Large crowds took to the streets of Abuja and Lagos over the weekend, demanding the release of abducted pupils in Oyo and Borno states while protesting worsening insecurity, hunger and economic hardship across the country.
The demonstrations, spearheaded by human rights lawyer Femi Falana in Lagos and social media activist VeryDarkMan, highlighted growing public frustration over the nation’s security challenges.
Amid the protests, Defence Minister Christopher Musa cautioned that social media-driven demonstrations could be hijacked by criminal elements and result in casualties. However, he reaffirmed citizens’ constitutional right to protest and urged Nigerians to recognise the sacrifices made by security personnel.
The security situation worsened following the abduction and subsequent death of retired General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State. While the state government attributed his death to health complications, the Defence Headquarters and the Presidency extended condolences and reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy against negotiating with terrorists.
However, the late general’s family disputed official claims regarding his health, fuelling concerns over the safety of senior military officers. The development comes after the deaths of military officers Musa Uba and Oseni Braimah in separate attacks linked to the terrorist group Islamic State West Africa Province in Damboa and Benisheikh.
In Zamfara State, suspected terrorists riding motorcycles reportedly attacked farmers in Maradun Local Government Area, killing at least 19 people and leaving several others injured.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama also clarified reports of an ISWAP attack in Chibok Local Government Area, stating that the terrorists targeted a hunters’ patrol base located inside an abandoned primary school and that no students were abducted.
Meanwhile, military troops under Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled an attempted terrorist infiltration of the Theatre Training School in Buni Yadi and arrested suspected logistics suppliers in Damboa, including Adams Shittima, who allegedly confessed to supporting Boko Haram operations.
In another development, the Borno State Government reintegrated 720 “low-risk” repentant terrorists after completing a de-radicalisation programme, bringing the total number of reintegrated former insurgents to 9,680.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, assured Nigerians that all students and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area would be rescued safely, stressing that security agencies remain committed to securing their freedom.
Outside Nigeria, inmates at Aba Samuel Prison in Addis Ababa celebrated a new prisoner-transfer agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia that will allow eligible Nigerian prisoners to complete their sentences back home.
Public outrage also erupted after a woman was reportedly rescued in Abuja after allegedly being chained by her brother for four years over a business dispute. Residents of Mpape discovered the severely emaciated woman following an alert from a neighbour.
On the political front, Peter Obi called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu during a speech in Washington, arguing that the separatist leader should not be imprisoned for his broadcasts. The comments have sparked intense online debate.
Meanwhile, Dapo Abiodun pledged that Ogun State would deliver overwhelming support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing confidence in the administration’s economic reforms.
In Anambra State, police arrested Pastor Harrison Charles for allegedly luring about 75 married women into wife-swapping arrangements and falsely claiming paternity of 11 children, as authorities intensify their crackdown on fake clerics.
Beyond politics and security, former United States President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday with an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
In sports, the New York Knicks were celebrated for winning the NBA championship for the first time in more than five decades, igniting jubilant scenes across New York.
In entertainment, Afrobeats sensation Rema thrilled fans with a performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
