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Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike has urged Nigerian youths to embrace leadership as a platform for service rather than personal enrichment.
Speaking at the 36th Convocation of the University of Port Harcourt, Wike told graduating students that Nigeria’s future depends on leaders who prioritise public interest above personal gain.

“Leadership is service. It is not an avenue for self-glorification, but a covenant with the people,” he said.

The minister warned that corruption, abuse of office and self-interest have weakened institutions and slowed national development.

He challenged the graduates to become leaders defined by courage, integrity and accountability.

“The true leader does not ask, ‘What do I gain from this office?’ but rather, ‘What do the people gain from my stewardship?’” Wike stated.

According to him, leadership should be measured by the positive impact it has on people’s lives and the institutions it leaves behind.

Future leaders must choose service over power – Wike at UNIPORT lecture

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, David Beckham, has named England as the team to win the  2026 FIFA World Cup.

Beckham also named Japan as the dark horses to look out for at the World Cup tournament this time.

Speaking with ABC News, Beckham backed England to win the 2026 World Cup, saying, “I am always going to say England.

“It’s sixty years now since we [England] last won the World Cup, so it is about time that we win [again this year].

“It is never easy. There is always a surprise in a World Cup with either a player or a country that emerges.

“I think the Japanese team has got a really strong team, they could be kind of a secret.”

World Cup 2026: ‘They’ve strong team’ – David Beckham names winners, dark horses

The abductors of a former Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar (retd), and his wife have demanded the release of three detained fighters and the return of livestock allegedly seized during security operations as conditions for the couple’s freedom.

The demands were conveyed in a four-minute video released by the kidnappers and obtained by on Saturday.

The video shows the retired military officer and his wife in captivity days after they were abducted in Katsina State.

In the footage, the wife of the former defence spokesman, who spoke in Hausa, appealed to the Katsina State Government, traditional rulers and community leaders across five local government areas to intervene and facilitate release of the detained bandits identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru.

According to her, two of the men were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was arrested in Kano State.

She said compliance with the demands would pave the way for their release.

“Our appeal is for the authorities and community leaders to assist in resolving this matter so that we can regain our freedom,” she said.

The retired general, who spoke briefly in the video, urged stakeholders to embrace dialogue and peaceful engagement.

“I appeal for efforts that will promote peace. They have indicated interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence,” Abubakar said.

It was gathered that a notorious bandit commander, Kachallah Muhammad, who reportedly operates in parts of Katsina State, had contacted the relatives of the retired military officer shortly after the abduction.

The contacts allegedly conveyed demands centred on the release of detained associates rather than a conventional ransom payment.

Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 while travelling through Katsina State.

The couple was reportedly travelling with their driver along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area when armed men ambushed their vehicle near Zakin Baure village and whisked them into a nearby forest.

Their driver reportedly escaped despite sustaining gunshot injuries during the attack, while security operatives later recovered the victims’ vehicle, a red Peugeot 504, and moved it to the Matazu Divisional Police Headquarters.

The Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road has become notorious for recurring incidents of kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery, with residents frequently raising concerns over security along the corridor.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the video or the demands made by the abductors.

Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Musa Askira, has called for the immediate rescue of 42 schoolchildren abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of the state.

Askira made the appeal while addressing journalists in Maiduguri on Saturday on behalf of community leaders, political stakeholders and residents of Askira/Uba, nearly three weeks after the pupils were reportedly abducted.

The abducted children, said to be pupils of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, were allegedly taken by insurgents on May 15, 2026.

The lawmaker described the incident as a tragic attack on education and humanity, expressing concern over the continued captivity of the children and the uncertainty facing their families.

“We come before you with profound sadness and heavy hearts. These innocent children, whose only offence was seeking knowledge, have been cruelly taken away from their families,” he said.

According to him, community leaders initially refrained from making public comments, trusting that security agencies were working to secure the children’s release.

However, he noted that the prolonged captivity of the pupils had heightened anxiety among parents and residents.

“Three weeks is an agonisingly long time for young children to remain in captivity, far from the protection and comfort of their families,” Askira added.

The Deputy Speaker commended President Bola Tinubu and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for their response to the incident, particularly Governor Zulum’s visit to sympathise with affected families shortly after the abduction.

He also praised the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, and other security agencies involved in counterinsurgency operations across the state.

Askira, however, urged authorities to intensify efforts towards securing the release of the children.

“We appeal to all relevant authorities to deploy every available intelligence, kinetic and non-kinetic strategy necessary to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of these children. Every moment they remain in captivity is one too many,” he said.

The stakeholders also called for stronger security measures in Askira/Uba, citing the area’s proximity to the Sambisa Forest and its vulnerability to insurgent attacks.

They advocated the establishment of additional security formations, rapid response units, strengthened school protection measures and sustained military patrols to safeguard communities and educational institutions.

The Deputy Speaker urged families of the abducted children to remain hopeful, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure their safe return.

“These are children, not combatants. They are not soldiers or politicians. They are the future of Borno and Nigeria. We call on those holding them captive to fear Almighty God and release them unconditionally,” he said.

Borno deputy speaker, stakeholders demand rescue of 42 abducted schoolchildren

Former Secretary to the Katsina State Government , SSG, Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Inuwa, has expressed concern over the security situation in the state, alleging that killings, abductions and other violent attacks by bandits continue to affect several communities.

Inuwa made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina.

The former SSG said many communities across the state were facing persistent attacks, resulting in loss of lives, kidnappings and hardship for residents.

According to him, bandit attacks have remained a major challenge in parts of the state despite ongoing efforts to address insecurity.

“No day passes in Katsina without bandits abducting, killing or raping women in the state. Women are being raped in the presence of their husbands by the bandits,” he said.

Inuwa also criticised what he described as a disconnect between official narratives and the experiences of residents in communities affected by insecurity.

“But those in authority to tackle the security challenges are even pretending that there is nothing of such happening in the state. This is painful and disheartening,” he added.

The ADC chieftain urged both the federal and state governments, as well as relevant security agencies, to acknowledge the scale of the security challenges and intensify efforts to protect lives and property.

He warned that failure to adequately address the situation could undermine ongoing efforts to restore peace in affected areas.

While offering prayers for victims of bandit attacks and those still in captivity, Inuwa stressed the need for decisive action to curb the activities of criminal groups operating across the state.

“What those in authority are saying is different from what is happening in the state. Since they are claiming that nothing is happening in the state, they will not take action to end the problem. We will continue to pray for God to bring this devastating security challenge to an end,” he said.

Although security agencies have continued operations against armed groups, concerns remain over the impact of the attacks on communities across the state.

Ex-Katsina SSG decries rising killings, abductions by suspected bandits

Katsina State Government says it has intensified multi-dimensional security operations to secure the release of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd), his wife, and other persons abducted alongside them, expressing optimism that ongoing efforts will yield positive results.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Zango, said Governor Dikko Radda has directed security agencies to prioritise the safe rescue of the victims.

The government said preliminary findings indicate that the abduction was a coordinated and targeted operation carried out by organised criminal elements, rather than a random attack.

It added that available intelligence suggests the retired general and his wife were monitored and trailed from Kaduna, before being intercepted and abducted.

According to the statement, the nature of the operation reflects a worrying shift in tactics by criminal groups operating within the region.

“The targeted nature of this crime has provided critical intelligence that is shaping our response strategy,” the statement noted.

Authorities said security agencies are currently combining technological tools with ground intelligence to track the perpetrators and secure the release of the victims.

“We are dealing with a targeted operation, which changes the dynamics of our response. The state is working around the clock, utilising both technology and ground intelligence to close in on the abductors,” officials said.

The government described the incident as an attack not only on the victims but also on citizens who have served the nation in various capacities.

It reaffirmed its commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and dismantling criminal networks behind such abductions.

As part of ongoing efforts, the state government said it is working closely with the Nigerian Army, Police, and other security and intelligence agencies, while maintaining surveillance in affected areas.

Residents were also urged to provide credible information that could assist investigations, as authorities intensified efforts to secure the victims’ safe return.

The government further assured families of the abducted victims and the public that all necessary resources are being deployed, expressing confidence that the ongoing operations would yield a breakthrough.

Katsina govt intensifies rescue operation for abducted ex-Defence spokesman, wife, others

Footage has emerged showing Police operatives during a nighttime operation resulting in the rescue of Adelabu’s younger sister and her 12-year-old sons in…

The post VIDEO: Footage of Police rescue of Adelabu’s sister, twin sons emerges  appeared first on Tribune Online.

 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied reports claiming that he promised return tickets to All Progressives Congress, APC, senators who lost during the party primaries.

Akpabio said his comments were misunderstood, explaining that he only expressed concern for senators affected by the outcome of the primaries and did not make any commitment to secure tickets for anyone.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Eseme Sunday Eyiboh, the Senate President said reports suggesting that he guaranteed senatorial tickets for defeated aspirants were false and did not reflect his position.

The statement clarified that Akpabio only told affected senators that the APC leadership was working to address issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates would be released in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

Akpabio also stressed that he remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes.

He added that he would not interfere with the party’s autonomous process or make commitments outside the powers of the National Assembly leadership.

Former spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Rabe, who was kidnapped alongside his wife by bandits last week, appeared on a viral video pleading with Katsina government to facilitate their release by complying with demands of their captives as basis for their freedom. In a viral video trending on Saturday, the wife of […]

The post Kidnappers of former Army spokesman list demands as basis for freedom —Wife appeared first on Tribune Online.

 The Federal Government has concluded the screening of Nigerians in South Africa who registered for voluntary evacuation following renewed xenophobic attacks and rising anti-immigrant tensions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the verification exercise began on Thursday and was conducted by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with South African authorities.

The exercise involved South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Police Service and immigration officials.

According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the screening was designed to confirm the identities, immigration status and travel documents of Nigerians seeking to return home.

He said the exercise would produce the final number of Nigerians cleared for evacuation, after which the Federal Government would finalise aircraft deployment plans.

More than 1,000 Nigerians have reportedly registered for voluntary evacuation from South Africa amid renewed attacks, intimidation and threats targeting foreign nationals.

The development comes as xenophobic violence in South Africa continues to raise diplomatic concerns and fears among African migrant communities.