Nigeria News (Standard)
General Rabe Abubakar’s Body Recovered After Death in Captivity, Military Confirms
Senior Army officials disclose recovery details, say investigation ongoing into circumstances of late general’s detention and demise
Senior Army officials disclose recovery details, say investigation ongoing into circumstances of late general’s detention and demise
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the recovery of the body of retired General Rabe Abubakar after he died while being held captive. The development was made public on Monday, 15 June 2026, following days of uncertainty regarding the general’s fate and whereabouts.
According to military officials familiar with the situation, General Abubakar’s remains were located and retrieved by a team dispatched to the area where he had been reportedly detained. Details about the location and the group responsible for his captivity were not immediately disclosed by authorities as at press time.
General Abubakar, a former high-ranking officer in the Nigerian Army, was reported missing several days prior to the discovery of his body. His disappearance sparked anxiety within military circles and among his associates, given his long-standing service record and connections across security agencies. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of retired senior officers in the country.
A senior army spokesperson said that efforts were ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding General Abubakar’s detention and subsequent death. “We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine all those involved and what led to this unfortunate incident,” he stated during a press briefing in Abuja. As at Monday evening, no group had claimed responsibility for his abduction or provided information about negotiations or demands.
The Nigerian Army has assured that it will intensify its search for those responsible for holding General Abubakar captive. Security analysts have called on government to increase protection for both serving and retired officers amid rising security threats nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
BudgIT Flags 2026 National Budget as ‘Ambitious but Unviable’
Civic tech group cautions federal government on revenue assumptions, urges focus on realistic fiscal planning
Civic tech group cautions federal government on revenue assumptions, urges focus on realistic fiscal planning
BudgIT, a prominent civic technology organisation, has described the proposed 2026 national budget as ambitious but unviable, raising concerns about the federal government’s revenue projections and capacity to implement planned programmes. The group made this observation in Abuja on Monday, 15 June.
According to BudgIT, while the scale of the 2026 budget reflects a desire to drive economic growth and address Nigeria’s developmental challenges, the underlying assumptions about revenue generation may not align with current realities. The organisation pointed out that past budgets have suffered from poor implementation due to over-optimistic forecasts and limited actual inflows.
The group stressed that many Nigerians are yet to feel the impact of previous budgets, especially in critical sectors like education, health, and infrastructure. BudgIT advised government to prioritise fiscal discipline and base its expenditure plans on realistic estimates from oil receipts, taxes, and other sources.
Although no official response from federal authorities was available as at press time, BudgIT’s position is likely to fuel further debate among policy experts and lawmakers about the viability of government spending targets. Stakeholders have long called for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s budgeting process.
With inflation remaining high and the naira still under pressure against major currencies, analysts say effective budget execution will require careful monitoring of both revenue collection and project delivery across all ministries. The National Assembly is expected to commence its review of the budget proposal in the coming weeks.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Jails Three for Boko Haram Links After Mass Trial
Judgement comes amid ongoing clampdown on terror suspects; rights advocates urge transparency in prosecution process
Judgement comes amid ongoing clampdown on terror suspects; rights advocates urge transparency in prosecution process
An Abuja court has sentenced three individuals to prison after finding them guilty of having links to the Boko Haram terrorist group. The verdict, delivered on Monday, follows a mass trial of suspects accused of supporting or participating in activities connected to the insurgency that has plagued Nigeria’s North-East for over a decade.
The convictions were handed down as part of a broader judicial process targeting those alleged to have aided Boko Haram operations. Details regarding the specific charges or length of sentences were not immediately made public. Security officials confirmed that the judgement is part of continued efforts by government to dismantle terror networks and bring collaborators to justice.
The prosecution of terror-related cases has drawn attention from both local and international observers due to its significance in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Mass trials have previously raised concerns among human rights groups, who insist on adherence to due process and fair trial standards. However, authorities maintain that such measures are necessary given the scale and complexity of terrorism cases in the country.
Security agencies have repeatedly stated their commitment to rooting out supporters of terrorist groups. Rights advocates continue to call for greater transparency and independent monitoring during high-profile cases involving alleged Boko Haram members. The latest convictions are expected to bolster efforts by security agencies even as calls persist for improved rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for former suspects found not guilty.
Further details about the identities of those convicted or possible appeals were not available as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Deregisters ADC, Others in Abuja as Opposition Parties Vow Court Action
Move sparks backlash from opposition, who describe the decision as undemocratic and threaten to challenge INEC in court
Move sparks backlash from opposition, who describe the decision as undemocratic and threaten to challenge INEC in court
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has deregistered the African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with several other political parties in Abuja on Monday, 15 June 2026, a decision that has drawn sharp reactions from opposition figures who say they will seek redress in court. The electoral body announced the move citing non-compliance with registration requirements and poor performance during recent elections.
According to INEC officials, the affected parties failed to meet constitutional criteria including winning a minimum number of seats in legislative assemblies and scoring sufficient votes in national elections. The commission said this step is aimed at streamlining Nigeria’s crowded political space and ensuring that only viable parties remain active participants.
The deregistration has immediate implications for the country’s political landscape, especially as Nigeria approaches another round of key elections. Many opposition leaders argue that such actions undermine multiparty democracy and restrict voter choice. In previous cycles, similar decisions by INEC have faced legal challenges, some of which resulted in reinstatement of affected parties.
Reacting to the announcement, leaders of deregistered parties described INEC’s decision as arbitrary and vowed to contest it in court. “This is a deliberate attempt to silence alternative voices,” one opposition figure said. Another chieftain warned that the action could set a dangerous precedent for future elections. Meanwhile, supporters of the move insist it will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by encouraging more serious contenders.
The next steps will likely involve protracted legal battles between deregistered parties and INEC, with broader implications for political participation across all six geopolitical zones. Observers say the outcome could shape how Nigeria regulates party registration ahead of upcoming polls.
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