Author: The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has shut down facilities belonging to Inner Galaxy Steel across the country over alleged involvement in the vandalism and recycling of railway infrastructure.

The action followed a court order secured after the arrest of suspects and the recovery of vandalised railway materials reportedly traced to the company’s premises in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Speaking during a briefing at the site, the NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, said those arrested are under investigation for offences including conspiracy, destruction of railway infrastructure, theft, concealment of stolen property, and alleged financing of terrorism.

He explained that the court order authorised the sealing of the facility and the transfer of recovered railway materials—such as sleepers and tracks—to the Nigerian Railway Corporation as exhibits for prosecution.

According to him, the order also extends to facilities linked to the company in Abia and Zamfara states, as well as any other branches connected to the investigation nationwide.

Afolabi further alleged that some arrested workers confessed that vandalised railway components were routinely transported to the company’s plants, where they were melted and repurposed into products like nails and roofing sheets.

The Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, called on Nigerians to support efforts to curb vandalism by providing credible information to security agencies.

He also directed the Special Intelligence Squad, led by Appollos Dandaura, to ensure a thorough and professional investigation, warning that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in line with the law.

The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and tackling economic sabotage, noting that attacks on railway facilities pose serious risks to public safety and national development.

The agency also commended the judiciary for granting the court order and acknowledged the role of the media in exposing crimes against national assets.

NSCDC Seals Steel Firms Over Rail Sabotage is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Lagos State Government has disbursed over N2.13 billion to 3,301 vulnerable residents in the last one year under the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme as part of intensified efforts to deepen social intervention, strengthen grassroots governance and expand citizen engagement across the state. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic […]

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Argentina star Lionel Messi suffered an injury scare before the World Cup, requesting to be substituted during Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer game on Sunday.

Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos later suggested the 38-year-old forward’s replacement against the Philadelphia Union was precautionary because of pitch conditions in a wet Miami.

The 2022 World Cup winner came off in the 73rd minute of the game after clutching the back of his left leg, but appeared to be walking normally as he headed straight down the tunnel.

“As far as I know, we don’t have a [medical] report on that yet, but he really was fatigued,” Hoyos said after the game when asked about Messi’s condition.

“He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks.”

Messi has not formally confirmed he plans to play for the defending champions in the World Cup, which begins on 11 June, but is widely expected to return for what will be a record-equalling sixth appearance at the finals which are being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Argentina’s squad is due to be named next week, with their opening game against Algeria on 16 June.

Since moving to Miami in 2023, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has carefully managed his workload but has still spent spells on the sideline with hamstring issues.

Messi Suffers Injury Scare Before World Cup is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Injured forward Lamine Yamal has been named in Spain’s World Cup squad, which does not feature any Real Madrid players for the first time.

The 18-year-old missed the final month of the season after tearing his left hamstring while playing for Barcelona on 22 April.

Real defenders Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal were left out.

“I don’t look at one club or another. I don’t have that local bias a fan might have. For me, it’s more global,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.

“The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.”

Real did not win a trophy this season and finished eight points behind La Liga champions Barcelona.

Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has been struggling with a hamstring problem, also features in the 26-man squad.

“We’re very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we’ll have everyone available from the very first match,” said De la Fuente.

The World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July.

Spain play debutants Cape Verde on 15 June, Saudi Arabia on 21 June and Uruguay on 26 June in Group H.

Midfielder Mikel Merino, who returned in Arsenal’s last Premier League game of the season on Sunday after four months out with a stress fracture in the foot, has been included in the squad.

He is one of seven Premier League players along with clubmates David Raya and Martin Zubimendi, Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, Manchester City’s Rodri and Crystal Palace’s Yeremy Pino.

Uncapped defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill have been called up after impressing for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively.

“Excitement is the key word. Passion,” said De la Fuente.

“The reaction of people all over Spain – adults and children alike – is that they are fully behind the national team.”

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez was last week ruled out of the tournament with a broken foot.

Spain World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).

Defenders: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St-Germain), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid).

Forwards: Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Victor Munoz (Osasuna), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo).

Spain Include Yamal In World Cup Squad, No Madrid Player is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

… says Tinubu’s over 10 million votes not a threat Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that the crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not stop the party from winning the forthcoming general elections. He stated that internal crisis is typical of political parties during elections, describing it as the beauty of […]

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has sealed all branches of Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd over terrorism financing in Nigeria.

This was announced in a statement on Monday.

The security agency said the corps secured a court order to seal the companies for allegations ranging from conspiracy to commit a felony, to damage and theft of railway infrastructure, and to concealment of stolen property.

It disclosed that during a raid by the commandant general’s special intelligence squad on one of the factories, several illegally obtained and vandalised government assets and infrastructure were recovered.

“Armed with valid search warrants and court orders, the operatives stormed the Birnin Yero facility in Igabi LGA, Kaduna state. Confession from arrested staff revealed a coordinated logistics network where vandalised national infrastructure was routinely moved to the company’s headquarters in Aba and other branches for melting.

“The stolen steel was subsequently recycled into commercial products such as nails and roofing sheets,” the NSCDC statement said.

The agency also mentioned that the management of the companies owned by Chinese nationals had been formally summoned by the NSCDC but had yet to comply.

NSCDC further said that its commandant general, Ahmed Audi, directed that every suspect found culpable or an accomplice to the allegations must face the full wrath of the law.

NSCDC Shut Down Chinese Company For Alleged Terrorism Financing is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Kayode Ijalana, has described President Bola Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election as a clear affirmation of the trust reposed in his leadership, experience and vision for Nigeria.

Recall that Tinubu emerged as the APC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election after securing nearly 11 million votes in the party’s nationwide primary election, defeating fellow aspirant Stanley Osifo.

In Ondo State, the president scored 181,966 votes, while Osifo scored zero.

In a statement made available on Monday, Ijalana congratulated the president, noting that the outcome of the primary reflected the overwhelming confidence of party delegates in his capacity to consolidate ongoing reforms and steer the country towards greater prosperity.

“This victory is not just for Mr. President, but for all progressives who believe in continuity, stability, and national development. It validates his decades of investment in democracy, bridge-building, and transformative governance,” he said.

Ijalana also commended the APC National Working Committee and delegates for conducting a transparent, peaceful, and credible primary election, adding that the exercise further deepened internal democracy within the party.

“We are fully mobilised in Owo and Ose to deliver massive support for Mr. President. His Renewed Hope Agenda resonates with our people, and we are confident that under his leadership, Nigeria will achieve new milestones in security, infrastructure, and economic growth.

“On behalf of the good people of Owo/Ose Federal Constituency and the entire APC family in our constituency, I heartily congratulate our leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his well-deserved emergence as the presidential candidate of our great party, the APC,” Ijalana said.

Tinubu’s Victory Signals Continuity, Trust In His Leadership – APC Chieftain is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), a humanitarian medical organisation, has raised concern over worsening health and humanitarian conditions in northwestern Nigeria.

MSF warned that the rainy season is driving deadly outbreaks of diseases such as malaria, cholera, typhoid, and acute malnutrition across vulnerable communities in Zamfara State.

The organization, in a statement on Monday by Sani Adamu, Nursing Activity Manager at MSF hospital in Zamfara, said the annual rains, which usually begin between May and September, have become a “season of death” for many families already displaced and impoverished by years of armed violence and insecurity.

It further highlighted flooding, stagnant water, poor sanitation and overcrowded living conditions as the major factors spreading infectious diseases, while worsening food shortages and limited access to healthcare continue to expose thousands of residents to preventable deaths.

“The rainy season affects the way we see patients. It increases the risks and transmission of many diseases, like malaria, cholera, and other acute watery diarrheal diseases,” said Adamu.

Adamu further explained that stagnant floodwater creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, causing malaria cases to surge, while contaminated water sources contribute to outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, and other waterborne illnesses.

“In places where sanitation is poor and water sources are unsafe, any contamination can spread quickly. Flooding washes waste, garbage, and faecal matter into water sources, spreading water-borne diseases. Children play in this water, households use it, and people fall sick,” he said.

According to MSF, in 2025 alone, the organization treated 136,778 malaria patients and 13,877 cholera cases in Zamfara State.

It also highlighted the growing burden of typhoid-related complications, especially among children, citing the case of Auwalu Biliya from Shinkafi Local Government Area, who developed severe typhoid complications after consuming contaminated food and water.

“We took him to the hospital in Shinkafi. We were told his intestines had been affected,” his grandmother, Rakiya Usman, told MSF.

According to MSF, Auwalu was later referred to an MSF-supported General Hospital in Zurmi for emergency surgery after suffering intestinal perforation, a severe complication linked to untreated typhoid fever.

“Early treatment is crucial. When treatment is delayed, the intestine can perforate, a severe condition where the intestine ruptures. At that stage, complications can be fatal, and surgery is the only option,” Adamu further explained.

The organisation also warned that the rainy season coincides with the annual lean season, when food supplies are reduced, and malnutrition rates rise sharply.

MSF further disclosed it treated 60,566 malnourished children in Zamfara in 2025, stressing that children under 15 and pregnant women remain the most vulnerable.

It also expressed concern over worsening access to healthcare in conflict-affected communities, highlighting insecurity, flooded roads, damaged bridges and the high cost of transportation as major barriers preventing residents from accessing timely treatment.

The organization said it currently operates or supports four healthcare facilities across northern Nigeria to manage seasonal disease outbreaks and malnutrition cases.

It called for urgent preventive measures, including improved access to clean water and sanitation, stronger vaccination campaigns, and better-equipped healthcare facilities to reduce illness and mortality during the rainy season.

MSF further reiterated the need to adhere to preventive action before and during rainy season, stressing that most of the illnesses and deaths during the rainy season are preventable.

Rainy Season Deepening Disease, Hunger Crisis In Zamfara – MSF is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Pope Leo XIV on Monday issued a historic apology for the Catholic Church’s centuries-long delay in condemning slavery.

The Pope acknowledged that the Holy See itself gave European rulers explicit authority to subjugate and enslave people, calling the Vatican’s record a wound in Christian memory.

The apology was contained in the Pope’s first encyclical, titled “Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), released on Monday.

It also addresses the protection of human dignity in an age of increasing reliance on artificial intelligence.

“Already in the early modern period, the Apostolic See of Rome, responding to the requests of sovereigns, intervened several times in order to regulate and legitimize forms of subjugation, and, in certain cases, including the enslavement of ‘infidels,’” the Pope wrote, while acknowledging that past decisions could not be judged purely by modern standards but insisting the Church’s record could not be minimised either.

“Yet neither can we deny or diminish the delay with which both society and the church came to denounce the scourge of slavery,” he said, adding that the Church had long affirmed the dignity of every human being as the basis of its doctrine, “even if it took eighteen centuries for its full incompatibility with slavery to be explicitly recognised.”

Previous popes had apologised for Christians’ involvement in the transatlantic slave trade but no pope had ever publicly acknowledged the role that past popes themselves played in giving European sovereigns authority to enslave people.

Leo recalled in the encyclical that his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, was the first pope to explicitly condemn slavery in 1888, long after many countries had already abolished it, and that before that, even Church institutions had held slaves.

Pope Leo Apologises For Catholic Church’s Role In Slavery is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Uganda’s health ministry announced on Monday that two more people have tested positive for Ebola, pushing the country’s confirmed case count to seven since the current outbreak began.

The ministry said the two newly confirmed Ebola cases involve health workers at a private clinic in Kampala, who have since been moved to a designated treatment facility for treatment.

“Both patients have been admitted to the designated treatment unit and are now receiving care,” the ministry said, adding that response teams were tracing everyone who had been in contact with the two individuals.

Three cases were confirmed on Saturday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases at the time to five. The latest infections have raised fresh concerns about possible transmission within health facilities.

The outbreak is centred in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Ituri Province, which borders Uganda, where the virus first spread into the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the Bundibugyo strain driving the epidemic as a public health emergency of international concern. It has also raised its risk assessment to “very high” and warned that 10 neighbouring countries now face increased exposure as the outbreak continues to spread.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday that suspected cases linked to the outbreak had surpassed 900, with 101 laboratory-confirmed cases.

Uganda Confirms Two More Ebola Cases is first published on The Whistler Newspaper