Category: News

The remains of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, were interred in Katsina on Saturday following funeral rites attended by a large gathering including family members, military personnel, government officials, and local residents.

According to a post by crisis reporter Bakatsine on his X handle, the burial took place after the Katsina State Government confirmed that the retired officer died while in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife on May 30 along the Matazu axis of the state.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, stated that security authorities received information indicating the retired general died while in the custody of his abductors.

Officials reported that Abubakar succumbed to complications from diabetes and hypertension, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure his release from the kidnappers.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda described the death as a painful loss for both Katsina State and Nigeria, emphasizing that the general’s decades of dedicated service to the nation made his passing a significant blow.

Mourners gathered on Saturday to pay their final respects as the retired military officer was laid to rest following Islamic funeral traditions.

A prominent financial analyst and educator, Kalu Aja, has voiced sharp criticism of the current administration’s strategy for tackling Nigeria’s escalating security crisis. He contends that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is being misled by advisors who downplay the severity of the situation.

In a social media post on Saturday, Aja challenged the prevailing narrative that the insecurity is primarily political in nature. He warned that such a perspective could lead to complacency and allow the crisis to worsen unchecked.

He posed a rhetorical question, asking if the United States would be conducting military operations if their security challenges were merely political. He further argued that paying ransoms to criminal groups only incentivizes more kidnappings and attacks.

While acknowledging that some politicians might be involved in the insecurity, Aja insisted that the government must focus on directly confronting insurgents and criminal elements. He believes that addressing insecurity would not only improve public safety but also boost the economy and earn the government public support.

Aja called on the federal government to immediately halt all non-essential spending, especially projects unrelated to health and human services, and redirect those funds toward security operations. He urged the deployment of the entire armed forces, paramilitary agencies, and anti-graft bodies into forests and other criminal hideouts for a massive three-month campaign to eliminate insurgent and bandit threats.

According to him, treating insecurity as a political problem and failing to act decisively will only allow the crisis to spread further across the country.

He stated, “The President is listening to poor advice. They are telling him that the insecurity is political, which is code for ‘ignore it; it will automatically disappear after 2027.’ So, the US is bombing politicians? Paying ransom, whenever you do so, only increases insecurity; bad incentives also have their effects. Let’s assume they are correct and that politicians are actually involved in insecurity. Addressing insecurity will win votes and boost GDP, so go after the insurgents. Suspend all spending unrelated to health and human services, and mobilise the entire armed forces and paramilitary groups, including the EFCC, into the forests. Launch a massive three-month campaign to clear everything out. Ignoring this as mere politics will only allow the problem to spread. A stitch in time saves nine.”

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning regarding the recall of certain Impala brand gel nail polishes due to the presence of a hazardous chemical. The alert follows a notification from Brazil’s health regulator, ANVISA, which identified the substance Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) in these products.

TPO is not permitted in cosmetics, personal care items, or perfumes in Brazil because of its potential health hazards. According to NAFDAC, exposure to this chemical may lead to allergic reactions, as well as increased risks of cancer and reproductive harm.

The affected items, manufactured by Laboratório Avamiller de Cosméticos Ltda., include Impala Plus Gel, Impala Gel Esmalte, and other variants. ANVISA has mandated the withdrawal of all impacted batches from the Brazilian market. While the recall is currently limited to Brazil, NAFDAC is closely monitoring the situation in Nigeria and will take appropriate regulatory steps if these products are found locally.

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled nail polishes are advised to discontinue use immediately and store them safely away from children. NAFDAC also encourages the public to report any adverse effects to the nearest NAFDAC office or through the agency’s online reporting platforms.

Acclaimed writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has leveled serious accusations against Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos, claiming the facility is deliberately blocking a coroner’s investigation into her son’s passing. She alleges that negligence in medical treatment was followed by attempts to hide the truth.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Adichie explained that she felt compelled to speak out after what she termed persistent hold-ups and legal maneuvers by the hospital to hinder or derail the inquest. She noted that Euracare originally pushed for a court-ordered inquiry in January, citing concerns about “rumors of negligence,” but later reversed course and tried to shut it down through legal action.

Adichie pointed to discrepancies in how the hospital documented the cause of death. According to her, the initial explanation pointed to complications from sedation during a procedure, but the official death certificate later listed meningitis—a diagnosis she contests. She also stated that hospital officials admitted mistakes shortly after the incident and pledged to hand over medical records and staff reports, which she claims were either delayed, incomplete, or never provided.

She accused the facility of issuing contradictory public statements and engaging in what she described as strategies to shift blame and slow down the investigation. Her legal team, she said, faced obstacles when trying to obtain full medical records, and the documents eventually turned over were, in her assessment, lacking important details.

Adichie said that the drawn-out legal and administrative proceedings have deepened her family’s anguish and stripped them of privacy, stressing that the inquest is crucial for uncovering the truth behind her son’s death. “I wake up every single morning with my heart racing. Did this really happen? My precious son, Nkanu Nnamdi. My KanKan, my diokpala. The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair. I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that,” she wrote.

She added: “I have decided to make this letter public because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it. I do not want anyone mentioned to be personally targeted. I have erased two names and left two for clarity and credibility. Since the letter was sent in April, Euracare has become uglier.”

A legal expert and Chief Operating Officer of UBIIJUS Intelligence, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, has strongly condemned the recent protest call by social media influencer Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). He argued that such actions could jeopardize national security and stability.

In a statement issued over the weekend, Agbomhere emphasized that Nigeria’s security troubles demand collective patriotism and active collaboration with law enforcement, not street demonstrations or anti-government sentiments. He warned that VDM’s rhetoric could undermine public trust in government institutions at a crucial juncture.

Agbomhere expressed dismay at Nigerians who celebrate VDM, describing him as someone who thrives on online insults and mocking a nation facing serious security issues. He said, “It deeply disturbs me to see some naive and unpatriotic citizens embracing VeryDarkMan, whose only talent is online abuse and ridiculing our country in the midst of complex security problems. Calling for protests against insecurity or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is not patriotic; it encourages chaos and national instability.”

The lawyer noted that insecurity arises from multiple causes, including weak law enforcement, poverty, unemployment, poor education, communal conflicts, drug abuse, greed, and the desire for quick riches. He stressed that tackling these requires a united front rather than political agitation. Agbomhere, author of “Nigeria’s National Security Challenges,” highlighted that the solution lies in stronger citizen-security agency cooperation through credible intelligence and community watchfulness.

He praised the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, Office of the National Security Adviser, Homeland Security adviser, FRSC, NSCDC, and other emergency agencies. “Despite ongoing challenges, Nigerians must recognize the dedication and sacrifices of those who risk their lives daily for the nation. Their work deserves not just praise but active public support,” he stated.

Security cannot be solely the government’s burden, Agbomhere argued. “No security system, no matter how advanced, can succeed without citizen backing. Given Nigeria’s vast size and modern threats, people must stay alert and report suspicious activities. Timely tips from the public are among the best crime prevention tools,” he added.

Drawing parallels with the UK and US, he noted that citizens in advanced democracies often act as the first line of defense through vigilance and police cooperation. The lawyer accused certain political figures of using insecurity as a platform for partisan gain ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that inflammatory language could spark widespread tension.

Acknowledging Nigerians’ right to free expression, Agbomhere insisted that these rights “must be exercised responsibly to foster peace, unity, and national progress.” He urged public officials, security personnel, and law enforcement to remain committed to crime prevention and justice.

Concluding, he called on Nigerians to maintain faith in the country’s institutions, emphasizing that overcoming insecurity requires patience, resilience, and sustained teamwork. “Nigeria will overcome its security hurdles if citizens, communities, and government bodies work together for the national good. This is a time for unity, patriotism, and collective action—not division. Together, we can build a safer and more secure nation for all,” he said.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former military head of state of Nigeria, has officially stated that MKO Abiola’s death was not a result of poisoning. In his recently released autobiography titled ‘Call of Duty’, the retired general provides new insights into the circumstances surrounding Abiola’s demise.

The book, which spans 27 chapters and 264 pages, was unveiled during a ceremony marking the author’s 84th birthday. The event was graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu as the special guest of honour.

According to Abdulsalami, an international team of pathologists from the United States, Britain, Canada, and Nigeria conducted a thorough autopsy on Abiola’s body. The comprehensive examination concluded that the activist’s death was due to natural causes, contradicting long-held suspicions of foul play.

Abiola passed away on July 7, 1998, while in detention. He had been held since 1994 after declaring himself president. The fatal incident occurred during a meeting with a US delegation that included Tom Pickering and Susan Rice.

The autobiography reveals that Abiola had been battling significant health issues for years. As early as 1994, when he was first arrested by the Abacha administration, it was widely known that he suffered from hypertension and a heart condition. These pre-existing ailments, Abdulsalami emphasizes, severely impacted his quality of life and ultimately contributed to his death.

UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has once again criticized Nigeria’s governance, highlighting the country’s persistent electricity crisis as a clear failure of policy. Speaking about her upbringing and its impact on her political views, she argued that Nigeria’s oil wealth has not translated into tangible benefits for its people.

Badenoch stated that despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria has never achieved reliable electricity supply. She described this paradox as evidence of poor decision-making, where valuable resources remain untapped due to misguided public policies. She remarked that having resources underground is one thing, but using them effectively requires smart governance.

She also drew comparisons between the policies she opposes in the UK and those implemented by past military regimes in Nigeria. According to her, excessive state control and wealth redistribution strategies often lead to economic stagnation. She emphasized that her childhood experiences in a developing nation continue to shape her approach to economic management and governance.

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has officially launched the next phase of its 2024/2025 recruitment drive. This stage involves physical screening and document verification for applicants who have been shortlisted.

Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril (rtd.), the Board’s Secretary, disclosed in a statement that those who took part in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) held in November 2025 must check the official recruitment portal from June 15 to June 20 to confirm their status.

Applicants should log into the portal using the application number issued during their initial registration. Successful candidates will then need to upload their credentials and pick their preferred date and venue for the physical screening.

The Board emphasized that all instructions on the portal must be followed carefully to prevent disqualification. Jibril stressed that the entire recruitment process is free and warned against paying any money to individuals or groups who claim they can influence shortlisting, venue assignment, document submission, access to screening centers, or final selection.

He stated, “No fee is required at any stage of the recruitment.” The Board also advised the public to ignore fake recruitment messages, fraudulent links, and unauthorized persons claiming to represent CDCFIB.

All official updates regarding the recruitment will only be shared through the Board’s recruitment portal and other approved channels. The CDCFIB reiterated its dedication to a transparent, credible, and merit-based recruitment process in line with established rules.

The Delta State Police Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in its fight against crime. In a series of operations conducted between June 10 and 12, 2026, the command successfully rescued a kidnap victim without paying any ransom, arrested three armed robbery suspects, and disrupted a drug distribution network.

The Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad (SAKU) carried out a carefully planned operation after receiving intelligence on June 11 about a kidnapping that had occurred the previous day in Okpanam. A male victim was abducted by armed men, but through sustained intelligence gathering and tactical deployment, the police located the victim and forced the kidnappers to flee, leaving the victim unharmed. According to command spokesperson Edafe Bright, the victim was debriefed and reunited with his family. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.

In a separate incident, officers from the Distress 01 Patrol Team, while on routine patrol in Asaba on June 12 around 12:30 p.m., stopped a tricycle carrying three individuals. A search uncovered a locally made Beretta pistol. The suspects — Ewendeze De-Grace (19), Eruweghene Amede (20), and Chukwuemeka Arinze (21) — were taken into custody. Preliminary investigations indicate they are members of the Aro Bagger Confraternity. Both the suspects and the firearm are in police custody as investigations continue.

Further action against crime saw operatives from the Kwale Division raid a suspected drug distribution point on June 10. Acting on credible intelligence, police stormed the location. Two male suspects escaped, but a 45-year-old woman, Ananyi Vivian, was arrested. The premises were being used for illegal drug activities, and the suspect admitted knowledge of the operations. The command is making efforts to apprehend the escaped individuals and bring all those involved to justice.

Bright confirmed that all investigations are active and the police remain committed to rooting out crime in the state.

President Bola Tinubu has issued a formal response to the tragic death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who was held captive by bandits. In a statement released from the State House on Saturday, Tinubu expressed profound shock and sorrow over the loss. He described the incident as a stark and painful reminder of the persistent security threats affecting certain regions of the nation. According to the presidency, the former military officer, who had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Armed Forces, was abducted while traveling to his hometown in Katsina State. Even more troubling, the president confirmed that General Abubakar’s wife, who was kidnapped alongside him, remains in the hands of the captors, a fact that has heightened public anxiety about the ongoing crisis.