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Nigeria News (Standard)

Borno State Reintegrates 720 Ex-Boko Haram Fighters, Says Nearly 10,000 Rehabilitated

State government discloses progress on deradicalisation programme; security agencies monitor reintegrated individuals for compliance

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State government discloses progress on deradicalisation programme; security agencies monitor reintegrated individuals for compliance

Borno State government has reintegrated 720 former Boko Haram fighters into their communities as part of its ongoing deradicalisation and rehabilitation initiative. The announcement was made on Saturday in Maiduguri, where officials stated that nearly 10,000 ex-combatants have now passed through the programme since its inception.

According to the authorities, the latest group of 720 individuals completed a comprehensive rehabilitation process before being cleared for return to their home communities across various local government areas. Security agencies and local leaders have been tasked with monitoring the reintegrated persons to ensure full compliance with conditions set by the state’s Operation Safe Corridor initiative.

The reintegration effort is a major component of Borno’s response to the Boko Haram insurgency that has affected North-East Nigeria for over a decade. The state government said it remains committed to balancing community safety with humanitarian obligations, particularly as thousands of former insurgents surrender under military pressure or as a result of amnesty policies.

Officials from the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development explained that each participant underwent counselling, vocational training, and psychological support aimed at facilitating peaceful coexistence. The ministry added that the process involves collaboration between federal security agencies, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations to reduce the risk of recidivism.

As at June 2026, nearly 10,000 former fighters have been rehabilitated through the state’s programme, according to government data. Authorities said ongoing community sensitisation campaigns are designed to encourage acceptance while strengthening early warning systems against any potential security breaches. The state government reiterated its commitment to supporting both returnees and host communities as part of wider efforts to restore stability in Borno and the wider North-East.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887392-borno-reintegrates-720-ex-boko-haram-fighters-says-nearly-10000-rehabilitated-under-programme.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Abuja Group Threatens Legal Action Against Protesters Over Headquarters Occupation

Organisation warns demonstrators to vacate premises immediately, citing security concerns after recent Abuja protest

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Organisation warns demonstrators to vacate premises immediately, citing security concerns after recent Abuja protest

A prominent group in Abuja has issued a stern warning to protesters who recently occupied its headquarters, threatening to take legal action if the demonstrators do not vacate the premises without delay. The incident took place at the organisation’s Abuja office on Saturday, 13 June 2026, drawing attention to rising tensions around property rights and protest activities in the Federal Capital Territory.

Witnesses reported that a number of protesters stormed the group’s headquarters in Abuja, staging a sit-in and making various demands. Security personnel were seen monitoring the situation as the demonstration continued for several hours before dispersing. The group, whose name was not disclosed at press time, described the occupation as unlawful and disruptive to its operations.

The group’s management stated that such actions pose significant risks to staff safety and could escalate into further confrontations. They emphasised that while peaceful assembly is a constitutional right, trespassing on private property violates Nigerian law and would not be tolerated. The leadership called on relevant authorities to intervene if the protesters refuse to leave voluntarily.

In a statement released after the incident, group officials said they were prepared to pursue all available legal remedies to protect their interests. “We will not hesitate to seek redress in court if this illegal occupation persists,” the statement read. Efforts to reach representatives of the protest group for comment were unsuccessful as at press time.

The Abuja police command has yet to issue an official response regarding possible investigations or enforcement measures. The situation highlights ongoing debates about balancing civic activism with respect for legal boundaries in Nigeria’s capital city.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/887432-group-threatens-legal-action-against-protesters-who-occupied-its-abuja-headquarters.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Katsina: Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Dies in Bandits’ Captivity After Weeks in Detention

Governor Radda confirms security agencies’ failed rescue efforts as state mourns loss of former Defence Information Director

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Governor Radda confirms security agencies’ failed rescue efforts as state mourns loss of former Defence Information Director

Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, has died while being held captive by armed men in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The incident occurred after the senior officer was abducted with his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, near Zakin Baure village along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road. His death was confirmed on Thursday by Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda and the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Muazu.

According to official accounts, Abubakar and his wife were kidnapped several weeks ago while travelling with their driver, Abdullahi Sa’idu. The driver managed to escape despite sustaining a gunshot wound. Security agencies and the state government launched extensive efforts to secure their release, but these proved unsuccessful. The retired general reportedly died in captivity from complications related to diabetes and hypertension.

The abduction and subsequent death of General Abubakar has further highlighted persistent security challenges in Katsina State and across the North-West region. Matazu LGA, where the incident took place, has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups targeting commuters and residents in recent years. The government described the situation as a national tragedy and a dark moment for both the state and Nigeria at large.

In a statement, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep sorrow over the development, extending condolences to the late officer’s family and the wider Nigerian military community. “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity. Despite relentless and concerted efforts by the State Government and various security agencies to secure his safe release, this tragedy could not be prevented,” Dr. Nasiru Muazu said on behalf of the state government.

The family of the deceased confirmed that their vehicle—a red Peugeot 504 assigned to Major General Abubakar—was recovered by police at Matazu Divisional Headquarters after the incident. As at press time, security agencies have intensified patrols in affected areas while reiterating calls for greater collaboration among stakeholders to tackle insecurity in Katsina State.

The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on Thursday evening.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/abducted-army-general-abubakar-rabe-dies-in-captivity-after-weeks-of-being-held-by-bandits-2026061317225131709

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ADC Refuses to Confirm Reports on Atiku’s Running Mate Selection

Party officials decline comment amid mounting speculation over Atiku Abubakar’s vice-presidential pick ahead of 2027 elections

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Party officials decline comment amid mounting speculation over Atiku Abubakar’s vice-presidential pick ahead of 2027 elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declined to confirm widespread reports regarding the selection of a running mate for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to contest in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Party officials, when contacted on Saturday in Abuja, refused to provide details or comment on the matter, despite growing public interest.

Rumours have circulated in recent days across political circles that Atiku, a prominent figure from Adamawa State and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, may have reached an agreement with the ADC concerning his running mate. The uncertainty has fuelled speculation about new political alliances and potential defections ahead of the next general elections.

The choice of a running mate is considered a critical factor in Nigeria’s presidential race, as it can influence regional support and party strategy. Atiku’s previous selections for vice-presidential candidate have drawn attention due to their impact on voting patterns in key geopolitical zones. With the next poll less than a year away, Nigerians are closely watching for any indication of new alignments among major political parties.

Despite repeated enquiries from journalists, ADC leaders maintained their silence and did not issue any official statement on the reported selection. Efforts to reach Atiku’s media aides also yielded no response as at press time. Without confirmation from either party or candidate, uncertainty remains over whether an agreement has indeed been finalised.

As the 2027 election season gathers momentum, further announcements from both Atiku Abubakar and ADC are expected to shape the evolving political landscape. Stakeholders say clarity on his choice of running mate could influence other parties’ strategies and realignments across Nigeria.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887419-adc-declines-to-confirm-reports-of-atiku-running-mate-pick.html

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