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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

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

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Thirty-one Nigerian states spent approximately N252.26 billion on security in the first half of 2026, with Kogi, Plateau, and Bauchi accounting for the largest portions.
  • Hospitals are reportedly refusing to treat veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, known as Ogogo, who is battling stage-four cancer, prompting his daughters to seek public assistance.
  • The West African Examinations Council faces criticism over alleged grading errors and technical issues in the recently released 2026 WASSCE results, while other reports include terrorist attacks, protests by retired military officers, and political disputes in Osun State.

Nigerian states collectively spent an estimated N252.26 billion on security measures in the first six months of 2026, with Kogi, Plateau, and Bauchi leading the expenditure. This significant spending comes amid persistent insecurity, including killings, kidnappings, and banditry across the nation, marking a sharp increase from the previous year.

Daughters of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, have publicly appealed for help as hospitals allegedly refuse to continue treating their father, who is battling stage-four cancer. His daughters emphasized they are not soliciting funds but are seeking any hospital or specialist willing to provide further care.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is facing mounting criticism from school administrators and education advocates. Allegations of grading anomalies and technical difficulties have surfaced in connection with the newly released 2026 WASSCE results, particularly concerning the expanded computer-based testing format.

In other news, terrorists attacked Ungushi community in Sokoto State, killing at least 28 people, including a local mosque's chief imam. Meanwhile, retired military officers are preparing to protest at the Ministry of Defence over the non-implementation of pension adjustments. Political tensions are also evident, with former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun refuting claims made by Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the All Progressives Congress in Osun State stating it will review election results before congratulating the governor-elect.

Hospitals refusing to treat our father, Nollywood actor Ogogo’s daughters cry out over stage-four cancer

— Lima and Kira TaiwoHeadline of the article detailing the actor's health crisis and the family's plea.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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