• Nigeria begins deportation of 42 Asians convicted of cybercrime
• FG moves to ease Labour tensions, promises reversal of NSITF deductions
• NDLEA arrests drug kingpin after three-year manhunt
• Tinubu approves ₦32,000 monthly pension increase for retirees
• Lagos launches fresh registration for vulnerable households

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

Nigeria begins deportation of 42 Asians convicted of cybercrime

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced the deportation of 42 Asians (Chinese and Philippine nationals) convicted of cyberterrorism and Ponzi scheme offences.

The deportees are part of 192 foreigners found guilty after a December 10, 2024, raid on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where 759 suspects were arrested. The first batch left Nigeria on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. local time.

According to the NIS, the remaining convicts will be repatriated in phases on Monday and Tuesday until all are returned to their respective countries.

FG moves to ease Labour tensions, promises reversal of NSITF deductions

The Federal Government has assured the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that it will reverse deductions from the Employees’ Compensation Scheme managed by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). This follows the union’s threat of a nationwide strike.

The NLC had accused the government of diverting 40 per cent of NSITF contributions into its treasury, warning that such actions undermined workers’ social protection. It demanded a refund and the reconstitution of the National Pension Commission board, stressing that failure to comply could trigger mass industrial action.

In a letter dated August 16, 2025, NSITF Managing Director Oluwaseun Faleye admitted that deductions had taken place but clarified they were not a diversion of funds. The Employees’ Compensation Scheme, funded solely by employers, provides financial support for workers in cases of injury, illness, disability, or death arising from work.

NDLEA arrests drug kingpin after three-year manhunt

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious drug trafficker, 36-year-old Sunday Ibigide, after three years on the run.

NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said Ibigide was caught in Asaba, Delta State, while attempting to transport 250 blocks of skunk weighing 138 kilograms in his distribution bus. He had been on the agency’s wanted list since March 2022 after a seizure of 24.137kg of skunk and 10g of molly linked to him.

Acting on intelligence, NDLEA operatives intercepted him on Sunday, August 10, 2025, alongside his aide, 27-year-old Clement Osuya, as they tried to move the drugs for distribution.

Tinubu approves ₦32,000 monthly pension increase for retirees

Retired federal employees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) will soon begin receiving an additional ₦32,000 monthly pension.

The increment will be funded from a ₦758 billion bond approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to clear outstanding pension liabilities. The move is to ensure that retirees also benefit from the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024 and its consequential adjustments.

On August 6, President Tinubu directed the immediate implementation of the pension increase and the introduction of a minimum pension guarantee to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable pensioners under the CPS.

Lagos launches fresh registration for vulnerable households

The Lagos State Government has commenced a new registration exercise to capture poor and vulnerable households left out of its earlier database, as part of efforts to strengthen social protection and welfare delivery.

The initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget under Commissioner Ope George, was officially launched at Ajibola Community Development Area in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA of Kosofe Local Government.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Oluwakemi Garbadeen-Adedeji, Director of Social Protection Coordinating Department, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, assured that the programme would ensure government support reached those most in need.