Category: PM News

As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 enters its final hours, anticipation is reaching fever pitch across the globe for what is expected to be the biggest and most transformative edition of the tournament in history.

The competition kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City and will run until July 19, when the world champions will be crowned at the final in New York/New Jersey.

For the first time since the World Cup began in 1930, three countries Canada, Mexico and the United States will jointly host the tournament, ushering in a new era for football’s most prestigious event.

FIFA’s decision to expand the competition from 32 to 48 teams marks one of the most significant changes in the tournament’s history. The new format is designed to increase global participation and provide more nations with the opportunity to compete on football’s grandest stage. As a result, the 2026 edition will feature more matches, more host cities and a larger international audience than any previous World Cup.

A total of 48 teams from six continental confederations have secured qualification for the tournament.

Defending champions Argentina will be among the favourites, while traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, England and Portugal are also expected to challenge for the trophy.

Africa heads into the competition with one of its strongest representations ever.

The continent will be represented by Algeria, Cabo Verde, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia.

Following Morocco’s historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, expectations are high that African teams can once again make a significant impact on the global stage.

The tournament’s matches will be spread across 16 host cities. Canada will host games in Toronto and Vancouver, while Mexico’s venues are located in Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey. The United States will stage the majority of the matches, with host cities including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle.

The World Cup will be played in some of North America’s most iconic sporting venues, many of which have undergone extensive upgrades and preparations in anticipation of welcoming millions of fans and visitors.

Organisers expect record-breaking attendance figures and unprecedented global television viewership throughout the tournament.

Beyond the football action, FIFA is also placing strong emphasis on entertainment and cultural celebration.

The organisation has unveiled a record 18-track official World Cup album featuring a diverse lineup of international artists. Nigeria has secured a prominent place on the soundtrack through the inclusion of Afrobeats superstars Davido, Burna Boy, Rema and Ayra Starr, underlining the genre’s growing influence on global popular culture.

The tournament’s official match ball, the adidas TRIONDA, has also attracted considerable attention.

Unveiled in October 2025, the ball derives its name from the concept of ‘three waves,’ symbolising the unity of the three host nations. Its design incorporates the colours associated with Canada, Mexico and the United States, reflecting the unique nature of the tournament.

Adding a touch of fun and national identity to the event are the three official mascots introduced by FIFA. Maple the Moose represents Canada, Zayu the Jaguar symbolises Mexico, while Clutch the Bald Eagle serves as the mascot for the United States.

The mascots are expected to feature prominently in fan engagement activities, promotional campaigns and tournament festivities.

The World Cup also arrives at a time when football continues to expand its reach into new markets and audiences. The enlarged format is expected to generate greater commercial opportunities, attract new supporters and strengthen the sport’s global appeal. FIFA believes the tournament will set new benchmarks for fan engagement, digital innovation and international collaboration.

For players, coaches and supporters, the coming weeks will provide moments of triumph, heartbreak, drama and unforgettable memories. From the opening whistle in Mexico City to the final celebration in New York/New Jersey, the FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be a historic showcase of sporting excellence, cultural diversity and global unity.

With billions of viewers expected to follow the action and millions set to attend matches across North America, the stage is now set for a tournament that could redefine the future of international football and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, says the party has the number and strength to win the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election and the 2027 presidential election.

Yilwatda made the statement while inaugurating the APC National Campaign Council for Ekiti Governorship election, slated for June 20 in Abuja.

The chairman presented flag of the party to APC governorship candidate, Gov. Biodun Oyenbanji contesting for a second term in office.

He noted that Oyebanji was doing well in terms of infrastructural development, social protection, scholarships and health support systems for the people.

‘You are connecting roads and connecting hearts across the state, we celebrate you and I thank God for giving you to the people of Ekiti and to our party as well. Today, we present you to the people of Ekiti for a second term in office, as a party, we are proud and happy that we have you. You are one of the best candidates for this election, the people have no option as you seem to be the only candidate for this election,’ he said.

Yilwatda who boasted on the growing strength of the party lately, added that no political party in the country could match the array of people in the APC.

‘APC has the strength and is prepared to win any election.”

Yiltwada said funding would not be a problem to the party to win elections because it has the manpower and capacity to raise funds, adding that it was building an inclusive campaign council for Ekiti.

‘The elderly are here with all talents and all shared opinion people who can raise funds down to mobilisation at the polling unit level, we are prepared,’ he said.

Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate and Co-Chairman of the council, thanked the party’s leadership for the honour to serve.

He, however, advised aspirants seeking elective positions on the party’s platform in 2027 general elections to accept in good faith, the results of its primary election across the states that was being expected.

He congratulated those who would make the list in advance for the House of Representatives and the Senate, saying those that may not make it, should had done their homework well before going for the primaries.

He added that the National Assembly would endorse the list of successful aspirants when it is eventually released by the party’s leadership.

‘When the party meets, we shall endorse the list and may God Almighty grant us victory in the elections and grant us victory in justice,’ Akpabio said.

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Chairman of the Council said its goal was ambitious yet achievable, adding that the council was committed to ensuring that the voice of the people was amplified.

He said the council was also committed to ensure that the people’s trust in good governance was rewarded.

He said to achieve its goal, the council had established effective campaign structures across all 16 Local Government Areas and 177 wards in Ekiti.

Sani said the grassroots engagement was foundational to the council’s strategy in ensuring that every indigene of the state was reached, heard and mobilised for the election.

‘Our campaign will not merely be a series of rallies; it will be a movement that resonates with the aspirations of the people,’ he said.

He described Oyebanji as a man with a strong commitment to the welfare of the people of Ekiti, saying his leadership was strategic, defined by humility and kindness that brought everyone together.

He said the campaign would focus on engaging and mobilising the youth and women, two vital demographics essential for shaping the future of the state.

‘Their voices will be heard, their concerns addressed and their aspirations prioritised in our governance agenda. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone has a role to play in building a brighter future. Let us remember that this campaign is not just about winning an election; it is about securing the future of the state,’ he said.

He explained that the election was about ensuring that the progress made by the APC government continued and that every indigene of the state partook in the benefits of good governance.

He urged members of the council to commit fully to mobilise, engage and advocate for the vision it shared, assuring that together, they would ensure that the voice of the people was not only heard but amplified.

‘Let us march forward with courage, determination and unity, together, we will achieve an extraordinary victory for Gov. Oyebanji and the APC in the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election,’ he said

Two senior members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), including a suspected expert in vehicle-borne explosive devices, have surrendered to Nigerian troops in Yobe State, the Nigerian Army has confirmed.

The individuals laid down their arms before troops of Operation HADIN KAI.

The surrender took place on 8 June in Geidam, where soldiers of the 159 Battalion received Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar.

Ismail Mohammed was said to have previously served as a commander under a terror leader known as Baa Shuwa and was believed to have deep insight into the group’s structure and operations.

Abu Umar, on the other hand, was described as an ISWAP technical specialist involved in the construction and handling of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. Authorities believe he had knowledge of locations where explosive materials were manufactured and concealed within insurgent enclaves.

Both men are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as part of ongoing investigations.

In separate operations in Borno State, troops also arrested two suspected informants accused of assisting terrorist networks.

A joint team comprising soldiers of the 19 Battalion, personnel of the 25 Brigade Garrison and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force apprehended one suspect in Damboa on 9 June. The individual was reportedly caught while purchasing farming supplies and mosquito nets allegedly destined for insurgent groups operating in the area.

Investigators said the suspect admitted during preliminary questioning to providing logistics support and intelligence to terrorist elements. He is being held at the Headquarters of 25 Brigade for further interrogation.

‘Similarly, troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion arrested another suspected terrorist informant on the same day.

‘The suspect was apprehended at about 7:00 p.m. and remained in military custody pending further action.

‘Meanwhile, troops also foiled an attempted terrorist attack on a military location after sighting suspected terrorists approaching the area on June 9.

‘Troops responded with fire missions aimed at neutralising the terrorists and denying them freedom of action within the area of operation,’ it said.

The report further noted that troops carried out a follow-up sweep of the area on 10 June, during which the remains of two terrorists and a motorcycle were discovered.

Preliminary findings suggested the insurgents may have been killed in an earlier engagement in Buni Yadi, with their bodies already in a decomposed state.

Search operations in the vicinity did not yield additional recoveries, according to the military report.

The Nigerian Army has apprehended a civilian suspected of impersonating a retired Major-General in Kaduna State.

The suspect was arrested by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, according to a special operational report made available on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the report, troops of the 312 Artillery Regiment deployed at Strike Force Base, Sabo, arrested the suspect at about 9:14 a.m. on Thursday.

The report said the suspect allegedly impersonated retired Maj.-Gen. MT Ibrahim.

It added that the suspect ‘is currently in military custody undergoing preliminary investigation.

‘Arrangements are underway to transfer the suspect to the appropriate security authorities for further investigation and necessary action.’

It added that efforts were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged impersonation and determine whether other persons were involved.

Political tension in the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, deepened on Thursday as political activist and party chieftain, Aisha Yesufu, accused the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, of weakening the platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

Yesufu, in a statement addressed to Dickson, said his recent post-primaries interview failed to reassure aggrieved aspirants and supporters, but instead made the crisis in the party appear like a personal battle.

She said Dickson should have used the interview to sell the NDC candidates, unite members and give Nigerians confidence that the party was ready to challenge for power in 2027.

According to her, the former Bayelsa State governor appeared ‘insecure’ and ‘in competition’ with the party’s presidential candidate.

‘This part of the interview was so painfully appalling to watch. It looked as if you were insecure and in competition with your presidential candidate,’ Yesufu said.

She accused Dickson of treating the NDC as a special purpose vehicle whose goal had ended with registration, rather than a political party built to win elections.

‘With all due respect sir, it looks as if you consider the NDC a Special Purpose Vehicle whose aim has been achieved just by being registered instead of a political party whose aim is to win the 2027 general election decisively,’ she said.

Yesufu said the registration of the NDC should be a means to an end and not an end in itself.

She also faulted Dickson’s handling of complaints arising from the party’s primaries, saying many aspirants and supporters were still angry over the process.

Yesufu said she followed the party’s process and even accepted the situation when Dickson allegedly insisted that there would be no primaries for the Senate.

She said she later asked her supporters to focus on the bigger picture despite their anger.

‘I toured the FCT pacifying my supporters and party people who rightfully felt disrespected as they were all waiting at their respective headquarters for primaries that never happened,’ she said.

‘I played field politics, I never waited for anyone to give me ticket.’

The activist said Dickson, as party leader, should have pacified aggrieved aspirants and urged supporters to remain committed to the NDC, but instead antagonised the same people the party would need to win elections.

‘As a leader of a political party, your number one job in that interview was to pacify aspirants, many of whom are rightfully aggrieved, and secondly to call on supporters to bear with the party and support it,’ she said.

‘But you ended up antagonising the very people you would need to win election. Every vote counts. A leader must stoop to conquer.’

Yesufu said no one was trying to take Dickson’s leadership of the NDC from him, adding that the focus should be on defeating the ruling party in 2027.

‘No one can take away your leadership of NDC, no one is interested in that. The focus is on Nigeria winning the 2027 election,’ she said.

She accused Dickson of shifting blame whenever party processes were criticised, urging him to take full responsibility for the shortcomings of the young party.

‘The party is young. It was overwhelmed. Mistakes will be made. Accepting the mistakes and being accountable is how the party will get better,’ she said.

Yesufu warned that the NDC had a major political battle ahead and should not allow personal ego to distract it from its goal.

‘There is a whole battle ahead of us. Rescuing Nigeria from the current state it is in should be the main focus, not people’s fragile ego,’ she said.

She ended her statement with a quote from Jim Rohn: ‘If what you did yesterday is still looking big to you today, then you are not doing enough.’

The exchange comes amid growing unease within the NDC after its primaries and public complaints by some aspirants and supporters over the party’s internal process.

Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, has on Thursday inaugurated 152 housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, the governor described the project as a major step towards restoring dignity and rebuilding lives affected by insecurity.

Radda said the housing estate was constructed under the North-West Development Facility Project, through a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other development partners.

According to him, the project was designed to provide safe shelter and sustainable livelihoods for families displaced by years of armed conflict and violence in the area.

‘Beneficiaries will not only receive houses but also support items such as mattresses, mats, blankets, cooking utensils, soap and bags of rice, while some households would benefit from financial assistance to help them restart their lives,’ he said.

The governor also noted that the intervention was part of a broader strategy aimed at promoting human security, economic recovery and community resilience across affected communities in the state.

According to him, the project also includes the construction of a Climate Hub Enterprise Centre, a solar-powered mini-grid, a veterinary clinic, market stalls, lock-up shops, rehabilitation of cattle loading facilities and solar electrification of the cattle market.

Radda added that agricultural support for both dry and rainy season farming, as well as grants for micro, small and nano-scale enterprises, had been provided to strengthen livelihoods and improve economic opportunities for residents.

The state government, he said, had complemented the intervention by providing land for the estate, perimeter fencing, a worship centre, portable water facilities and street lighting.

Furthermore, Radda attributed the success of the initiative to improved security measures, including community-based peacebuilding efforts and investments in security equipment for law enforcement agencies.

He noted that the security situation in Jibia had improved significantly in recent years, with no deliberate attacks or kidnappings recorded, while farmers had returned to their fields, markets had reopened and children were back in school.

Radda however, called for deeper collaboration with development partners, to address the root causes of insecurity, expand livelihood opportunities, build climate resilience and empower women and youths.

Earlier, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, commended the Katsina State Government for its commitment to the project through the provision of counterpart funding.

Attafuah said German support alone would not have achieved the impact without the substantial contributions and ownership demonstrated by the state government in implementing housing, peacebuilding and stabilisation programmes.

She added that the partnership had advanced durable solutions, community recovery and peacebuilding objectives in Jibia, Batsari and Faskari local government areas.

Also speaking, Chairman of Jibia LGA, Surajo Ado, who represented the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the state government and UNDP for selecting the council as a beneficiary of the intervention.

He described the project as a milestone to promote sustainable development, noting that other interventions, including renovation of veterinary facilities and skills acquisition programmes, had positively impacted the lives of residents.

Ado said the projects would go a long way in supporting displaced families and strengthening socio-economic recovery in the local government area.

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday destroyed narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances weighing 73,463.21 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of ?2.8 billion.

The public destruction exercise, carried out under a Federal High Court order, saw the illicit drugs set ablaze in the presence of government officials, security agencies, traditional leaders and other stakeholders.

A breakdown of the destroyed exhibits showed that Cannabis sativa accounted for the bulk of the seizures at 73,210.23 kilogrammes. Other substances destroyed included 246.36 kilogrammes of psychotropic drugs, comprising 141.81 kilogrammes of Tramadol, 8.4258 kilogrammes of Diazepam and 61.7652 kilogrammes of Codeine syrup.

The agency also incinerated 2.662 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine, 3.7441 kilogrammes of Cocaine and 0.2168 kilogrammes of Heroin.

Speaking at the event, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, described the fight against drug abuse as a critical battle for the future of society and national security.

Represented by the First Lady of Edo State and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, Mrs. Edesili Anani, the governor said the war against narcotics extends beyond law enforcement to combating kidnapping, banditry and other crimes often linked to drug abuse.

‘This is not a moment for celebration alone; it is a moment for sober reflection and a recommitment to the fight. The war on drugs is a war for the soul of our nation. It is a war against criminality, kidnapping and banditry as well as the health hazards that drug abuse brings,’ Okpebholo said.

He assured the NDLEA of his administration’s continued support and disclosed plans to establish a modern rehabilitation centre for individuals recovering from drug addiction.

The governor also issued a stern warning to drug traffickers operating in the state.

‘Drug traffickers must leave Edo State because we are coming for them and we will not relent until every gram of illicit substance is seized and destroyed,’ he said.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the destruction exercise as a powerful demonstration of the country’s determination to eliminate drug trafficking and abuse.

Represented by the agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation, DCGN Suleiman Ahmed Ningi, Marwa commended the Edo State Government for its support, particularly the allocation of 20 plots of land for the construction of a model NDLEA State Command headquarters.

‘What we are gathered here to do transcends the physical act of burning contraband. We are, in the most powerful terms, reaffirming our collective and unshakeable resolve to confront, dismantle, and ultimately defeat the menace of drug abuse,’ Marwa said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Joseph Ikpea, praised the NDLEA for its sustained efforts in intercepting illicit substances and pledged stronger legislative support for the agency.

‘Every kilogramme of cocaine, every bag of cannabis and sachet of tramadol and codeine destroyed today represents lives saved from the catastrophic effects of drugs. Your work is dangerous and often not properly funded, yet you fill the gaps. We will continue to press for better welfare, funding, equipment and legal backing for your operations,’ Ikpea stated.

The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, revealed that the command had recorded significant operational successes in recent months, intercepting drugs concealed in vehicles, articulated trucks and even traditional shrines.

‘The command has intercepted cars and articulated trucks laden with drugs. We have apprehended both the young and the aged, male and female and have even recovered drugs hidden in shrines. We have been attacked on the line of duty with firearms, but we are not deterred in executing our mandate,’ Ofoyeju said.

Highlighting the devastating impact of substance abuse on families and society, he added: ‘We may give our children the good things of life, such as money, the best schools, good food and clothing, but if we fail to protect them from drug and substance abuse, we have indeed given them nothing.’

A bill seeking to establish state police and transfer policing powers to subnational governments in order to strengthen internal security architecture across the federation on Thursday scaled through the second reading at the Senate.

The bill, which enjoys broad support among all senators across political divides, was referred to the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio for further consideration and scrutiny.

Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele led the debate on the state police bill, highlighting the national significance of creating a state police among the dwindling power of the Nigeria Police to ensure internal stability.

Nigeria had unprecedented security challenges ranging errorism and violent extremism to banditry and mass abductions; farmer-herder conflicts; cultism and gang violence; armed robbery; pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage; communal clashes; and emerging cyber-enabled crimes.

Consequently, Nigerians had called for the establishment of state police, citing the inability of a centralised policing structure to adequately respond to the complex, evolving and localised security threats facing our communities.

In response to public demands, Bamidele sponsored the state police bill as one of the measures to strengthen internal security architecture across the federation.

Bamidele noted that the bill seeks to modernise Nigeria’s security architecture by establishing Federal and State Police structures.

He added that the new bill also defines their respective responsibilities; created State Police Service Commissions; provided oversight mechanisms; transferred policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List and strengthened cooperative federalism in security administration.

He, specifically, explained that the proposed amendment ‘does not weaken national unity. Rather, it strengthens the Federation by enabling each level of government to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.’

Bamidele, however, acknowledged that one of the major concerns often raised against State Police ‘is the possibility of abuse by state governments. This Bill adequately addresses those concerns through several safeguards.’

The safeguards, according to Bamidele, include establishment of State Police Service Commissions; federal oversight through the Federal Police Service Commission; uniform national policing standards and legislative confirmation of senior appointments.

He also identified strengthening constitutional procedures for removal of state commissioners of police; periodic certification and review of State Police operations; and federal intervention mechanisms in situations of complete breakdown of law and order as parts of the safeguards to prevent the abuse of state police by the state governments.

Bamidele noted that all the safeguards ‘are intended to create a balanced framework that combines operational autonomy with accountability and constitutional oversight.’

He, thus, argued that security ‘is most effective when it is local. The individuals who understand the terrain, language, culture and peculiar security dynamics of a community are often best positioned to detect criminal activities before they escalate.’

He added that the establishment of state police ‘will improve intelligence gathering: Local police officers are better equipped to obtain actionable intelligence from communities because they understand local languages, customs and social structures.

‘Modern policing relies heavily on intelligence rather than force. State Police will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s intelligence architecture,’ the senate leader made a strong case for the establishment of a state police system.’

He further argued that state police would facilitate rapid response to security threats, saying the centralised command structure ‘often creates bureaucratic delays in responding to emergencies. State Police formations will possess operational flexibility to respond swiftly to security incidents within their jurisdictions.

‘It will promote community policing. Effective policing requires trust between law enforcement and the public. State police will foster stronger community partnerships and improve public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

‘It will also relieve pressure on the Federal Police: The Federal Police currently bears responsibility for policing the entire nation. Establishing State Police will allow the Federal Police to focus on interstate crimes; errorism; organised criminal networks; border security; cybercrime; protection of federal assets and national security operations.

‘It will strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure. Nigeria operates a federal system of government. Under a true federation, powers and responsibilities should be appropriately shared among different levels of government. Most mature federations maintain sub-national police institutions alongside federal law enforcement agencies.’

He argued that several federal nations ‘successfully operate multi-layered policing systems,’ noting that Nigeria should not remain an exception among federal systems.

He cited the case of the United States, where policing ‘is undertaken by federal, state, county and municipal agencies. In Canada, provinces maintain their own policing arrangements alongside federal policing institutions.

‘In Australia, each state maintains its own police force while the federal government retains national policing responsibilities. In Germany, state police services operate alongside federal security agencies. As such, Nigeria should not remain an exception among federal systems,’ Bamidele pointed out.

After Bamidele’s lead debate, senators, mostly from the north, spoke in favour of the establishment of state police, saying its creation would provide a lasting solution to the insecurity in the country.

In his contribution, Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Tahir Monguno expressed strong support for the proposed state police Bill, saying its passage would help address the proliferation of various vigilante groups operating across the country.

The lawmaker said the bill ‘will provide a legal framework for the establishment and operation of state police, enabling them to effectively discharge their responsibilities while ensuring proper regulation and accountability.’

Real Madrid have officially announced the return of José Mourinho as the club’s head coach, ending weeks of speculation and ushering in a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Spanish giants confirmed on Thursday that their Board of Directors, chaired by club president Florentino Pérez, approved Mourinho’s appointment on a three-year contract that will run until June 30, 2029.

The Portuguese tactician is scheduled to begin work on July 13 when the club’s pre-season preparations commence.

Mourinho’s return marks his second spell in charge of Real Madrid, having previously managed the club between 2010 and 2013. During that period, he helped restore Los Blancos as a dominant force in Spanish football, winning the Copa del Rey in 2011, the La Liga title in 2012 and the Spanish Super Cup later that year.

His 2011-12 side remains one of the most celebrated teams in the club’s modern history, winning La Liga with a record 100 points and scoring an unprecedented 121 league goals. The campaign ended Barcelona’s domestic dominance and established several records in Spanish football.

Beyond his achievements in Madrid, Mourinho arrives with one of the most decorated managerial résumés in world football.

Nicknamed ‘The Special One,’ the 63-year-old has won league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain, while also capturing two UEFA Champions League crowns with FC Porto and Inter Milan. His trophy cabinet includes Europa League, UEFA Cup and UEFA Conference League titles, cementing his status as one of football’s most successful managers.

Real Madrid’s decision comes after a difficult period for the club, which has endured two consecutive seasons without a major trophy.

Reports indicated that Pérez, recently re-elected as club president, viewed Mourinho’s return as a key part of plans to restore the club’s dominance both domestically and in Europe.

Mourinho left Benfica earlier this week after Real Madrid moved to secure his services, paving the way for a highly anticipated reunion more than a decade after his departure from the Spanish capital.

The Portuguese coach returns to Madrid with a formidable record from his first tenure, having won 128 of his 178 matches in charge and posting one of the highest win percentages of any permanent manager in the club’s history.

Eleven Indian sailors and their merchant vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, who were arrested by operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for importing 31.5 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria were convicted and fined a total of Six Million US Dollars ($6million) by a Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday.

The Indian crew members and their merchant vessel were arrested at the GDNL terminal, Apapa port Lagos on Friday 2nd January 2026 following the discovery of 31.5 kilograms of cocaine in hatch 3 of their ship by NDLEA operatives

They had arrived at Apapa Port from from Marshall Islands with the Master of the Vessel identified as Sharma Shashi Bhushan.

The other crew members were identified as: Bharati Manoj Kumar; Nevage Sandesh Suresh; Pandey Prashant; Nuttu Anand; Akash Babu; Nilesh Mukuno Bhalerad; Melethil Insaf Rahman; Barla Chantanya Krishna; Prabhasukhan Singu; and Jai Parkash.

The were subsequently arraigned on two counts charge before Joseph Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

However, they filed a plea bargain which the prosecution and defence counsel agreed to.

The plea bargain formed the basis of the judgment delivered on the suit by Justice Aneke on Thursday, according to Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Aneke convicted all the 12 defendants under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act and sentenced them to pay the sum of 100,000 Naira each as the penalty for the offence under the Act.

?In addition, the Judge ordered 1st defendant, which is the vessel, to pay restitution in the sum of $5,300,000 or its equivalent in Naira to the Nigerian government.

Also, the three principal officers of the vessel who are the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants, namely: Sharma Shashi Bhushan; Nilesh Mukuno Bhalerad; and Melethil Insaf Rahman are also to pay restitution to the Nigerian government in the sum of 100,000 US dollars each.

The other crew members, the 5th to 12th defendants are to pay their restitution in the sum of 50, 000 US dollars each.

Babafemi quoted the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) as noting that the conviction of the vessel and its crew members sends a resounding message to every drug trafficking network in the world that ‘Nigeria is no longer a safe corridor for cocaine or any other illicit substance.’

Marwa said, ‘This judgment is the third of its kind in recent times, following the convictions of foreign nationals and vessels on similar charges. Let it be known that these are not coincidences, they are the direct result of deliberate, intelligence-led operations by our officers who remain vigilant at every port of entry.

‘The NDLEA will not relent. Whether you come by air, land, or sea; whether you are a Nigerian or a foreign national, if you attempt to use our waters as a narcotics highway, you will face the full weight of Nigerian law. Our courts have spoken, and we will continue to give them reason to speak. The war against drug trafficking is one we are winning and we intend to keep it that way.’

The NDLEA boss commended the officers, men and women of the Apapa Strategic Command of the Agency for their vigilance in identifying the cocaine consignment buried deep within the cargo of a massive commodity vessel.

He specifically expressed appreciation to the Agency’s Directorate of Prosecution and Legal Services for their diligence in the prosecution of the case.