Category: News

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Abia State has officially confirmed the release of Dr. Bonaventure Aguocha, a prominent orthopedic surgeon who was abducted on May 24, 2026. After spending nine days in captivity, he has regained his freedom, bringing relief to the medical community and his family.

In a statement, NMA Chairman Dr. Ezenwa Ezuruike and Secretary Dr. Clement Ifenkoronye expressed gratitude to Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma for their intervention. They also acknowledged the efforts of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force in securing the surgeon’s release.

As a result of this development, the NMA has called off the strike that was scheduled to begin on June 2 in Abia State, which was initiated in protest of the abduction. However, the association has urgently appealed for an end to attacks on doctors in Abia and across Nigeria, warning that such incidents severely undermine the morale of healthcare professionals operating under challenging conditions.

The NMA leaders highlighted the ongoing case of Professor Iweha, who has been missing since 2020, as a stark example of the persistent targeting of medical practitioners. They emphasized that these threats not only endanger lives but also negatively impact the quality of healthcare delivery in the region.

In a troubling incident, three young men from Plateau State have been seized by gunmen in Kogi State while en route to Jos from Akure, Ondo State, where they had been for business engagements. The victims, identified as Kweti Jonathan Menje, Habila Sunday, and Samuel, are all residents of Jenta Adamu in Jos North Local Government Area. They were taken on Monday when the vehicle they were traveling in was intercepted by armed assailants, who forced them and other passengers to an unknown location.

The Jenta Adamu Central Youth Council, in a statement on its Facebook page on Tuesday, confirmed the abduction and disclosed that the kidnappers have contacted the families, demanding N10 million for each captive, with a threat to kill them if the ransom is not paid by the deadline. The council’s post highlighted that the families’ accounts align, underscoring the credibility of the reports and the gravity of the situation.

The statement from the youth council read in part: “We bring to the attention of the government, security agencies, and the public the unfortunate kidnapping of three young men, all in their thirties. According to family sources, the victims were abducted by suspected Fulani gunmen during their return journey. The kidnappers have since reached out to the families and are demanding N10 million per person for their release. This development has caused fear, pain, and anxiety among relatives and the community. We call on the Federal Government, Ondo State Government, security agencies, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders to act swiftly to ensure the safe and unconditional release of the victims.”

The group also appealed for prayers and support for the affected families, urging the public to provide any useful information to assist security forces in rescue efforts. “The safety of citizens must remain a top priority. Urgent intervention is needed to prevent further loss of lives and restore confidence in public security,” the statement added. Security agencies have yet to comment on the incident.

The Kaduna State branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has voiced deep concern over the continuous abduction of learners and instructors, demanding that the federal government treat this crisis as a matter of national urgency. Speaking at a solidarity rally in Kaduna on Tuesday, Comrade Sunday Garba, the union’s state treasurer, emphasized that the protest was born from the anguish of incessant attacks on educational institutions nationwide. He stressed that they had not chosen to gather but were compelled by the fact that children—the future of Nigeria—remain in captivity.

Garba lamented that educators, entrusted with molding the nation’s future, have been rendered voiceless. He noted that the rally was sparked by a recent kidnapping in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, but also served as a broader condemnation of an ongoing wave of school abductions. The union cataloged a grim timeline of such incidents, starting with the April 2014 abduction of 276 female students from Chibok, Borno State, of whom over 90 are still unaccounted for. In February 2018, 110 schoolgirls were taken from Dapchi, Yobe State, with five fatalities.

The statement further recalled that in December 2020, more than 300 boys were seized from Kankara, Katsina State, though later freed. In February 2021, 27 students were kidnapped from Kagara, Niger State, resulting in one death. That same month, 317 girls were abducted from Jangebe, Zamfara State, all later released. Between March and April 2021, 39 students were taken from Afaka in Kaduna State, while roughly 20 students from Greenfield University were abducted, five of whom were killed by bandits. In July 2021, over 100 students from Bethel Baptist High School in Chikun Local Government Area were kidnapped and freed in stages. March 2024 saw the abduction of 287 students from Kuriga, Kaduna State.

Garba also referenced the November 2025 abduction of 25 girls in Maga, Kebbi State, where the vice principal was killed, and the kidnapping of more than 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. In May 2026, 26 children were taken from an orphanage/school in Kogi State, alongside multiple abductions in three schools in Oriire, Oyo State. He argued that every abduction steals a portion of freedom from every schoolchild, and every teacher lives in fear when a colleague falls, as schools have become primary targets. The union has called for the immediate release of all captives and insists that the government must treat this escalating crisis as a national emergency.

Security forces from Operation Hadin Kai have taken into custody a 28-year-old man believed to be assisting Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The arrest was announced on Wednesday by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security analyst focusing on the Lake Chad region.

According to Makama, who cited military sources, the suspect, Abdullahi Saidu Buba, was captured on June 1 after intelligence-led surveillance and reconnaissance operations. A tactical drone deployed by the Naval Brigade Lake Chad observed Buba in the company of suspected armed fighters, who dispersed upon detection. The suspect was followed as he moved near Charlie Company of the 196 Amphibious Battalion, where troops intercepted and arrested him.

During initial questioning, Buba claimed to be a cattle herder from Kwatan Yobe in Kukawa and said he lives north of Dumba. He stated he often travels between Dumba and Baga. The suspect reportedly admitted receiving 1,000 naira from suspected terrorists to purchase bread for them while he was on his way to Baga to visit his sick brother, Illiasu.

Items recovered from Buba included a wristwatch, a lighter, a bottle of cow milk (nono), a power bank, an Android smartphone, paracetamol tablets, a Fulani hat, and 30,000 naira in cash. Military authorities have stated that the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.

In a major offensive, the Nigerian military’s Operation HADIN KAI has dealt a severe blow to terrorist groups in the Lake Chad region. According to intelligence reports, recent airstrikes neutralized more than 50 insurgents, including several high-ranking field commanders.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, citing military sources, revealed that the strikes occurred on May 31 in the Kirta and Arina Ciki areas. The operations targeted terrorist strongholds and supply routes based on actionable intelligence about insurgent movements.

Among those killed were Khalifa Umar, a key member of the terrorists’ Shura Council from Sigir, along with commanders Abdallah and Abduljalil. The mission also destroyed multiple logistics facilities, ammunition depots, and living quarters used by the militants, significantly hampering their ability to launch further attacks across the Lake Chad Basin.

In a recent security operation in Plateau State, troops from Operation Safe Peace detained two individuals and seized ammunition. The arrests occurred during a routine stop-and-search exercise conducted by Sector 6 personnel in the Zawan area of Jos South Local Government Area.

The operation, which took place around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, targeted a commercial vehicle. Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed this information via X on Wednesday.

The suspects, identified as Patience John, 28, and Shamsu Ibrahim, 29, were found in possession of two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition concealed in a bag. Additionally, a rubber item suspected to be related to drug use was recovered.

Following the discovery, the individuals were promptly taken into custody for further investigation. Authorities are currently probing the source of the ammunition and any potential links to broader criminal networks.

Officials stated that subsequent actions will be determined by the findings of the ongoing inquiry.

Public affairs expert Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe believes Nigeria’s latest counter-terrorism success proves security forces can deliver impressive results when given adequate support. The Department of State Services recently captured five suspected terrorists, including two foreigners, highlighting what well-equipped agencies can achieve.

Speaking on Arise News Wednesday, Ughegbe acknowledged the nation faces serious security challenges. He noted that even President Bola Tinubu has voiced concerns about the deteriorating situation. ‘We must accept that our country is in deep trouble,’ he stated bluntly.

However, the activist pointed to the DSS operation as a reason for optimism. ‘This achievement shows that with proper resources and motivation, the agency can produce reliable intelligence and disrupt criminal networks,’ he explained. The operation demonstrated the ability to infiltrate terror cells, intercept communications, and stop weapon flows.

Ughegbe emphasized that intelligence gathering depends heavily on citizen cooperation. ‘DSS officers can’t read minds; they rely on information from the public,’ he said. ‘If residents notice unfamiliar people in their neighborhoods, they should quietly report it to authorities.’ He criticized public apathy, noting that many Nigerians don’t know their neighbors, allowing criminals to operate unnoticed.

The analyst also urged politicians to stop exploiting security issues for partisan gain. ‘National safety must come before political interests,’ he argued. ‘Without security, elections become meaningless. We need to unite against this common threat.’ Drawing parallels with how other nations respond to major incidents, Ughegbe called for a nonpartisan approach to tackling insecurity.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State has officially confirmed Shuaibu Idris Mikati as its governorship candidate following a thorough review of petitions lodged by aspirants after the primary election. The decision was announced by the party’s Appeal Committee, led by Dr. Muhammed Mustapha Fagge, who stated that the panel meticulously examined all complaints, documents, and submissions before arriving at its conclusion.

According to Fagge, the committee unanimously validated Mikati’s victory after determining that he garnered the highest number of legitimate votes. The panel further noted that evidence presented during the review indicated irregularities and alleged fraudulent activities involving some rival governorship aspirants, which reinforced their decision to uphold Mikati’s candidacy.

In addition to the governorship race, the committee affirmed the wins of Tukur Salisu Kakeyi in the Zaria Federal Constituency primary and Muhammed Mahmoud Aliyu in the Soba Federal Constituency contest, after confirming that both candidates secured the highest number of valid votes.

However, several other primaries were declared inconclusive due to irregularities, procedural violations, omission of candidates from ballot papers, and lack of sufficient evidence that voting actually took place. For instance, the committee ordered a rerun in the Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency after discovering that cleared aspirant Ibrahim Danlami Kubau had been left off the ballot. Similarly, a fresh primary was mandated for Kaduna South Federal Constituency when investigators found no credible proof that elections were conducted across all wards.

The committee also directed rerun elections in several other constituencies and wards, including Kaura, Soba, Ikara, Kajuru, Badarawa/Malali, Magajin Gari II, Birnin Gwari, Tudun Wada West, Igabi, Kagarko, Kawo, Zaria, Chikun/Kajuru, and Kudan/Makarfi.

In another key ruling, the panel stated that any attempt to adopt a consensus or affirmation process for the Kaduna North Senatorial District primary would be invalid unless all parties involved agreed to it. Fagge emphasized that the committee was guided by principles of fairness, transparency, inclusiveness, and internal democracy. “Our decisions were reached strictly on the basis of facts, evidence, and the provisions of the party’s guidelines,” he said, adding that the committee remains committed to protecting the integrity of the party’s internal electoral process and ensuring that the wishes of members are respected.

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and presidential flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is pressing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for immediate clarifications regarding the unauthorized disclosure of data from its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) system. Through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku issued a statement on Tuesday demanding transparency.

The controversy erupted after reports indicated that sensitive voter information from INEC’s CVR database was accessed without proper authorization and subsequently leaked to political actors. While INEC has acknowledged the incident, it maintains that there was no external hacking or breach of its ICT infrastructure. According to INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna, the commission has launched an investigation into the matter.

Atiku, however, criticized INEC’s response, arguing that the commission’s admission that the data was accessed using valid official credentials and released without authorization only heightens concerns. He emphasized that the absence of an external hack does not lessen the severity of the incident but instead points to potential lapses in internal controls and possible political interference.

“The Commission has confirmed that voter information was accessed through credentials assigned to personnel involved in the ongoing CVR exercise and that such information was released without authority. That admission alone should worry every Nigerian,” Atiku stated. He added that Nigerians deserve to know how restricted electoral data ended up in the hands of political operatives and their allies.

Atiku is calling for a full, transparent, and independent investigation to restore public confidence in the electoral process. He urged INEC to provide clear answers on the internal safeguards in place and how such a breach could occur despite official policies.

A political association, All Democratic Alliance (ADA), together with its Protem Director of Mobilization, Ahidjo Ibrahim Karlahi, has instituted a legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The plaintiffs are seeking a court order compelling the electoral body to cancel the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party in Nigeria.

The lawsuit, filed on June 2, 2026, alleges that the NDC, led by Senator Seriake Dickson, was registered illegally and fraudulently. The plaintiffs accuse INEC of deliberately ignoring and violating relevant laws during the secret registration process. They claim the electoral body failed to comply with sections 1, 6, 13, 14, 222, and 251 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act.

In their originating summons, the plaintiffs argue that the NDC did not meet any of the constitutional requirements for registration as a political party. They assert that INEC does not have unrestricted discretion to register parties and must adhere strictly to legal provisions. The suit is supported by a 25-paragraph affidavit sworn to by the first plaintiff, Hon. Ahidjo Ibrahim Karlahi.

The plaintiffs are requesting the court to void, set aside, and revoke the certificate of registration held by the NDC. They also seek a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from recognizing or maintaining the NDC in its records, and from presenting any person as a candidate under the party’s banner in any election. Additionally, they seek an order restraining the NDC from holding itself out as a registered political party through any medium.

The case, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1115/2026, lists INEC and the Nigeria Democratic Congress as the first and second defendants, respectively. No hearing date has been set yet for the suit.