Category: News

The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has officially announced that the process of returning pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria will kick off on June 15, 2026. This revelation was made by the agency’s Chairman, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, during a statement released on Tuesday. He emphasized that the repatriation will follow the exact order in which pilgrims originally traveled to the Kingdom for the 2026 Hajj.

According to the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Datti, who signed the statement on Sunday, pilgrims who departed Nigeria on the first flight will be among the first to return on the initial inbound flight. Subsequent groups will be transported back according to their respective travel schedules, ensuring a systematic and orderly process.

Abubakar stressed that no pilgrim will be allowed to change or choose an alternative return flight outside the agency’s arrangements. He urged all Kaduna pilgrims to cooperate fully with officials and strictly adhere to the approved timetable to facilitate a seamless and successful airlift operation.

Authorities in Ibadan have uncovered a stash of everyday household goods, including a solar panel, plastic chairs, and mattresses, at a property used by kidnappers to detain their victims. The discovery came after the rescue of the sister of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu and her twin children, who were abducted earlier in the week.

The victims were taken on Wednesday and freed by police forces on Saturday. During a follow-up inspection led by Police Commissioner Olugbenga Abimbola, journalists were taken to the scene, where various items were catalogued.

Located in the Lakoun Estate area on Ayegun Olojuoro Road, within Ward 1 of Oluyole Local Government Area in Oyo State, the single-story building sits among other residences. It features a fence, a well, and two toilets. The kidnappers had stocked the hideout with bread and other provisions, indicating a planned extended stay.

Our reporter on the ground noted that the neighborhood is only partially developed, offering some seclusion for criminal activity. The police continue to investigate the incident, and further arrests are anticipated.

President Bola Tinubu has firmly declared that his administration will never capitulate to terrorists, bandits, or any type of criminal coercion, while also pledging to ramp up efforts to alleviate the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

The President, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, delivered this message on Sunday at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja. The event was part of the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations, under the theme “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams.” Senior government officials in attendance included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Head of the Civil Service Didi Walson-Jack.

Akume, conveying Tinubu’s remarks, congratulated Nigerians on 27 consecutive years of democracy since 1999, calling this achievement a proof of the resilience and sacrifices made by those who fought for democratic restoration. He honored the pro-democracy activists of the June 12 struggle, many of whom suffered persecution, injuries, and death.

The President acknowledged that the government fully comprehends the economic strain, insecurity, kidnappings, and displacement affecting communities across the nation. “The government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” Akume stated, adding that Tinubu is confronting these challenges with compassion and a strong sense of duty.

On security, Tinubu described recent attacks and abductions as painful indicators that more work remains, but assured citizens that the safe return of all captives is a top national priority. He confirmed that security agencies are being provided with the necessary resources to protect lives, secure communities, and uphold Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he declared emphatically.

During a Sunday event in Kaduna, Nigeria’s Defence Minister, retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa, declared that education stands as the nation’s most powerful defense against extremist ideologies. Speaking at the inauguration of the Kaduna Christian Academy, a facility constructed by the Department of State Services (DSS), he emphasized that the country faces an asymmetric conflict where adversaries rely on radicalization and distorted narratives.

Musa stated, “Our struggle is not conventional; our foes exploit misinformation and indoctrination. The most effective response is the dissemination of truth within secure educational environments. This academy, while named for the Christian community, embodies interfaith unity.”

The minister argued that a well-educated and alert populace is the foremost deterrent against those who spread disorder. He noted that numerous communities suffer from banditry and extremism, often rooted in limited prospects. “From my perspective as Defence Minister, this school is a strategic asset without a single firearm. An educated population is less vulnerable to the lies of terrorists and separatists,” he added.

Musa further explained that literacy enhances local intelligence gathering for security agencies. “A child in a classroom today is the adult who will reject a kidnapper’s ransom note tomorrow,” he said. He praised the DSS for constructing the academy for a specific faith group without bias, asserting that “security is impartial to religion, and development does not favor any ethnicity.”

The minister highlighted that the DSS should be recognized as a builder of the future. By creating the academy for the Ungwan Bulus community, the agency demonstrates that internal security involves more than surveillance and arrests—it also requires earning public trust.

Earlier, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), described the academy as a foundation for learning and character development. “This institution fosters not only intellectual growth but also discipline, responsible citizenship, and moral integrity. When education is properly grounded, society is shaped correctly,” he said.

Reverend Hayab emphasized that the school serves as a reminder that education bridges divides and that children’s futures transcend religion, ethnicity, and background. He called for collective investment in education as a path to peace and national progress, urging individuals to contribute resources, partnerships, or encouragement to expand such initiatives.

Atiku Abubakar, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the 2027 presidency, has strongly refuted allegations made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal. Lawal had accused Atiku of neglecting victims of violence across Nigeria.

In a detailed response, Atiku’s camp emphasized that the former Vice President has consistently demonstrated solidarity with affected communities. Notably, he attended a church thanksgiving service in Kagoro, Southern Kaduna, to express support for families grieving from recent attacks. This act, according to his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, underscores Atiku’s commitment to all Nigerians regardless of ethnicity or religion.

The statement, titled ‘From Kagoro to Chibok: The Atiku Babachir Lawal Refuses to See,’ highlighted Atiku’s long-standing condemnation of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and communal violence. Shaibu argued that Lawal’s portrayal of Atiku as indifferent is contradicted by his public record of uniting people across divides during crises.

Atiku’s team also pointed out the irony in Lawal’s criticism, noting that Lawal himself benefited from the support of the Fulani community when he was appointed SGF under President Muhammadu Buhari. They questioned why Lawal now vilifies the same ethnic group when Atiku, a Fulani, seeks the presidency through democratic means.

The response further asserted that Atiku has spoken out against violence in numerous regions, including Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Borno, Niger, and Owo. While acknowledging that statements alone may not suffice, the camp insisted that claims of Atiku’s silence are false.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to remain optimistic, asserting that the nation will triumph over ongoing insurgencies just as it has previously navigated political turmoil, economic challenges, and health emergencies like Ebola and COVID-19. Speaking during a Democracy Day interdenominational service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, Akpabio emphasized that the country’s 27-year democratic journey is a testament to its resilience.

Acknowledging the current hardships, including insecurity and economic strain, Akpabio urged citizens to reflect on their blessings rather than despair. He noted that President Bola Tinubu had chosen a low-key observance for Democracy Day this year, recognizing the nation’s struggles. The Senate President expressed deep empathy for victims of violence, particularly abducted children, drawing from his own painful memories of the Nigerian Civil War. He stressed the importance of prayer and unity, calling for the exposure of those behind terrorist activities, whether in government or outside it.

He assured that the Tinubu administration remains committed to freeing captives, combating terror, and restoring peace. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, echoed these sentiments, promising intensified efforts to alleviate economic burdens and secure the release of all hostages. The service, themed ‘God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,’ served as a platform for these messages of resilience and collective action.

Osubi Airstrip in Delta State’s Okpe Local Government Area has firmly denied allegations that a bird strike incident involving an Air Peace jet occurred within its perimeter. The airport management believes the bird was likely hit before the aircraft reached its airspace.

The controversy erupted after Air Peace took to Instagram on June 5, stating that its Lagos–Osubi route experienced a bird strike upon landing. The airline reported that the Embraer E-195 jet underwent safety evaluations post-landing, and preliminary checks revealed the landing gear required further inspection. Consequently, the return flight to Lagos was canceled, with passengers offered accommodation and assistance.

Winston Egwuatu, manager of Osubi Airstrip, strongly countered the airline’s version. He highlighted the airport’s recent achievement of nearly two consecutive years without any bird strikes—a notable safety record in the Nigerian aviation industry. According to Egwuatu, investigations suggest the bird was not struck at Osubi. He noted that flight 5N-CEF, an Embraer E-195, showed signs of a bird strike during the pilot’s post-landing inspection, with bird remains found on the landing gear. However, during conversations with airport officials, the pilot mentioned hearing a sound roughly 200 meters from the airstrip while on approach, though the official report indicated the incident occurred at about 50 feet above the runway. Surprisingly, the pilot never communicated any bird strike to Air Traffic Control earlier.

Wildlife hazard control officers conducted thorough runway inspections both before and after the aircraft’s arrival, finding no bird carcasses, feathers, or any evidence of bird activity. Deterrent measures like propane cannons and chemical agents were in place and effective. Egwuatu emphasized that it is plausible the bird strike happened 200 meters outside the aerodrome, as the pilot indicated, but definitely not within Osubi Airstrip. He also refuted speculation that Air Peace had suspended operations to the airport, stating that no such notification has been received.

On Saturday, the manager confirmed that the aircraft departed safely at approximately 2:50 PM.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s educational reforms, insisting that quality learning is a powerful weapon against insecurity.

Speaking at the unveiling of Kaduna Christian Academy—a school built by associates of DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi for the Christian community—both leaders stressed that an informed citizenry is vital for national security.

General Musa argued that true national defence goes beyond troop deployments and air strikes. He emphasised that lasting peace requires defeating ignorance and hopelessness. “This school is a weapon of mass instruction in the right hands,” he said.

The minister praised the DSS for complementing its security duties with community development projects, proving that internal security involves winning hearts and building a better future. An educated population, he said, provides a stronger defence against extremism than force alone.

Musa urged parents to prioritise education, recalling his own humble beginnings. He noted that Kaduna has witnessed improved security and governance through collaborative efforts across all levels of government. He commended Governor Sani for fostering inclusion and peaceful coexistence.

He also warned that security agencies cannot defeat bandits and terrorists without public support. Criminal elements often rely on local informants for logistics. “If we keep quiet, they will destroy us; if we speak out, they lose ground,” he stated, calling for timely intelligence sharing.

The minister described the academy as a symbol of interfaith harmony and urged the community to maintain high standards and encourage civic participation, including voter registration.

Governor Sani, represented by Attorney General James Kanyip, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to quality education. He said every classroom built creates opportunities and strengthens communities. The commissioning, he added, represents hope and transformation, not just a new building.

CAN Northern Chairman Rev. John Joseph Hayab noted that the DSS boss facilitated the project recognising education’s role in tackling insecurity and poverty. Chief Imam Prof. Suleiman Adam appreciated the gesture as a boost to interfaith harmony. Malam Musa Suleiman, speaking for the DG’s friends, reiterated that education addresses root causes of insecurity.

Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to reconsider its choice of Atiku Abubakar as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election. Lawal aired his views in a social media post on Facebook, where he alleged that the ADC primary election that produced Atiku was heavily manipulated in his favor.

According to Lawal, Atiku lacks the necessary strength to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming general election. He lamented that instead of engaging with the issues he raised, many of his detractors have chosen to attack him personally. He further expressed disappointment that his earlier remarks, which he called “Kachalla 1,” had drawn sharp reactions from across the Fulani community, leading to insults and threats.

Lawal firmly advised the ADC to select a more capable candidate if they hope to make any impact in the presidential race before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timeline expires. He reiterated that the party must act swiftly to avoid failure at the polls.

Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has expressed dissatisfaction with the presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that resulted in Atiku Abubakar becoming the party’s candidate. Speaking on a podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Dalung, who previously served under President Muhammadu Buhari, stated that he is not proud of the primary process.

Dalung noted that the coalition formed for the 2027 general elections is not as strong as it was initially. He lamented that the primary fell short of his expectations, describing the conduct of the election as disappointing. Dalung, who served as an electoral officer, claimed to have witnessed irregularities during the process, including rigging and falsification of results.

He criticized the state of democracy in Nigeria, arguing that after 26 to 27 years of democratic rule, such malpractices should be a thing of the past. Dalung’s comments come in the wake of the ADC’s primary election, which officially nominated Atiku as its flag bearer for the upcoming presidential race.