About 5,000 students are set to receive the meningitis B
(MenB) vaccine at the University of Kent following an outbreak that has left
two people dead.

According to the UK Mirror, the move comes as health
officials race to contain the spread of the disease, with hundreds of close
contacts being offered antibiotics as an immediate precaution.

Fifteen cases of meningitis have been reported in the
Canterbury area to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), all requiring
hospital admission.

Four were confirmed as MenB, while officials warn the number
could rise given the infection’s incubation period of two to 14 days.

The BBC identified the two deaths as a 21-year-old
university student and Juliette, a sixth-form pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s
Grammar School in Faversham.

Susan Hopkins, UKHSA chief executive, described the outbreak
as having an “explosive nature”, while deputy chief medical officer Thomas
Waite said it was the fastest-growing outbreak he had seen in his career.

According to the BBC, Hopkins said the pattern suggests a
possible super-spreader event within university halls of residence, likely
linked to social mixing, but the source of the initial infection remains
unclear.

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of 10 Filipino sailors and their merchant vessel, MV Nord Bosporus, over the importation of 20 kilograms of coc@ine into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport in Lagos.

The agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed on Wednesday that the Federal High Court in Lagos also imposed fines and restitution totaling $6 million, alongside an additional N1.1 million penalty on the convicts.

The vessel and its crew were arrested on November 16, 2025, following the interception of the cocaine consignment concealed onboard the ship, which originated from Santos, Brazil.

Subsequently, the NDLEA filed a four-count charge against them in suit number FHC/L/1232C/25 before the Federal High Court 2, Lagos, led by the agency’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo.

The defendants, however, pleaded guilty and entered into a plea bargain agreement.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Ayokunle Faji found the vessel guilty under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act and ordered it to pay a N100,000 penalty and $5.35 million in restitution to the Federal Government.

Three principal officers of the vessel—the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants—were each fined N100,000 and ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution, while the remaining seven crew members were fined N100,000 each and $50,000 in restitution apiece.

In total, the vessel and its crew are to pay $6 million and N1.1 million as fines and restitution.

Reacting to the judgment, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), described the conviction as a major victory in the fight against drug trafficking.

He said the ruling sends a strong warning to international drug cartels and their collaborators that Nigeria’s territorial waters are no longer safe for illicit narcotics operations.

“The conviction is a resounding victory for the rule of law and a powerful testament to the renewed vigour of the NDLEA in our mission to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs,” Marwa said.

He added that the $6 million penalty would serve as a costly deterrent to criminal networks, stressing that the agency has moved beyond seizures to targeting the financial backbone of drug trafficking syndicates.

Marwa commended officers of the Apapa Strategic Command for their vigilance in uncovering the coc@ine hidden deep within the vessel’s cargo, noting that the success reflects the effectiveness of the agency’s intensified enforcement strategy.

He also praised the Directorate of Prosecution and Legal Services, as well as the judiciary, for ensuring the speedy trial of the case.

“This synergy between the NDLEA and the courts is the nightmare of every drug baron, and we will continue to strengthen this partnership until every drug supply chain in Nigeria is dismantled,” he said.

Reaffirming the agency’s resolve, Marwa stressed that the fight against drug trafficking is critical to safeguarding the nation’s youth and security, adding that intelligence gathering and operational capacity would continue to be strengthened.

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has inaugurated party caretaker committee for each of the 21 local government areas in Adamawa State.

Members of the new temporary leaderships at the local government level include a chairman, a secretary and three ex-officials for each of the local council areas.

The new leadership, assembled by appointment, are tasked with handling the affairs of the party before the conduct of elections as enshrined in the PDP constitution.

Administering the oath of office on the interim officials, a legal practitioner picked for the assignment, John Tunoh charged the interim committee members to adhere to the provisions of the PDP and national constitutions.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Yola, the state interim PDP chairman, Belmont Dogo told the new leaders that the strength of any political party lies in its structure at the grassroots.

“As local government caretaker committee members, you represent the engine room of the party in your respective areas,” he said, adding, “It is your responsibility to help reposition the party, rebuild confidence among our members, and prepare the ground for future successes.”

Responding on behalf of the caretaker committee members, the caretaker chairman of Fufore Local Government Area, Inuwa Umar, pledged to contribute to the growth of the party.

DAILY POST reports that the PDP in Adamawa State needs new strategy after most notable members left its fold, especially after Governor Ahmadu Fintiri led the way last month, February 27, when he officially announced his defection from the party.

Fintiri, including all his commissioners, special advisers and other appointees as well as PDP members in the national and state House of Assembly are now in the All Progressives Congress, APC.

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The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. O.O. Oluyede, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, have arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, following a triple bombing on Monday evening that claimed 23 lives and left 108 people injured.

It is reported that both officers landed on Wednesday in a white and red-painted jet at the Maiduguri Air Force Base.

It was earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu directed the service chiefs to relocate to the state in response to the attacks.

In a statement posted on his official X handle on Tuesday, the President mourned those who lost their lives and commended troops for repelling coordinated assaults on military positions.

“I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres,” President Tinubu said.

He added that he had instructed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge and ordered emergency agencies to provide care for the injured.

“I have directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation. I have also directed the emergency agencies to provide proper care for the injured,” he stated.

On arrival, the CDS and COAS were received by the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, the GOC, and other top military officials at the Maiduguri Air Force Base.

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President Bola Tinubu has ordered all political appointees
in his administration planning to run for elective positions in the 2027
general elections to vacate their offices on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive covers a wide range of officials, including
ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants,
special assistants, personal aides, as well as directors-general and chief
executives of federal parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned
enterprises.

The order was conveyed through a circular from the Office of
the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in line with Section 88(1)
of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable issued by the Independent
National Electoral Commission ahead of party primaries for the 2027 polls.

The circular, endorsed by Secretary to the Government of the
Federation George Akume and released by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana,
stated that the directive applies to all presidential appointees intending to
participate in party primaries or contest any elective position.

According to the circular, affected officials must submit
their resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the Government
of the Federation no later than March 31, 2026.

The circular partly read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has
directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to
contest elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to resign
their appointments on or before March 31, 2026. The directive is pursuant to
the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the
timetable issued by the INEC for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general
elections.

“In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of
the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, which was issued by the Permanent
Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, the
resignation requirement applies to all categories of presidential political
appointees who wish to participate in the forthcoming party primaries or seek
nomination for any elective office, which include the following: Honourable
Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior
Special Assistants to the President, Special Assistants the President, Personal
Assistants to the President, All Directors-General, and Chief Executive
Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and
Government-owned Companies, as well as all Other Political Appointees of the
President.

“Accordingly, all affected officials are required to submit
their formal resignation letters through the Office of the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026. ”

Tinubu said the move is aimed at ensuring adherence to
electoral regulations, promoting transparency in the political process, and
creating a fair environment for all aspirants ahead of the elections.

He also called on all affected officials to comply strictly
with the directive, reiterating his administration’s resolve to strengthen
democratic institutions and support credible electoral practices in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu emphasised that the measure is necessary
to ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the
political process, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of
the elections.

“He urged all concerned officials to take note of this
directive and ensure strict compliance, reaffirming the administration’s
commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting credible
electoral processes in Nigeria,” the circular read.

The development comes as political activities gather
momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections following the release of the
election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Nigeria’s electoral laws mandate political appointees
seeking elective positions to resign before taking part in party primaries, a
measure designed to prevent misuse of office and guarantee fairness in the
electoral process under the Tinubu administration.

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Dr Abdulmumini Aminu Zaria, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Resources Management Company (NIWRMC), has officially withdrawn his ambition to contest the Kaduna Central senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Dr Zaria, who had nurtured the senatorial ambition for approximately three years, cited a “higher calling to service” as the primary reason for his decision.

He emphasized the need to dedicate his full attention to his current federal appointment and support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as well as the developmental agenda of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.

“This decision is driven by a higher calling to service. I have chosen to sacrifice personal political ambition on the altar of national duty,” Zaria stated.

He further explained that the demands of his role at NIWRMC require undivided commitment to ensure effective service delivery, particularly amid the Tinubu administration’s reform initiatives.

Dr Zaria reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Uba Sani, describing him as a committed leader actively transforming Kaduna State through the “SUSTAIN” agenda.

He pledged continued support for both the federal and state governments, noting that his withdrawal would promote unity within the APC, eliminate distractions, and strengthen collective efforts for success at national and state levels.

“This is not an end, but a redirection towards greater service to the nation and the state,” he added, urging his supporters to remain committed to the APC and channel their energy into advancing the party’s objectives.

The withdrawal is seen by observers as a move that clears the path for former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani to emerge as the consensus APC candidate for the district.

This development could help consolidate party support, reduce internal competition, and foster greater unity within the APC in Kaduna Central ahead of the 2027 polls.

No immediate reactions from Governor Uba Sani, former Senator Shehu Sani, or APC leadership have been reported regarding the announcement.

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The Federal Government has accused embattled mining company Jupiter Ltd of orchestrating a “campaign of calumny” aimed at discrediting Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu during his upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the ministry claimed the alleged plot is intended to mislead the international community about reforms in the mining sector and the revocation of certain mineral licences.

The controversy centres on the revocation of mineral titles held by Basin Mining Ltd, a Nigerian company linked to Australian national Steve Davis.

The ministry stated that the titles (45454ML, 45117ML, 45118ML, 40532ML, and 40533ML) were revoked due to non-payment of statutory annual service fees amounting to N2.494 billion for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, following due notice and in line with Nigerian mining regulations.

The government dismissed as “a tissue of falsehoods” a publication titled ‘Nigeria Seizes British Lithium Project Under Armed Guard,’ which it attributed to Jupiter Ltd.

It rejected claims that the revoked titles were reassigned to a Chinese firm, describing such assertions as fabrications designed to deceive stakeholders.

The ministry further alleged that individuals like Steve Davis and Hamish MacDonald have been involved in arrangements that violate Nigerian laws, including using companies such as Comet Minerals Ltd, Basin Mining Ltd, Range Mining Ltd, Northern Numero Ltd, Sunrise Minerals Ltd, and Iron Ore Mining Ltd to speculate on mineral titles without conducting actual mining operations.

Foreign entities are prohibited from directly holding mineral titles under Nigerian law.

Special Adviser to the Minister, Kehinde Bamigbetan, in a related response titled ‘In Nigeria’s Mining Sector, The Law Is No Respecter of Persons,’ emphasised that enforcement actions are necessary to address dormant licences and illegal mining practices.

The statement stressed: “The Federal Government of Nigeria cannot and will not be intimidated or blackmailed into abandoning reforms by the antics of any individual or company.”

It reaffirmed commitment to transforming the mining sector focusing on lithium, gold, iron ore, and rare earth elements into a major driver of economic diversification and GDP growth.

The ministry noted it has no legal or contractual relationship with any entity known as Jupiter Lithium.

President Tinubu’s state visit to the UK is scheduled for March 18–19, 2026, where he will be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle the first such visit by a Nigerian president in nearly four decades.

The trip aims to bolster diplomatic, economic, trade, investment, security, and cultural ties, including discussions on opportunities in mining and other sectors.

The government urged stakeholders to disregard attempts by “discredited individuals” to undermine the reform agenda and called for support in repositioning Nigeria’s mining industry for sustainable development.

No immediate response has been reported from Jupiter Ltd or the named individuals.

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Joan Laporta has been re-elected as president of Barcelona, winning over 68% of the vote to secure a further five-year term starting 1 July 2026. His opponent, Victor Font, received nearly 30% of the votes, with the rest void or invalid.

According to BBC Sport on Monday, this will be Laporta’s second consecutive term and fourth overall. He previously led the club from 2003 to 2010, a period highlighted by the appointment of Pep Guardiola as manager.

Following his victory, the 63-year-old declared, “It makes us unstoppable. No one will stop us. Exciting years lie ahead.”

Laporta also pledged to strengthen the first team and complete the Nou Camp redevelopment, emphasising that the club and its members would defend Barcelona “against everything and everyone.”

The election saw a turnout of 42.34%, with almost 48,500 members casting votes.

Barcelona have faced financial difficulties in recent years but enjoyed a successful season, claiming a domestic treble and leading Real Madrid by four points in La Liga. The club now prepares for the Champions League last-16 second leg against Newcastle United, after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

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Abia State Governor Alex Otti has dismissed claims by opposition politicians that his administration is merely repainting or claiming credit for roads built by previous governments, describing such denials as dishonest and uncharacteristic of true Igbo values.

Speaking at a reception organised in honour of the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), in Isuikwuato Local Government Area on Saturday, Otti expressed concern over what he called deliberate attempts by some opposition figures to downplay his administration’s achievements due to partisan differences.

“You cannot see a road that was done, and you say it wasn’t done. You cannot see a road that somebody did, and you credit it to somebody else. If you do that, you are not an Igbo man,” Otti stated.

He accused critics of inundating the public with lies about ongoing and completed projects, insisting that his government has delivered visible infrastructure improvements across the state.

Otti emphasised that his response to such criticism would remain focused on performance rather than verbal rebuttals.“Our response is more work.

One thing you can be sure of is that this is your government,” he added.The governor thanked influential APC chieftain and former Minister Uche Ogah for publicly acknowledging his administration’s achievements and reaffirming support for his potential re-election in 2027, despite party differences.

The remarks come amid ongoing political debates in Abia State, where former Governor and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has claimed that Otti is largely repainting roads constructed during his own tenure and has not delivered major new projects on the same scale.

Otti’s administration has prioritised road rehabilitation and construction as key pillars of its agenda, with several projects flagged off or completed in rural and urban areas since he assumed office.

The event in Isuikwuato highlighted Uwanna’s role as a key pillar of the administration, with Otti praising his contributions to justice delivery and governance.

No specific roads were named in Otti’s statement, but the controversy reflects broader partisan tensions over credit for infrastructure development in the state.

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