Top News In Nigeria This Morning – Monday, April 20, 2026

Here is a summary of the trending headlines and breaking news across Nigeria this Monday morning.

Shekarau formally joins APC: Former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, marking a significant shift in the North-West political landscape.
El-Rufai raises alarm: Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged a coordinated plot to tarnish his reputation and stall his release ahead of a bail hearing. His team describes the move as a “malicious orchestration.“
State Police calls: Following a surge in security challenges, experts and the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) have renewed calls for the urgent establishment of State Police, citing that the current centralized system is “overstretched.“

Pirates abduct 20 in Calabar: Sea pirates reportedly ambushed a passenger ferry traveling from Calabar to Oron on Friday, abducting no fewer than 20 passengers, including UTME candidates.
Kwara Monarch kidnapped: In the early hours of Saturday, terrorists abducted the traditional ruler of Olayinka community, Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda. The captors have reportedly demanded a N400 million ransom.
Rescue operations: Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) successfully rescued 13 passengers who were abducted from a Benue Links commercial bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road.

JAMB releases UTME results: The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the results for over 1.8 million candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME. Candidates are advised to use the official SMS channel to check their scores.
Naira starts week at ₦1,347/$: The Nigerian Naira opened the trading week with a slight adjustment, quoted at an average of ₦1,347.33 per Dollar in the official market (NFEM) and approximately ₦1,405 in the parallel market.
SSANU rejects pay rise: The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has rejected the Federal Government’s 30% pay rise offer, threatening a nationwide indefinite strike if negotiations are not finalized.

Customs’ historic feat: Nafisat Balogun has been celebrated as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) after securing her commercial multi-engine pilot license in the United States.
Zulum’s Green Initiative: Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has launched 500 electric tricycles to provide cleaner transportation and create jobs within the state.
NBC Censorship Row: Amnesty International and SERAP have condemned a recent directive from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), calling it an “unconstitutional attempt to stifle press freedom.”

Tragedy in the UK: The Nigerian community in the UK is mourning a father of three, identified as Herbert, who was found dead in his apartment in Thornaby. His death occurred on the same day his father was laid to rest in Nigeria.