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​President Vladimir Putin has taunted the North Atlantic Treaty Organization​, declaring that the alliance has failed to defeat Russia through Ukraine.

​Putin spoke at the Kremlin during a meeting with military personnel participating in the special military operation as part of the Russia Day commemoration.

​The premier said his country stands alone against the “so-called collective West represented by NATO,” with several countries supporting actions directed against Russia.

​”It was them ​(NATO) who started the war​,” he emphasized. “I have said this many times, we did not initiate the conflict when the special military operation began (in 2022).​”

​Putin insists NATO’s “coup d’etat in Ukraine” ​and deploy​ment of artillery and rocket systems compelled ​Russia to protect the people of Crimea​ (in 2014), leading to the war in eastern Ukraine​.

“We did not wake up one day and decided that we would start a war tomorrow,” he said. “​For eight years, we attempted to achieve a peaceful settlement​.”

Putin recalled Moscow urging the Ukrainian authorities to talk with southeastern Ukraine, where Russians live, and were repeatedly assured that agreements would be implemented.

​The President said despite the ​Minsk ​Agreements​, Russia’s foes openly admitted​ in recent months that the ​pact was intended to provide time for​ Kyiv to rearm and launch warfare.

Noting that they made a mistake by revealing their objective publicly, Putin accused some countries of joining NATO “in the hope of securing their share of the benefits.”

On the negotiation moves by Ukraine and some European capitals, Putin expressed Moscow’s receptive disposition but stressed that discussions must factor in Russia’s “long-term” interests.

​”There is only one piece of advice we can offer our adversaries: do not fight Russia. Never attempt to do so,” he warned. “Those (talks) must be genuine negotiations, not ultimatums.”

NATO realizes Russia can’t be defeated through Ukraine – Putin

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, has said Nigeria has failed to translate its vast oil resources into adequate electricity supply.

Badenoch disclosed this in a recent interview with The Spectator, where she spoke extensively about her childhood and other issues.

She argued that poor public policy is responsible for Nigeria’s decades-long electricity supply challenges.

“My belief that we need to drill our oil and gas comes from growing up in a country… Nigeria is an oil-producing country that has never had electricity,” she said.

“It is very easy to have resources under the ground, but stupid public policy means that you can’t use them,” she added.

Her comment comes as Nigeria continues to battle inadequate power supply years after the privatisation of the power sector.

Nigeria’s electricity generation has hovered between 3,500 megawatts and 5,000 megawatts for a population estimated at over 250 million people.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Democracy Day speech, said he would ensure that Nigeria’s power sector challenges are addressed.

Stupid public policy reason Nigeria without electricity – Kemi Badenoch

Delta State Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim, arrested suspected armed robbers and recovered firearm and hard drugs.

The Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad (SAKU) successfully rescued a kidnap victim unhurt without the payment of ransom following a coordinated intelligence-led operation.

The operation was launched the operation following information received by the Command on 11 June 2026 regarding the kidnap of a male victim by armed men at Okpanam on 10 June 2026.

Acting swiftly on the report, operatives deployed intelligence assets and commenced a strategic operation aimed at locating the victim and apprehending the perpetrators

Edafe Bright, the commands spoke person confirmed the victim was rescued unhurt, debriefed, and reunited with his family as efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while investigation into the incident continues.

As pressure mounted on the kidnappers through sustained intelligence gathering and operational deployment, the suspects abandoned the victim and fled from their hideout” Bright said

In a separate development, operatives of the Distress 01 Patrol Team attached to the Department of Operations, while on routine motorised patrol on 12 June 2026 at about 1230hrs in Asaba, intercepted a tricycle conveying three occupants.

The suspects were subjected to a search, during which one locally fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered.

The suspects, identified as Ewendeze De-Grace (19), Eruweghene Amede (20), and Chukwuemeka Arinze (21), were immediately arrested.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of the Aro Bagger Confraternity while the suspects and the recovered firearm are in custody while investigation is ongoing.

Again, in the continued efforts to curb drug-related crimes, operatives of the Kwale Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected drug distribution point in Kwale on 10 June 2026.

Upon sighting the operatives, two male suspects fled the premises, while one female suspect, identified as Ananyi Vivian, aged 45 years, was arrested.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the premises were being used for illicit drug-related activities.

During interrogation, the suspect admitted being aware of the illegal activities taking place at the location.

Bright also said investigation is ongoing, and concerted efforts are being made to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring all persons connected with the operation of the illicit drug point to justice

Delta: Police rescue kidnap victim, arrest suspected armed robbers

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, has announced the commencement of the next stage of its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise, which includes physical screening and document verification for shortlisted applicants.

In a statement by its Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril, rtd, the Board said applicants who participated in the Computer-Based Test, CBT, conducted in November 2025 should visit the official recruitment portal between June 15 and June 20 to verify their status.

According to the statement, applicants are required to log into the recruitment portal using the application number generated during their initial registration.

It explained that successful candidates would be required to upload their credentials and select their preferred dates and venues for the physical screening exercise.

The Board advised applicants to carefully follow all instructions provided on the recruitment portal to avoid disqualification.

Jibril reiterated that the recruitment process remained entirely free of charge and warned applicants against making payments to individuals or groups claiming to offer assistance with shortlisting, venue allocation, document uploads, access to screening centres or final selection.

“The recruitment process is completely free. No fee should be paid to any individual, agent, group or organisation for any aspect of the exercise,” he said.

The Board also urged members of the public to disregard fake recruitment messages, fraudulent links and unauthorised persons purporting to represent the CDCFIB.

It noted that all official information regarding the recruitment exercise would be communicated exclusively through the Board’s recruitment portal and other approved official channels.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent, credible and merit-based recruitment process in line with established guidelines and regulations.

CDCFIB announces physical screening, document verification for recruitment applicants

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allocate a suitable parcel of land in Abuja for the development of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre (AAARC).

Tinubu gave the directive on Saturday during the public presentation of three books, Call of Duty, Nigeria’s Grand Patriot, and Mediating for Peace in Africa, held in honour of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), who marked his 84th birthday anniversary.

Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the centre aligns with the values promoted by Abdulsalami throughout his public service.

“The establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre is a worthy initiative that aligns with the values General Abubakar has championed throughout his life.

“In recognition of its importance, I hereby direct the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate a suitable parcel of land within the Federal Capital Territory for the development of the Centre and the advancement of its mission,” he said.

Tinubu praised the former Head of State for his role in Nigeria’s return to democracy, describing him as a leader who promoted peace, national unity and democratic stability.

He said Abdulsalami’s decision to hand over power to an elected civilian government in 1999 created the foundation for the country’s longest uninterrupted democratic period.

The president said Abdulsalami’s transition programme that returned the country from military rule to civilian democracy influenced his return to participate in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Abdulsalami took power after the death of military dictator, Sani Abacha, and promised to hand over power to an elected civilian government.

The programme led to the establishment of a timetable for elections, the creation of political parties, the drafting of a new constitution, and the eventual transfer of power on May 29, 1999.

“Like many pro-democracy activists of that era, I returned to participate in the democratic process because I was convinced of General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s sincerity and determination to restore constitutional rule.

“He kept his word and, as a result, helped steady the ship of state, preserved national cohesion, and guided our country safely towards democracy. For that service, generations of Nigerians will remain in his debt. Yet his contribution did not end with his departure from office,” Tinubu said.

He described Abdulsalami’s life as one defined by duty, moderation, courage and commitment to public service.

“At a moment of profound uncertainty, when Nigeria stood at a crossroads, providence entrusted him with the responsibility of leadership. He understood both the weight of that responsibility and the demands of the moment. He pledged to return the country to democratic rule, and he fulfilled that pledge faithfully and honourably,” the President said.

The event was attended by former leaders including former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), former South African President Thabo Mbeki, and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio.

In his remarks, Abdulsalami thanked Tinubu and Shettima for supporting the commemorative event.

He recalled that he assumed leadership in 1998 when Nigeria faced uncertainty and supervised the transition to civilian rule within 11 months.

He urged Nigerians and other stakeholders to continue promoting peace, justice and national unity.

Tinubu Directs Wike To Allocate Land For Abdulsalami Centre is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Leader of the United Kingdom Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has again lashed out at Nigeria’s governance record, describing the country’s long-standing electricity challenges as a consequence of poor public policy.

Badenoch, speaking on how her upbringing shaped her political beliefs, stated Nigeria’s vast natural resources had not translated into prosperity for its citizens.

“Nigeria is an oil-producing country that has never had electricity. It is very easy to have resources under the ground, but stupid public policy means that you can’t use them,” she said.

She also drew parallels between policies she opposes in the United Kingdom and the approach of past Nigerian military governments.

According to her, excessive government control and wealth redistribution policies often lead to economic decline.

Reflecting on her childhood in Nigeria, Badenoch said her experiences in a developing country continue to influence her views on governance and economic management.

Nigeria produces oil but never had electricity — Kemi Badenoch

Operatives attached to the Idiroko Division of the Ogun State Police Command have foiled a cross-border vehicle trafficking attempt, arrested two suspects and recovered a stolen 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus belonging to a company.

The suspects, Seun Lawal, 46, and Ademola Oriyomi, 38, were arrested on Friday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the bus was declared stolen from Lagos.

He noted that Seun, the company’s driver, and his guarantor, Ademola, conspired to steal and smuggle the bus into the Benin Republic.

The statement reads: “The operation was based on credible intelligence received at about 11:00 p.m. on June 12, 2026, indicating that the suspects had positioned the said vehicle at the Babaloke area of Idiroko and were preparing to move it across the international border under false pretence.

“Acting swiftly on the information, CSP Adejuwon Ariyo mobilised and led a surveillance team to the location, where operatives intercepted the suspects in the course of executing the cross-border movement.”

According to the police spokesperson, the operatives demobilised the vehicle by shooting one of its tyres, effectively immobilising it and preventing its escape across the border.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that Seun Lawal, a driver, conspired with Ademola Oriyomi, his guarantor, to steal and sell the vehicle in the Benin Republic. The suspects admitted that the proceeds were intended to facilitate their relocation after the illegal transaction,” he added.

Babaseyi stated that the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to uncover possible links to broader cross-border vehicle theft syndicates.

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism, vigilance and tactical precision of CSP Adejuwon Ariyo and the operatives of the Idiroko Division.

The CP reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to proactive policing, strengthened border security operations and sustained efforts aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action within Ogun State and its border corridors.

Meanwhile, he urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.

Ogun police arrest driver, guarantor for vehicle theft, foil smuggling attempt 

Germany legend, Miroslav Klose, has tipped Argentina captain Lionel Messi to break his goalscoring record at the ongoing World Cup tournament.

Speaking to Süddeutsche Zeitung, the 48-year-old hailed Messi as a genius.

Klose has scored 16 goals from 24 matches at the World Cup, while Messi has 13 goals from 26 matches.

The Inter Miami forward needed four goals to surpass Klose’s record.

“I expect my record to be broken in this tournament. With more teams, there are more matches and therefore more opportunities to score goals,” Klose said.

“And I expect Argentina and France to go far. That is perfectly fine, the record will be broken eventually anyway, Messi is welcome to do it.

“I’m a huge Messi fan, always have been. Messi is a genius.”

World Cup 2026: Germany legend Klose names player to break his goals record

Former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, has threatened legal action against actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, demanding a retraction, public apology and N5bn in damages over alleged defamatory remarks.

Okonkwo who’s a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and was spokesman for Peter Obi campaign organisation in the 2023 presidential election had accused Udenwa of bribery while appearing on Channels TV.

The development comes days after former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, also initiated legal proceedings against Okonkwo over comments he allegedly made during the same interview.

In a letter made available to journalists on Saturday dated June 11, 2026, and signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Soronnadi Njoku, counsel to Udenwa accused Okonkwo of making false and malicious statements during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026.

According to the letter, Okonkwo had alleged during the interview that leaders of the South-East caucus of a political party, including Udenwa, Peter Obi and former Abia State Governor, Okey Udeh Ugochukwu, were involved in extorting aspirants.

The specific statement cited in the letter reads, “That is why the NDC has released a statement that it’s only the South-East caucus of the party that was involved in such problems. Okey Ugochukwu, Achike Udenwa, Peter Obi and other leaders of the South-East caucus were busy extorting the South-East aspirants.”

Udenwa’s legal team argued that the allegation amounted to accusing the former governor of the crime of extortion and portrayed him as someone who used his position to unlawfully obtain money from political aspirants.

The lawyers maintained that the claim was false, defamatory and damaging to the reputation of their client, who served two terms as governor of Imo State and later as a minister in the Federal Government.

According to the letter, Udenwa has never been accused or convicted of corruption, extortion or any related offence throughout his years in public service.

The legal team stated that the remarks, made during a live television broadcast and subsequently circulated by several media platforms, had injured the former governor’s reputation and lowered him in the estimation of members of the public.

The lawyers further argued that, as a legal practitioner, Okonkwo ought to understand the meaning and legal implications of alleging that someone engaged in extortion.

“Your publication has greatly lowered his image in the eyes of right-thinking members of the Nigerian society,” the letter stated, adding that accusing an individual of extortion is actionable without proof of specific damage because it imputes criminal conduct.

As part of its demands, Udenwa’s legal team gave Okonkwo seven days from the date of the letter to issue what it described as a strongly worded apology and retraction.

The apology, according to the lawyers, must be published in five national newspapers and aired during prime time on Channels Television. The letter also demanded an undertaking from Okonkwo that he would refrain from making any further defamatory statements against the former governor.

In addition, Udenwa is seeking N5bn in compensation for the alleged injury caused by the publication.

The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would result in legal proceedings being commenced against Okonkwo at the appropriate High Court in Imo State.

“Take notice that if the above demands are not strictly met within the stipulated time frame, we have his instructions to commence legal proceedings against you in the appropriate High Court in Imo State to claim the said sum of N5bn as damages against you, as well as the appropriate injunctive reliefs against you,” the lawyers stated.

The threat of litigation comes amid a growing legal dispute involving Okonkwo and some prominent political figures from the South-East.

Like Obi, Udenwa Threatens N5bn Suit Against Okonkwo Over ‘Defamation’ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Funeral prayers for retired Major General Rabe Abubakar were held in Katsina on Saturday, days after he died in captivity following his abduction by terrorists.

The development was disclosed by journalist Bakatsine, who reports on conflict and insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region, in a post on X.

According to him, the late general’s wife, who had been held alongside him by the kidnappers, was released together with his body.

Family members, military officers, government officials and residents attended the funeral prayers to pay their final respects to the retired senior military officer.

He wrote: “Funeral prayers for retired General Rabe Abubakar were held in Katsina this evening. His wife, who had been held alongside him, was released by their captors together with his body. Family members, military officers, government officials, and residents gathered to pay their final respects.”

The funeral comes after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed Abubakar’s death and expressed condolences to his family, colleagues and Nigerians.

In a statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the DHQ described the late officer as a distinguished soldier who served the nation in several key capacities, including as spokesman for various military formations and Director of Defence Information.

The military noted that Abubakar made significant contributions to counter-insurgency operations, the professional development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other national assignments during his career.

According to the DHQ, it had refrained from making public comments on his abduction while rescue efforts were ongoing, adding that all available operational resources had been deployed in an attempt to secure his release.

The Defence Headquarters also stated that security operations against terrorists and kidnappers had been intensified following a series of abductions across the country, including that of the retired general.

It reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to restoring peace and security and bringing those responsible for terrorist activities to justice.

Funeral prayers held for General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina [Photos]