Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 25th June, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 25th June, 2026.

1. Senate Passes Bill Establishing State Police In Nigeria

The Senate has passed constitutional amendments to establish State Police in Nigeria.

Naija News reports that the bill was passed on Wednesday by the lawmakers following a clause-by-clause consideration of the provisions of the bill.

The Senate plenary was presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The 25-clause bill provides the legal framework for the creation of State Police Services by states and also includes constitutional safeguards aimed at preventing abuse of police powers by governors and other political actors.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the legislation was carefully designed to address fears that governors could misuse state-controlled police formations to harass political opponents, intimidate dissenting voices, or suppress opposition parties.

Under the new structure, the current constitutional provision establishing only the Nigeria Police Force would be replaced with a dual policing system comprising a Federal Police Service for the federation and a State Police Service for any state that chooses to establish one through legislation passed by its House of Assembly.

2. NDLEA Busts Meth Laboratory In Oyo Forest, Arrests Mexican, Four Nigerians

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered and dismantled an industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operated by a suspected Nigerian-Mexican cartel in Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The agency said five suspects, including a 56-year-old Mexican methamphetamine expert, were arrested during the raid carried out on June 17, 2026.

The development comes barely four weeks after the NDLEA dismantled a similar meth laboratory in a forest in Ijebu East, Ogun State.

Naija News reports that speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the latest discovery showed attempts by drug cartels to turn the South-West into a synthetic drug manufacturing hub.

Marwa, who was represented by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the Oyo facility was not a small operation but a sophisticated production centre.

3. FG Reacts As US Blacklist Nigerians For Funding Terrorism

The Federal Government (FG) has welcomed the decision of the United States to sanction a Nigerian businessman, Mukthar Muhammad Adamu, and two Bureau De Change operators over their alleged involvement in terrorism financing.

Naija News reports that the government described the action as a major boost to ongoing efforts to disrupt financial networks linked to terrorist organisations operating within and outside Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Nigeria Sanctions Committee said the sanctions imposed by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control underscored growing international cooperation in combating terrorism financing.

The committee noted that Adamu, alongside Nine to Nine BDC Limited and Generation Currency BDC Limited, had already been placed on Nigeria’s sanctions list on June 18, 2026, before the US action.

According to the committee, the designation followed months of intelligence gathering, financial investigations and risk assessments conducted by relevant Nigerian security and financial agencies.

The committee said the investigations established reasonable grounds to believe that the affected individuals and entities facilitated, financed or otherwise supported the activities of the Islamic State West Africa Province and affiliated terrorist groups.

4. ‘Just A Loan, No Permanent Transfer Deal’ – PDP Rules Out Wike’s Defection To APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed suggestions that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, could permanently align with the ruling All Progressives Congress, insisting that the former Rivers State governor remains one of its most valuable political assets despite serving in the APC-led Federal Government.

The party said it has no intention of relinquishing Wike, describing him as a loyal member whose contributions to the PDP over the years remain invaluable.

Naija News reports that the PDP’s position followed recent remarks by the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, who publicly praised Wike’s performance and leadership while commissioning a project in Abuja on Tuesday.

Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said the APC chairman’s commendation amounted to a public acknowledgement of the quality of leadership within the opposition party.

According to him, the praise further demonstrated that the PDP remains home to some of Nigeria’s most competent and result-oriented political leaders.

The opposition party stressed that Wike’s appointment in the APC-led administration should not be interpreted as a political defection or indication of plans to leave the PDP.

It maintained that the FCT minister remains a committed and loyal member of the party.

5. Akpabio Swears In Four New Senators

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday, swore in four new senators elected in the June 20 senatorial bye-elections.

The new lawmakers who emerged victorious at the polls, were sworn in during the day’s plenary.

Naija News reports that the newly sworn-in lawmakers include three for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and one for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

They are: Dayo Faduyile (APC, Ondo South)

Envulu Anza (APC, Nasarawa North)

Ikeje Asogwu (APC, Enugu North)

Olaka Nwogu (PDP, Rivers South East)

6. Wike Refuses To Drink Water From Borehole He Built In FCT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, refused to drink water from a borehole he built.

Naija News reports that while Vice President Kashim Shettima and the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, drank from the borehole, Wike refused.

The incident occurred on Monday, June 22, 2026, during the official inauguration of the newly completed Karu Water Supply Network. Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the event as the Special Guest of Honour.

The former Rivers State Governor had commissioned the newly built “ultra-modern” Karu Water Supply Network in Abuja.

Following the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, organizers distributed glasses to the Vice President, Minister Wike, and other top dignitaries. The officials were expected to sample the water directly from the newly commissioned taps to demonstrate its safety. While Vice President Shettima and several officials fetched and drank the water, Wike filled his glass but declined to drink it.

7. I Made A Move Towards A Man – Actress Anjorin Opens Up On Battle With Depression

Actress and filmmaker Rashidat Anjorin, popularly known as Indomie, has revealed how prolonged isolation once took a severe toll on her mental health.

She disclosed that it was a period in her life where she was experiencing loneliness, depression and emotional struggles.

Naija News reports that the thespian made the disclosure as a guest on the ‘Talk to B’ podcast.

The actress recalled how the experience pushed her into a dark place, leading her to make unusual decisions, including asking a man out herself. She said the loneliness became so overwhelming at one point that she contemplated taking her own life.

8. We Consulted Nine Doctors While Preparing For Our Baby’s Arrival – Mr Eazi, Temi

Nigerian singer cum entrepreneur, Mr Eazi and his wife, Temi Otedola, have explained why they consulted nine doctors in different countries while preparing for the arrival of their first child.

Naija News reports that the couple made this known during a recent episode of their podcast, which has since gone viral online.

While speaking about their pregnancy journey and the preparations leading up to the birth of their unborn baby, Temi and Mr Eazi said consulting nine doctors was necessary because they were uncertain about the country where they would eventually welcome their child.

According to Mr Eazi, they sought multiple medical opinions to explore their options.

9. 2026 World Cup: ‘We Are Not Happy’ – Wike Tells Super Eagles Ex-Captain

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Wike spoke on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road in Abuja, where former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, was among dignitaries in attendance.

The minister urged Yobo to convey Nigerians’ frustration to the players, saying many citizens remained unhappy that the country missed out on the ongoing tournament.

“But before I leave, we have congratulated one of our stars, Joseph Yobo. But let me use this medium through you to tell the Super Eagles we are not happy,” Wike said.

“So if nobody tells you that, because there are some people clapping for you.”

The minister said it was painful watching other countries compete at the World Cup while Nigeria was absent despite the country’s pool of talented players.

10. NPFL Champions To Earn ₦1 Billion As NSC Unveils Historic Prize Money Increase

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced a major financial overhaul of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with next season’s champions set to pocket a record ₦1 Billion in prize money.

The new reward package, unveiled during a strategic meeting between the NSC and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja on Tuesday, marks a significant jump from the current ₦200m awarded to league winners.

The meeting brought together NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, Director-General Bukola Olopade, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi and Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.

According to a statement signed by the NSC Director of Press, Dr Kehinde Ajayi, the revised prize structure is designed to benefit clubs across the league table.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.