• Saudi Arabia declares June 26 as start of Islamic New Year 1447 AH
• Gen Z-led protests begin in Kenya over police brutality, governance
• Military to deploy 800 special forces to troubled states as 17 soldiers killed in Niger
• Nigeria undergoing quiet transformation — Shettima
• Naira gains slightly against Dollar, closes at ₦1,549/$

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

Saudi Arabia declares June 26 as start of Islamic New Year 1447 AH

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has announced that Thursday, June 26, 2025, will mark the first day of Muharram and the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1447 AH.

The declaration followed the verified sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of Wednesday, Dhul Hijjah 29, by the Crescent Sighting Committee.

“The new Hijri year begins tomorrow,” the court confirmed in an official statement.

Gen Z-led protests begin in Kenya over police brutality, governance

Thousands of young Kenyans took to the streets of Nairobi in a fresh wave of protests against police brutality and poor governance.

The demonstrations, largely driven by the Gen Z, mark the first anniversary of deadly anti-tax protests that left 60 people dead and 20 missing. They also follow recent rallies demanding justice for a Kenyan blogger who died in police custody under unclear circumstances.

Anger is mounting over rising economic hardship, alleged state mismanagement, and continued police violence.

Military to deploy 800 special forces to troubled states as 17 soldiers killed in Niger

The Defence Headquarters has announced plans to deploy over 800 special forces to troubled states including Benue, Plateau, and Borno to strengthen ongoing operations against insecurity.

The move was disclosed by Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, shortly before Army spokesperson Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele confirmed that 17 soldiers had been killed in a gun battle with bandits in Bangi, Mariga LGA of Niger State.

Ten other soldiers were injured in the attack, though the number of bandits killed was not disclosed.

Nigeria undergoing quiet transformation — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria is experiencing a “quiet but resolute transformation” under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

Speaking in Abuja, Shettima highlighted the country’s move to strengthen economic cooperation with Brazil in agriculture, clean energy, trade, and infrastructure, describing it as a step toward mutual growth and sustainable development.

In a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, his media aide, the Vice President said: “Markets are being opened. Institutions are being rebuilt. Policies are being refocused.” He drew parallels between Brazil’s development journey and Nigeria’s current economic reforms.

Naira gains slightly against Dollar, closes at ₦1,549/$

The naira ended midweek trading on a positive note, appreciating slightly against the US dollar in both the official and parallel markets.

According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the naira closed at ₦1,549/$1 on Thursday, June 6, at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).

The currency has shown relative stability in recent weeks, consistently trading within the ₦1,545 to ₦1,555 range, a trend attributed to continued foreign exchange interventions by the CBN.