The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested nine people in Nigeria and seized 53 electronic devices in an operation targeting international cybercrime networks.

FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed this in a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, adding that the operation also led to the identification of $11 million in potentially freezable funds across multiple countries.

According to Patel, the operation, code-named Operation Blackout, targets criminal networks involved in online fraud against Americans.

“Our latest operation in Nigeria delivered: nine arrests, 53 electronic devices seized, and $11 million in potentially freezable funds identified across multiple countries,” he said.

Patel said the networks operated across national borders and used scam centres to defraud victims, often depriving them of their life savings.

“These scam centres exploit innocent victims, steal life savings, and operate across international borders believing they are beyond the reach of law enforcement,” he said.

The FBI director commended Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their partners in London for their cooperation in the operation.

He also warned that the United States would continue to pursue individuals involved in cybercrime, regardless of where they operated.

“To the criminals targeting Americans from overseas: JUSTICE WILL FIND YOU,” Patel added.

The statement did not identify the nine suspects or specify where in Nigeria the arrests were made.

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The presentation of brand-new Toyota Prado sports utility vehicles to selected youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked widespread criticism, with Nigerians questioning the timing of the gesture amid the country’s economic hardship.

The APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, shared a video on his X account on Sunday showing seven 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs, saying the vehicles were presented to selected party youth leaders to support their mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, the announcement triggered reactions from social media users and political figures, who questioned the cost of the vehicles and whether the resources could have been used to address pressing social needs.

Professor Pat Utomi, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), criticised the display, drawing attention to the salaries of Nigerian soldiers and the country’s economic challenges.

“Nigerian soldiers are being paid peanuts as salaries, yet an APC youth leader is flaunting SUVs worth billions of naira,” Utomi wrote, questioning the contrast between the expensive vehicles and the government’s calls for Nigerians to endure economic difficulties.

In another post, he questioned whether the money could have been used to provide ambulances and other essential healthcare equipment.

Other Nigerians also expressed concern over the reported cost of the vehicles, with some arguing that the money could have supported struggling families, improved healthcare facilities and funded community development projects.

An X user, @iamchibuzoree, questioned how resources could be available for the vehicles when health workers and other public-sector employees were facing financial difficulties.

Another user, @ayshaHamman, questioned how many primary healthcare centres could have benefited from the money reportedly spent on the SUVs.

Similarly, @HarmlessHQ criticised the timing of the presentation, contrasting it with President Bola Tinubu’s remarks on the country’s economic challenges.

Some reactions also focused on the source of funding for the vehicles, with commentators demanding greater transparency over who paid for them.

Israel did not disclose the purchase price of the SUVs or the precise source of funding in his post. He also thanked First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for what he described as her continued support for the party’s structure under his leadership.

The APC youth leader later deleted the post, although recordings and screenshots of the video continued to circulate online.

As of Monday, no public explanation had been provided for the deletion, and the funding arrangement for the vehicles remained unclear.

The controversy comes as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, with Israel saying the vehicles would support the APC’s grassroots mobilisation efforts and help the party secure votes at polling units.

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Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in Sunday’s El Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice to hand his side a crucial victory in the La Liga title race.

Mbappe opened the scoring in the 41st minute before Barcelona captain Raphinha equalised in the 61st minute. The French forward, however, struck again three minutes before the end of regulation time to secure all three points for Real Madrid.

The decisive goal came in the 87th minute after Jude Bellingham produced an impressive piece of skill to launch a counterattack. Eduardo Camavinga carried the move forward before delivering a cutback that Mbappe converted into the net.

Real Madrid had taken the lead shortly before half-time when a cross from Yan Diomande deflected off Barcelona defender Gerard Martin and struck Mbappe before entering the goal.

Barcelona responded strongly after the break and drew level through Raphinha, who finished a pass from Pedri with a low shot that goalkeeper Andriy Lunin could not keep out.

The hosts pushed for a second goal, but Lunin produced important saves to deny Barcelona opportunities to take the lead before Mbappe delivered the decisive blow late in the game.

The result ended Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the league season after nine consecutive victories and gave Real Madrid a significant boost in the title race.

Real Madrid moved to 24 points from 10 matches, three points behind Barcelona, who remained top of the standings with 27 points. Atletico Madrid occupied second place.

The victory also marked a significant moment for Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who celebrated a return to El Clasico with a win over Barcelona on their home ground.

Barcelona, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive defeat across competitions following their Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week.

Mbappe’s double further strengthened his scoring record this season, taking his tally to 11 goals in 10 La Liga appearances.

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The National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, has deleted a social media post showing seven brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs presented to selected party youth leaders for election mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Israel shared a video of the vehicles on his X account on Sunday, saying they were provided to support the mobilisation activities of the beneficiaries.

“Today, I presented brand new 2026 Prado to my committed selected youth leaders to aid their election mobilisation activities,” he wrote.

He also thanked First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her “continuous support to the party structure” under his leadership.

“The party is supreme and that supremacy will show in our action in this election period. We will deliver polling unit by polling unit,” he added.

However, the post triggered criticism from Nigerians, who questioned the decision to distribute expensive vehicles for political mobilisation amid the country’s economic difficulties.

Some social media users contrasted the reported vehicle presentation with the financial challenges facing ordinary Nigerians and public institutions, including health workers who have raised concerns about their working conditions and remuneration.

One user, @iamchibuzoree, questioned the apparent availability of funds for the vehicles while healthcare workers and other Nigerians continued to face economic hardship.

The user estimated that the seven vehicles could cost more than ₦1 billion and argued that the money could have been directed towards healthcare, food assistance and student loans.

Another user, @ayshaHamman, questioned how many primary healthcare centres could be established with the amount spent on the vehicles.

Similarly, @ogundamisi criticised the display, describing it as evidence of a disconnect between political leaders and citizens struggling with the rising cost of living.

The reactions continued to spread on X, with some users drawing comparisons between the vehicle presentation and President Bola Tinubu’s calls for Nigerians to endure economic hardship.

Israel deletes post

Israel deleted the post about three hours after publishing it, following the backlash. However, screenshots and recordings of the video continued to circulate on social media.

As of the time of this report, the APC youth leader had not publicly explained why he removed the post.

It was also unclear who financed the vehicles, their actual purchase price, or whether they were acquired with party funds, private donations or through another arrangement.

The controversy comes as political parties and their leaders begin preparations for the 2027 general elections, with mobilisation and grassroots engagement expected to feature prominently in their campaigns.

The distribution of the vehicles has raised questions among critics about the priorities of political organisations and the transparency surrounding resources deployed for election mobilisation.

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has approved a weekly payment of ₦100,000 per person for individuals isolated or quarantined in connection with the Ebola outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Director-General of the agency, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this during a press briefing on Sunday, saying the intervention followed complaints from some contacts about the cost of feeding, accommodation and maintaining their families while under monitoring.

Idris said the agency was covering accommodation and feeding, while the additional payment would help individuals meet other expenses during the isolation period.

“We are paying for their accommodation; we are paying for their feeding. Some of them are asking for a stipend to maintain their families,” he said.

He added that the payment was an emergency measure that would be reviewed as the response progressed.

Idris also called on state governments to prepare the funding and logistics required to manage similar public health emergencies, noting that the responsibility should not rest solely on the FCT.

“This is not the responsibility of the FCT alone. What we have to do for the FCT, we have to do for any other state, just in case,” he said.

At the time of the briefing, Nigeria had recorded one confirmed Ebola case involving a woman who travelled from Uganda to Abuja. The case was confirmed on October 20, while 53 primary contacts had been identified for monitoring.

The NCDC said contact tracing and health surveillance were ongoing, with identified contacts monitored throughout the 21-day incubation period following their last possible exposure.

The agency did not provide further details in the announcement on the total number of beneficiaries or the overall cost of the weekly payments.

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Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola case has been found to be genetically closely related to the virus detected in Kenya’s first case, with genomic analysis showing a difference of just one mutation between the two samples.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this on Friday, October 23, while giving an update on the country’s response to the outbreak.

According to Channels Television, the analysis was conducted through a collaboration between the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.

Pate, however, said the finding had not established a direct epidemiological link between Nigeria’s case and Kenya’s index patient.

“There is no evidence of travel by that index case in Kenya that links it to Nigeria, but the viruses appear to be related,” the minister said, according to Punch.

He added that further investigations were needed to establish the possible route through which the infection reached Nigeria.

The development comes as health authorities continue to investigate the source of Nigeria’s first confirmed case of Bundibugyo virus disease, a rare form of Ebola, reported in Abuja on October 20.

The patient, a woman who travelled from Uganda to Nigeria, reportedly developed symptoms on October 7, four days after arriving in the country. She sought medical attention at a private health facility in Abuja on October 11 before laboratory tests confirmed the infection on October 20.

The World Health Organisation said 44 contacts had been identified as of October 20 and were being monitored by health authorities.

The NCDC has activated its incident management system and is working with health authorities and international partners on contact tracing, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control measures.

The Federal Government has also intensified surveillance and preparedness measures in health facilities to improve the identification and management of suspected cases.

In its October 23 update, the WHO said the outbreak remained active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while imported cases had been reported in Kenya and Nigeria.

As of October 20, the DRC had recorded 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths. Kenya had reported nine cases, including one death, with the additional cases linked to its imported index patient.

The WHO said investigations into Nigeria’s case were continuing to establish the patient’s travel history and likely source of exposure.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, making early detection, isolation, contact tracing and supportive medical care important in controlling its spread.

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Canada granted refugee protection to 7,643 Nigerians between January 2024 and June 2026, while rejecting 3,080 applications during the same period, according to data from the country’s Immigration and Refugee Board.

The figures, published on Immigration and Refugee Board’s Refugee Protection Division, obtained on Saturday, October 24, showed that Nigeria recorded the highest number of successful asylum claims among African countries over the 30-month period.

The data showed that 2,230 Nigerians received refugee protection in 2024, while the number rose by 55 per cent to 3,463 in 2025.

Another 1,950 Nigerians were granted protection in the first six months of 2026.

Despite the increase in successful applications, Canadian authorities rejected 3,080 Nigerian claims during the period. A further 1,530 cases were either withdrawn or abandoned, bringing the total number of concluded Nigerian cases to 12,253.

Nigeria also led other African countries in successful asylum applications in 2025, ahead of Uganda, which recorded 2,089 approvals, and Kenya, with 1,532.

Ethiopia recorded 1,522 successful applications, while Ghana had 1,084.

The trend continued in the first half of 2026, when Nigeria’s 1,950 approvals exceeded the figures recorded by other leading African countries.

The report also highlighted a backlog of Nigerian asylum applications in Canada. As of December 31, 2024, 19,889 Nigerian cases were awaiting decisions.

In 2025, Canada concluded 5,039 Nigerian cases, approving 3,463 and rejecting 1,377, while the remaining cases were withdrawn or abandoned.

Globally, Canada concluded 202,878 refugee claims between January 2024 and June 2026, granting protection in 118,656 cases and rejecting 34,546.

Nigeria’s 7,643 approvals accounted for approximately 6.4 per cent of all refugee protection grants recorded worldwide during the period.

Canada’s asylum system assesses whether applicants qualify for refugee protection because of a well-founded fear of persecution or face risks such as torture, threats to life or cruel and unusual treatment if returned to their countries.

Applications are assessed individually by the Immigration and Refugee Board’s Refugee Protection Division.

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The Lagos State Government has pledged to consider concerns raised by women leaders in riverine communities as part of efforts to promote inclusion and sustainable development in the state’s Blue Economy.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, gave the assurance at the inaugural Riverine Women Leaders’ Dialogue 2026, organised by the Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative at Ijegun Egba Ferry Terminal, Satellite Town, Oriade LCDA, Lagos.

The dialogue, held on Friday, was themed “Women’s Participation, Leadership and Inclusion in the Blue Economy” and brought together women leaders from riverine communities across Lagos State to discuss challenges affecting their livelihoods and community development.

Emmanuel said concerns and recommendations presented by participants would be documented and forwarded to relevant government agencies for consideration and action.

He added that issues requiring urgent attention would be prioritised, while other matters would be referred to the appropriate institutions for follow-up.

The engagement provided a platform for women leaders to communicate directly with the government representative on issues affecting their communities, where waterways play key roles in transportation, trade and other economic activities.

The Woman Leader of Blue Lagos, Olori Ololade Asani, said the dialogue was organised to give women leaders direct access to the Special Adviser and enable them to present their concerns without intermediaries.

She stressed the need for women to participate meaningfully in governance discussions and decisions concerning their welfare, economic opportunities and community development.

The Team Lead of Blue Lagos, Saheed Adesanya, said the initiative had been implementing interventions in healthcare, access to essential services, livelihood support, water infrastructure, safety and community engagement.

Adesanya disclosed that additional programmes were being planned to reach more underserved riverine communities through continued collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser.

He reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to its guiding principle, “No Community Is Left Behind,” saying its interventions were focused on practical solutions and sustainable development.

As part of the programme, the organisers distributed foodstuffs, life jackets, branded T-shirts, caps, solar torchlights and stipends to participating women leaders.

The distribution of life jackets also highlighted the importance of water safety in communities where residents depend on waterways to access workplaces, markets, schools and other destinations.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Olori Shittu Rashidat of Ibasa-Ijegun Egba Kingdom commended the initiative for bringing women leaders together and providing them with an opportunity to engage directly with the government.

She called for sustained engagement to ensure that concerns raised during the dialogue translate into tangible interventions in the communities.

The organisers said the dialogue was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between government officials, community leaders and development stakeholders, while positioning women as active participants in decisions shaping the state’s Blue Economy.

The Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative reiterated its commitment to advancing inclusive development and improving conditions in riverine communities across Lagos State.

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The Executive Chairman of Ijede Local Council Development Area, Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, has challenged 200 student beneficiaries of the council’s ₦10 million bursary scheme to justify the investment by pursuing academic excellence.

Gbadebo-Alogba gave the charge during the presentation of bursary awards under the 2026 Ijede-Tunrayo Bursary Scheme, through which each beneficiary received ₦50,000.

She described the initiative as a demonstration of confidence in the students and reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to education and youth empowerment.

“I challenge you all to view this bursary not as financial assistance, but as a vote of confidence from your community. We believe in your abilities, and we expect great things from you,” she said.

The chairman said the programme was designed to ease the financial burden on parents while providing students across the council’s wards with support for their education.

She added that her administration would continue to promote initiatives aimed at positioning Ijede LCDA as a centre for academic excellence and innovation.

Also speaking at the event, the council’s Apex Leader, Alhaji Jamiu Quadri, urged the beneficiaries to remain serious about their studies and make good use of the opportunity.

The President of the Ijede Students’ Union, Com. Idowu Ilayas, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, appreciated the chairman for the support and pledged that the students would strive to make the council proud.

The event was attended by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Femi Kabir; councillors; Apex leaders; the Secretary to the Local Government; the Chief of Staff; the Council Manager; supervisors; heads of departments and other stakeholders.

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Argentine football star Lionel Messi has received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sport in recognition of his achievements in football and his work supporting disadvantaged children’s access to healthcare and education.

Messi received the award from Spain’s Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, during a ceremony at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo on Friday.

The 39-year-old was named the winner in June, with the award’s jury praising his career and describing him as “the most successful footballer of all time”.

Presenting the award, Princess Leonor commended Messi’s ability to read the game, make quick decisions and prioritise teamwork.

“He turned the extraordinary into routine by reading the game and deciding on the most effective option in fractions of a second, while respecting the collective essence above ego,” she said.

Messi was welcomed by cheering fans wearing Argentina football shirts as he arrived at the ceremony in the northern Spanish city.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades, winning numerous domestic and international trophies, including the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022.

He spent 21 years at Barcelona, where he helped the club dominate Spanish and European football under coaches including Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.

After leaving Barcelona in 2021, Messi spent two seasons with French club Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he currently plays.

Beyond football, Messi has supported initiatives focused on children’s health and education through the Leo Messi Foundation.

Speaking at an event with children in Oviedo on Thursday, Messi stressed the importance of accepting both victory and defeat.

“The most important thing is to know how to lose and how to win,” he said, describing the attitude as fundamental to football.

Established in 1981, the Princess of Asturias Awards recognise achievements across several fields, including sports, arts and sciences. Each award carries a cash prize of 50,000 euros, approximately $56,000.

Previous recipients of the sports award include tennis players Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge and American skier Lindsey Vonn.

Other recipients honoured at Friday’s ceremony included British author Julian Barnes, American astronaut Christina Koch and musician Patti Smith.

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