Good morning! Nigeria wakes up to a fresh mix of economic developments, political drama, security concerns and other major stories dominating the headlines on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
The latest developments include a drop in headline inflation, a major leadership shake-up in the Edo State House of Assembly, gains for the naira at the official foreign exchange market and fresh concerns over the loss of lecturers at Kaduna State University.
Here are the major stories making the rounds across Nigeria:
1. Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.43% as Food Prices Remain a Concern
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell to 15.43 per cent in July 2026, according to the latest figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The July Consumer Price Index report, released on Monday, showed a 0.48 percentage-point decline from the 15.91 per cent recorded in June.
Despite the drop in headline inflation, the figures showed renewed pressure in the food sector, with food inflation rising sharply on a month-on-month basis.
The latest development means consumers may continue to face pressure from rising food prices despite the overall decline in the headline inflation rate.
2. Edo Assembly Speaker Resigns Amid Impeachment Rumours
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, resigned from office on Monday amid reports that lawmakers were preparing to impeach him.
Agbebaku announced his resignation during a tense plenary session that was reportedly characterised by disagreements over the procedure for conducting the sitting.
The development has triggered fresh political attention around the state legislature, with details surrounding the circumstances of his resignation continuing to emerge.
3. Ondo Man Arrested Over Alleged Killing of Mother
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Samuel Akoade over the alleged killing of his mother, Mrs Olufunke Akoade, in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at about 5pm in the Powerline area of the community.
The suspect was alleged to have attacked his mother with a machete, leaving her with severe injuries that later resulted in her death.
The police are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
4. NDLEA Destroys Cannabis Plantations, Arrests 10 in Edo
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed cannabis plantations with a combined weight of 4,628.9 kilogrammes during operations across the state.
The agency also arrested 10 suspected drug traffickers in separate operations.
The state NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the development on Monday.
The operations are part of the agency’s efforts to disrupt the cultivation and distribution of illicit drugs in the state.
5. 2027: Police Assure Nigerians of Adequate Security
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, Olohundare Jimoh, has assured Nigerians that the police are prepared to provide adequate security during the 2027 general elections.
Jimoh said there was no reason for Nigerians to be afraid ahead of the elections.
The AIG gave the assurance on Monday at the Zone 2 Command headquarters while speaking on preparations for the forthcoming electoral exercise.
6. Naira Gains N8.07 Against Dollar at Official Market
The naira strengthened against the United States dollar on Monday, gaining N8.07 at the official foreign exchange market.
Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that the currency closed at N1,349.53 to the dollar, compared with N1,357.60 recorded on Friday.
The latest movement represents a modest recovery for the naira at the official market.
7. ASUU Raises Alarm Over Exit of More Than 200 KASU Lecturers
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kaduna State University (KASU) chapter, has raised concerns over the departure of more than 200 lecturers from the institution.
The Chairman of ASUU-KASU, Dr Abubakar Abdullahi, disclosed this during a press conference in Kaduna on Monday.
According to him, the lecturers, including professors, left the university amid concerns over working conditions and the failure to implement the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU.
The union warned that the development could have implications for teaching and academic activities at the institution.
8. Four Almajiris Reportedly Die After Eating Suspected Contaminated Food in Kano
At least four Almajiris, or Qur’anic school pupils, have reportedly died in Kano after eating food suspected to have been contaminated.
The incident was confirmed by the National Chairman of the Tsangaya Media Network, Alaramma Sani Musa Nuhu, in a statement issued on Monday.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are expected to be investigated to determine what caused the deaths.
9. Police Impound Five Air Peace Vehicles Over Lagos Airport Incident
The number of vehicles belonging to Air Peace impounded by the police in connection with the recent Lagos airport runway blockade has risen from three to five.
The vehicles are currently in police custody as investigations into the incident continue.
The vehicles reportedly have the following registration numbers: AJJ 589EX, KTU 440EZ, AAA 831F, KTU 85FH and EPE 656HF.
The development follows the recent incident at the Lagos airport that resulted in a police investigation.
10. Osun Workers Celebrate Adeleke’s Election Victory
Workers in Osun State, under the umbrella of organised labour, gathered at the entrance of the State Secretariat in Abere, Osogbo, on Monday to celebrate Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the recent governorship election.
The workers attributed Adeleke’s re-election to what they described as his administration’s worker-friendly policies and improved welfare for pensioners.
The gathering came shortly after the governor secured another term in office following his victory in the August 15 governorship election.
The workers’ celebration adds to the reactions that have continued to trail Adeleke’s return to office.
More Stories to Watch
The developments are expected to generate further reactions as the day progresses, particularly the political situation in Edo, the inflation figures and the latest developments surrounding security and industrial relations in the country.
Stay with Fresh News for updates as more developments unfold across Nigeria.
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