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
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.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Gombe Rep Dies After Brief Illness, House Speaker Abbas Leads Lawmakers in Mourning
Late lawmaker’s passing prompts condolences from National Assembly; colleagues highlight his service to Gombe North-East constituency
Late lawmaker’s passing prompts condolences from National Assembly; colleagues highlight his service to Gombe North-East constituency
A member of the House of Representatives from Gombe State has died after a brief illness, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and other lawmakers confirmed on Saturday. The incident occurred shortly after the late legislator reportedly took ill, leading to an outpouring of grief from colleagues at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
According to parliamentary sources, the lawmaker represented one of Gombe’s federal constituencies and had recently participated in legislative duties before falling sick. Details about the nature of his illness were not disclosed by officials as at press time.
The death has drawn significant attention in political circles across the North-East geopolitical zone, given the late member’s role in championing constituency projects and grassroots advocacy. His absence is expected to impact ongoing committee assignments and representation for his constituents until a by-election is conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas described the deceased as “a committed parliamentarian whose contributions enriched debates on the floor of the House,” urging family members and constituents to take solace in his record of public service. Other lawmakers also paid tribute during a brief session, highlighting his dedication to legislative duties and development initiatives in Gombe State.
Following this development, House officials stated that funeral arrangements would be announced in consultation with the bereaved family. Meanwhile, INEC is expected to set a date for a by-election to fill the vacant seat in accordance with Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kogi Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists Over Death of University Student in Anyigba
Prince Abubakar Audu University hands over suspects to security agencies; Vice Chancellor visits bereaved family in Lokoja
Prince Abubakar Audu University hands over suspects to security agencies; Vice Chancellor visits bereaved family in Lokoja
Two students of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, have been arrested by the police in Kogi State for their alleged involvement in the killing of a 300-level student on campus. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, reportedly stemmed from cult-related violence within the university premises.
According to a statement released by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Uredo Omale, the suspects were apprehended within two hours of the incident. The deceased, Mr David Ocholi Solomon, was a student in the Biochemistry department and was allegedly targeted by fellow students belonging to a rival cult group.
The killing has heightened concerns about campus security and ongoing cult activities in higher institutions across Nigeria. Prince Abubakar Audu University, located in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State (North-Central zone), has recently witnessed increased efforts to curb cultism and violent clashes among students.
Vice Chancellor Prof Usman Salisu Ogbo led a condolence visit to the family of the late Mr Solomon at their residence in Lokoja on Saturday. In her statement, Mrs Omale confirmed that “the suspects have been handed over to security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.” She added that the university is cooperating fully with authorities to ensure justice is served.
While reactions from student groups and state officials were not immediately available as at press time, university management has assured stakeholders that measures are being strengthened to prevent recurrence. Security agencies are expected to conclude their investigation and bring charges against those found culpable.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Katsina Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Along Katsina-Kankara Road
Command confirms two persons still missing after armed bandits intercepted commercial vehicle in Kankara LGA
Command confirms two persons still missing after armed bandits intercepted commercial vehicle in Kankara LGA
Police operatives in Katsina State have rescued nine people from suspected armed bandits following a foiled kidnap attempt along the Katsina-Kankara road on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred around Tashar Kanya village in Kankara Local Government Area at about 2:30pm on 12 June, involved a commercial vehicle carrying eleven passengers.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, the assailants blocked the busy highway and intercepted a red Volkswagen Golf III Saloon with registration number KMC 400 MK, driven by a man identified as Aliyu, popularly known as “Maitakabari.” Police responded swiftly to distress calls from the area, engaging the bandits in a gun battle that forced them to abandon their captives and flee into nearby bushland. Nine of the abducted passengers were rescued unharmed during the operation.
The ongoing insecurity in parts of Katsina State, particularly along highways connecting rural communities, has heightened public concern in recent months. The state has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups targeting travellers and villagers for ransom kidnappings. Security stakeholders have called for increased patrols and intelligence-sharing among agencies to stem the tide of abductions.
DSP Aliyu noted that while nine victims were safely rescued, two persons remain unaccounted for as at press time. “A search and rescue effort is ongoing within the Tashar Kanya axis to locate the remaining victims,” he said. He assured residents that police presence would be reinforced on vulnerable routes and urged motorists to cooperate with security personnel at checkpoints.
Further updates are expected as search operations continue. Meanwhile, civil society organisations have urged government to address root causes of rural insecurity and improve collaboration between local vigilantes and formal security agencies.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-foil-kidnap-attempt-rescue-nine-victims-in-katsina/
Gombe Rep Dies After Brief Illness, House Speaker Abbas Leads Lawmakers in Mourning
Kogi Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists Over Death of University Student in Anyigba
Katsina Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Along Katsina-Kankara Road
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