and his appointment is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing standards and oversight within the country’s university system.

El-Rufai Phone Tapping Trial: What Court Witness Said About Alleged Interception of NSA Ribadu’s Conversations

Enyosa Favour

June 23, 2026

Fresh details emerged at the Federal High Court in Abuja as the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, continued over allegations linked to the interception of communications belonging to National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

During proceedings, a prosecution witness told the court that El-Rufai allegedly acknowledged listening to conversations involving the NSA during a televised interview, a statement that has become central to the case being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

El-Rufai is facing charges under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 over allegations of unlawful interception of communications and actions said to have affected national security.

What The Witness Told The Court

The second prosecution witness, Deji Adeyanju, told the court that he was present at the television station on February 16 while waiting for his own interview when El-Rufai appeared on air.

Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), Adeyanju said he heard El-Rufai make a statement during the interview which he recalled as:

“We listened to the conversations of the NSA.”

According to the witness, he later gave a statement after reports emerged that security agencies were planning to arrest the former governor.

Adeyanju told the court that he was subsequently invited by the DSS and asked to explain what transpired at the television station.

He said he informed investigators that he was present during the interview and heard El-Rufai make the remarks on air.

The court also watched the television interview during proceedings, after which Adeyanju confirmed it was the same programme in which the alleged statement was made.

According to the witness, when further questioned during the television interview, El-Rufai allegedly explained that another person carried out the interception and later provided him with the information.

During cross-examination by defence counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), Adeyanju clarified that he did not hear El-Rufai specifically state that he hacked Ribadu’s phone lines.

However, he maintained that he heard the former governor say:

“We listened to the conversations of the NSA.”

When asked whether he knew the communication devices used by the National Security Adviser or whether investigators had examined those devices, the witness replied that such matters were outside his responsibility.

The Charges Against El-Rufai

The DSS has filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai.

In the first count, prosecutors alleged that while appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026, El-Rufai admitted that he and others unlawfully intercepted the communications of the National Security Adviser.

The second count alleges that the former governor acknowledged knowing an individual who carried out the alleged interception but failed to report the person to relevant security agencies.

The third count accuses El-Rufai and others still at large of using technical equipment or systems in a manner that compromised public safety and national security by unlawfully intercepting the communications of the NSA.

According to the charge, the alleged actions created reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians and violated provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act.

The prosecution also tendered an official gazette as evidence during the hearing, which was admitted by the court without objection from the defence.

What Happens Next?

The case remains ongoing, with Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourning further proceedings for the continuation of hearing.

While the prosecution is relying heavily on statements allegedly made during the television interview, the defence is expected to continue challenging the interpretation of those remarks and the evidence linking El-Rufai to any unlawful interception of communications.

The outcome of the trial could have significant implications, as the allegations involve issues of cybercrime, national security, and the alleged interception of communications belonging to one of Nigeria’s top security officials.

Peter Obi Calls For Tinubu’s Resignation, Alleges Failure In Governance And Leadership

Enyosa Favour

June 23, 2026

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign, citing what he described as a “monumental failure in governance” and worsening conditions across the country.

Obi made the demand in a statement posted on his X account on Monday, drawing comparisons with the recent resignation announcement by former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to him, the development highlights the importance of accountability and responsibility in public office.

The former Anambra State governor argued that Starmer’s decision to step down amid public dissatisfaction over economic challenges and unmet promises offers valuable lessons for democratic leadership.

Obi recalled that before becoming president, Tinubu had repeatedly urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over issues relating to insecurity and economic hardship.

“Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives,” Obi stated.

He also referenced several promises Tinubu made during the 2023 presidential campaign, particularly those concerning electricity supply, anti-corruption efforts and improved welfare for Nigerians.

“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians,” the former Anambra State governor stated.

According to Obi, the situation in the country has deteriorated since Tinubu assumed office, with key sectors experiencing setbacks rather than improvements.

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition,” he said.

Obi maintained that the current state of affairs requires accountability from the nation’s leadership and urged the president to step down.

“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity.

“It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible,” Obi noted.

The former presidential candidate further stressed that accountability and responsible leadership remain essential to strengthening democratic institutions and rebuilding public confidence in governance.

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