Author: Gabby

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has called for a unified national effort to combat the escalating insecurity plaguing the country. In a statement marking his 84th birthday, he stressed that defeating terrorism and other criminal activities demands active participation from every citizen, alongside security agencies and government bodies at all levels.

Reflecting on the nation’s dire security situation, Abubakar highlighted the recent killing of Major General Abubakar Rabe (retd.) and many other Nigerians as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to restore peace. Drawing from his extensive military career—including service in the Nigerian Civil War and international peacekeeping missions—he emphasized the profound sacrifices required to safeguard the nation.

While acknowledging that many countries face economic and security challenges, Abubakar insisted that Nigeria must steadfastly support law enforcement measures. He praised security forces for their commitment against terrorism but urged citizens to play a more proactive role in neutralizing criminal elements that threaten national unity.

The former leader attributed the worsening crisis to the politicization of security issues, warning that divisive narratives and selfish agendas have undermined counterterrorism efforts. He expressed deep concern over the proliferation of misinformation and fake news on social media, which he said emboldens terrorists and criminal groups by spreading false propaganda. Abubakar called on Nigerians to transcend ethnic, religious, and political divides and unite against those responsible for violence and instability.

Noting that criminals do not discriminate based on identity, Abubakar encouraged members of the armed forces and other security agencies to stay resolute in their duties despite mounting challenges. He also urged authorities to maintain decisive actions to end insecurity and prevent further loss of life.

Reaffirming his vision for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, Abubakar appealed for calm, law-abiding conduct and vigilance, offering prayers for fallen security personnel and other victims. He concluded, “The success of this objective must be inclusive. The armed forces and security agencies have been strong, but this fight belongs to everyone. I plead with Nigerians to unite against terror.”

The Kogi State Police Command has officially refuted widespread social media reports claiming that passengers were abducted along the Kabba-Okene Road on June 17, 2026. In a statement released on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Oyiza Salisu, addressed the incident, labeling the allegations as entirely false and misleading.

According to the statement, around 9 p.m. on the said date, a commercial bus driven by Ojo, a native of Kabba, was en route to Ibilo carrying a load of coco yam. The driver reportedly noticed suspicious lights ahead and attempted to make a U-turn. When he saw individuals approaching, he abandoned the vehicle and fled to a nearby military checkpoint for safety.

Salisu emphasized that no passengers were onboard at the time, and therefore, no kidnapping or harm occurred. “It is important to state clearly that no passenger was kidnapped or harmed, as there were no passengers on board at the time of the incident,” she said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the situation was not criminal in nature. The vehicle had experienced an electrical fault, which contributed to the driver’s actions. The goods were later transferred to another vehicle and delivered to their destination without any further issues.

The police noted that the matter was handled at the military checkpoint and was not formally reported to the police since there was no kidnapping or casualties. “For the avoidance of doubt, the circulating claims of an armed bandit attack and abduction of passengers are misleading and not accurate,” the statement concluded.

In response to escalating violence along Kebbi State’s border areas, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has organized a high-level security summit. The event, held at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including military and police officers, traditional leaders, and government officials, to devise strategies for protecting lives and property.

The summit was inaugurated by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by Deputy Comptroller Timi Bomadi. Adeniyi emphasized that the initiative aims to foster stronger cooperation among all security agencies, such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and local authorities. He noted that bandits and terrorists have repeatedly targeted checkpoints in the region, resulting in the deaths of both security personnel and civilians.

“Intelligence reports confirm that our officers, soldiers, civil defence staff, FRSC personnel, immigration officials, and innocent citizens have fallen victim to these relentless attacks,” Bomadi stated. He added that the summit is part of a broader effort by the NCS headquarters to engage affected states and develop effective countermeasures.

The Customs Area Comptroller in Kebbi, Mahmoud Ibrahim Matawalle, expressed gratitude to Governor Nasir Idris for his unwavering support and for approving the summit’s hosting. He also thanked the governor for donating two operational vehicles to strengthen surveillance along the border. Matawalle assured that the command would continue collaborating with other security outfits to enhance overall safety in the state.