Morning recap: 31 states spend N252bn on security, actor Ogogo battles stage-four cancer, other top stories

1. Thirty-one state governments in Nigeria spent an estimated N252.26 billion on security measures from January to June 2026, with Kogi, Plateau, and Bauchi accounting for the largest share of the expenditure. This represents a significant increase in spending compared to the previous year, despite ongoing issues of killings, kidnappings, and banditry across the country.

2. Daughters of late Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, known as Ogogo, have appealed for help from hospitals as they refuse to continue treating their father, who is battling stage-four cancer. The family insists they are not seeking donations but require any hospital or specialist willing to provide him with further treatment options. Hassan's management has not yet issued an official statement regarding his diagnosis.

3. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has faced criticism over alleged grading anomalies and technical issues in the recently released 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. High-performing students have received unexpectedly low scores, with some schools reporting drastic changes in their grade distributions.

One foundation has threatened legal action to demand an independent audit of the results, while WAEC maintains that the grading process adhered to rigorous, quality-assured procedures.

4. In a violent attack in Sokoto State, terrorists linked to the Lakurawa group killed at least 28 people, including the chief imam of a local mosque, during an assault on the Ungushi community. The Army General Officer Commanding Division 8, Maj Gen Bemgba Koughna, visited the area to reassure residents and pledge continued troop presence in the region. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for more than mere condolences, stating that actions must be taken to address the situation.

5. Retired military officers are preparing to protest at the Ministry of Defence over the non-implementation of consequential pension adjustments following salary increases for serving personnel. Col Innocent Azubike (retd) warned that excluding pensioners would create disparities between officers of the same rank who retired at different times. The Defence Minister's spokesperson declined to comment on the planned demonstration.

6. Former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has criticized Governor Dapo Abiodun for distorting history by claiming he rescued the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate from forfeiture. Amosun maintains that the estate was already 95% complete and fully mobilized before he left office in 2019, and he demands answers about the fate of the remaining 5% and the broader 500-hectare estate and its allottees. The inauguration of the estate is scheduled to take place by the First Lady.

7. A policeman was injured in an accidental discharge of tear gas during disputes between Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) local government chairmen and legislators who seized council secretariats across Osun State following Governor Ademola Adeleke's recent election victory. The police are treating the officer for injuries and investigating the colleague who discharged the tear gas canister. The police command has warned against forceful takeovers while the matter remains in court.

8. The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Osun State has stated that they will not rush to congratulate Governor Dapo Abiodun, as they are still reviewing the election results and have not accepted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaration of victory. The APC's director-general emphasized the need for a thorough review before making any official statements regarding the poll results.