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  August 18, 2026 The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an international cocaine trafficking cartel that used Nigeria as a transit hub for moving illicit drugs to the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe and Asia, arresting its Nigerian arrowhead, a self-styled luxury goods dealer and social media influencer, as he attempted to flee the country.  The Chairman/chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed this while addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday 18h August 2026, describing the operation as one of the most significant narcotics investigations undertaken by the Agerncy in recent times, leading to the seizure of the largest cocaine seizure in a courier company in Nigeria. According to Marwa, the operation began with the interception of a consignment of 184.50 kilograms of cocaine concealed for onward export through a courier logistics channel in Lagos. Given the scale of the seizure, he immediately directed...

 NZUKO-ORA NNEWI BANS EVENTS DURING AFIAOLU FESTIVAL 2026 -Task Force Constituted to Enforce Directive By Enoch Uzuegbunam The apex body saddled with the administration of Nnewi, Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, has banned all activities likely to disrupt the revered Afiaolu Nnewi Festival 2026. In a statement signed by the President General, Hon. Prince Jude Osumuo, the General House of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi said the decision was reached at its previous meeting by resolution. The 2026 Afiaolu Nnewi Festival is scheduled to hold from *Tuesday, 25th August 2026 to Friday, 28th August 2026*. According to the directive, all forms of religious gatherings, social events, and masquerade activities are strictly prohibited on the first and last day of the festival. To ensure compliance, Nzuko-Ora Nnewi said a Task Force Committee has been duly constituted and empowered to enforce the directive. The body warned that defaulters will be dealt with in accordance with Nnewi customs and laws. "We remain committed to...

 Madonna leads 2026 MTV Video Music Awards nominations with 11, followed by Taylor Swift with 9     Madonna leads the nominations for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards with 11 nods, continuing a record-setting run that has spanned every decade of her music career. The pop icon is nominated for video, artist and song of the year, along with best collaboration, dance, direction, art direction, cinematography, editing, choreography and visual effects. Madonna has 19 competitive VMA wins and became the first solo female artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1986. A clean sweep this year would give Madonna 30 competitive VMA wins, matching Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most in the history of the awards. Eminem holds the record among male artists with 15 wins. Swift is second in this year’s nominations with nine. She is competing for video and artist of the year, as well as best pop, direction, art direction, cinematography, editing, choreography and visual effects. Wi...

16-year-old lifeguard honored by Trump at White House after rescuing child from California surf    Sixteen-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams met President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday alongside 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai, the boy he rescued from dangerous surf off California last month. Williams was recognized by Trump for his actions at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz on July 25, when he rushed to help Rai after the child lost his footing in the water. Williams was stationed about 20 yards away when he noticed Rai struggling. Williams immediately radioed for assistance before throwing down his radio and sunglasses and running toward the child. He reached Rai and brought him safely out of the water. During their meeting in the Oval Office, Trump praised Williams for his bravery and recognized the role of his family and lifeguard supervisors in helping prepare him for the job. Trump had previously announced that Williams would receive what he described as a “High Civi...

 Jill Biden says she prays to late son Beau amid Joe Biden’s battle with prostate cancer Former first lady Jill Biden said she continues to pray to her late son, Beau Biden, as she and her family navigate former President Joe Biden’s battle with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Speaking on a podcast released Monday, Jill Biden reflected on Beau, who died in 2015 after battling brain cancer. She said she often turns to him in prayer, particularly as her husband faces his own serious health challenges. “I pray to Beau, and I think he listens,” Biden said. “And now with Joe’s cancer diagnosis, I get a little frustrated, and I say, ‘Beau, where are you? I need you.’” Biden revealed in June that Joe Biden’s cancer had spread to his bones. She has also discussed the diagnosis in the context of her recently published memoir, “View from the East Wing,” which examines Beau’s death, Hunter Biden’s addiction struggles and the 2024 presidential campaign. Reflecting on Beau’s final days, ...

 Pentagon orders 30 US universities to audit partnerships with Chinese institutions over national security concerns The Department of Defense has ordered 30 U.S. universities to review their partnerships with foreign institutions, most of them in China, as the Trump administration intensifies its scrutiny of Beijing’s influence and potential threats to U.S. national security. The universities have two weeks to complete audits of their academic relationships and end any partnerships the Pentagon considers problematic. Schools that fail to comply could risk losing federal funding. The administration says the effort is intended to protect taxpayer-funded research and prevent sensitive technology and research from being stolen or misused. Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael said the department has no tolerance for academic partnerships that could compromise national security. The universities were not identified publicly, but the institutions reportedly include Harvard Unive...

 Under Armour ends decade-long partnership with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Project Rock  Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s training brand Project Rock is ending its partnership with Under Armour, marking the latest major departure from the athletic company’s roster of longtime celebrity ambassadors. Johnson announced the end of the partnership Thursday, saying Project Rock is now preparing to move in a new direction. The brand, launched in 2017, developed footwear, apparel and accessories through its relationship with Under Armour and built a presence across professional sports, Olympic competition and mixed martial arts. Under Armour said the partnership was reaching a “natural conclusion” after nearly a decade. The company said it is refocusing its training business and working toward a more unified brand identity. Under Armour will continue selling Project Rock products through October. Johnson said he was grateful to Under Armour and the people who helped build Project Rock, ...