馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Investors gain N1.755tn as NGX extends bullish run
via Punch Nigeria8 min read
The Nigerian equities market began the trading week with a strong performance, as the overall market capitalization increased by N1.755tn. This growth reflects continued investor confidence and buying interest in large-cap stocks. The benchmark All-Share Index rose by 2,721.83 points, a 1.12 percent appreciation, closing at 246,183.96 points, and pushing the total market capitalization to N158.812tn. This session's gains were primarily driven by price increases in large and medium-capitalized stocks such as BUA Cement, Guinness Nigeria, First HoldCo, Nigerian Exchange Group, and Custodian Investment. Despite the market's valuation surge, overall investor sentiment was slightly negative, with 31 declining stocks narrowly outnumbering 29 gainers. Custodian Investment and NEM Insurance were the top performers, each increasing by 10.00 percent. Trading activity saw a notable improvement, with the total volume traded increasing by 24.17 percent to 851.634 million units, valued at N49.595bn across 56,873 deals. First HoldCo led the volume chart with 203.938 million shares traded.
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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, Sector 2, successfully thwarted an extortion attempt by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province in Yobe State. Acting on intelligence, soldiers from Forward Operating Base Bukarti and 27 Task Force Brigade engaged terrorists attempting to collect illegal levies from residents in the Paya Kafiya area on July 19, 2026. During the confrontation, one terrorist was killed, and a Volkswagen Golf vehicle was immobilized. Four other terrorists fled with gunshot wounds. Follow-up operations on July 20 along the Paya Kafiya-Garin Gada axis led to the recovery of the abandoned vehicle and various items, including 25 rounds of belted PKT ammunition, a loaded AK-47 magazine, 15 empty PKT ammunition cases, assorted drugs, and mechanical tools. According to Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, this operation disrupted a suspected funding source for the terrorists and demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations.
Must ReadPlateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has apologized to the Igbo community for the state's involvement in the Nigerian Civil War, stating that the people of Plateau were "deceived" into participating. During an interactive session with Igbo leaders, Governor Mutfwang urged both sides to move past the conflict and strengthen unity. He commended the Igbo community for their contributions to Plateau State's socio-economic development, describing them as integral to the state's growth. The governor noted that Plateau has been accommodating to the Igbo people since the war and mentioned that compensation had been paid for some losses. He appealed to Igbo entrepreneurs in Plateau State to support indigenous businesses by creating opportunities for young people through mentorship and investment. In response, leaders of the Igbo community, including President-General Chief Chidi Onah, endorsed Governor Mutfwang for a second term in the 2027 governorship election, citing his inclusive leadership, prudent resource management, and commitment to peaceful coexistence. Former President-General of the Igbo Community Association, Mike Okunonke, emphasized that their support was based on the governor's performance. The governor's Special Adviser on Igbo Affairs, Barr. Jonah Okechukwu Ezekweme, also urged support for Mutfwang's re-election bid. The meeting concluded with both the Plateau State Government and the Igbo community reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence and collaborat
Two Kenyan footballers, Brian Andaje and Sunday Majimbo, have returned home after being left homeless and penniless in Indonesia due to a suspected football scam. They traveled to Indonesia in December 2025, believing a man posing as a football intermediary had secured professional contracts for them. Upon arrival, they found no clubs waiting and were abandoned, eventually resorting to sleeping on the streets. Their return was facilitated by a joint effort from the Indonesian Professional Footballers Association APPI, the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association KEFWA, and the Kenyan Embassy in Jakarta. This incident has prompted renewed warnings about the dangers of fake football agents and unverified recruitment offers targeting African footballers seeking opportunities abroad. FIFPRO, the International Federation of Professional Footballers, highlighted that the players were never introduced to any clubs, and communication with the intermediary ceased, leaving them stranded without income. The case underscores the importance of players verifying intermediaries are licensed by FIFA, avoiding upfront payments to agents, and seeking legal advice from national players' unions before pursuing overseas opportunities. KEFWA President James Situma emphasized the critical role of cooperation among player unions in protecting footballers globally.