The Senate Committee on Army has expressed deep sadness over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, describing his passing as a painful loss to the nation and the military community. In a statement issued on Saturday by the Chairman of the Committee, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the committee recalled that the retired senior military officer was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, along the Katsina–Matazu road. The committee noted that General Abubakar served Nigeria with distinction during his military career and remained actively engaged in national security discussions even after retirement.…
Author: National Update
Mo Ibrahim has commended Aliko Dangote, describing the $20 billion Dangote Refinery as a defining example of Africa’s growing ability to finance and execute world-class industrial projects. Speaking on the project, Ibrahim said the refinery reflects a shift in narrative—from reliance on external capital and imports to African-led solutions built at scale and driven by local ambition. He noted that the Lagos-based facility is already influencing fuel supply dynamics across the continent, gradually reducing dependence on imported refined products and strengthening regional energy resilience. According to him, the significance of the project goes beyond production capacity. It represents confidence in…
Seventeen farmers were killed in a violent attack that turned an ordinary day of farming into a scene of mass tragedy in Goron Namaye community, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The victims, according to reports shared by Amnesty International, were working on their farmlands on June 12, 2026, when armed attackers stormed the area and opened fire, leaving behind a trail of death and injuries. What makes the incident especially devastating is not only the scale of the killings, but the setting: a place meant for survival and sustenance. The farmland—central to rural life in Zamfara State—became the…
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, has condemned the arrest and detention of the Editor of Kogi Reports, Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), warning against what it described as growing attempts to intimidate journalists through security agencies. In a statement signed by the Council Chairman, Alhaji Ademu Seidu Haruna, and Acting Secretary, Comrade Atuluku Samuel, the union said the arrest was unnecessary and capable of undermining press freedom and democratic ideals. The NUJ expressed concern that Owoeye was reportedly detained over a publication he did not personally author, arguing that…
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the National Assembly to amend the country’s anti-terrorism laws to make terrorism and related violent crimes punishable by death, following the killing of retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe in captivity. The group said the murder of the retired Army officer by terrorists underscores the need for a more aggressive national response to terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for rejecting demands by the abductors for the release of detained terrorist…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja The Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) has called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system, stronger protection for press freedom and strict observance of the rule of law, saying these remain critical to the survival and growth of the nation’s democracy. Marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the civil society coalition said June 12 stands as a historic reminder of Nigerians’ struggle for democratic governance, electoral justice and accountable leadership. In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Hamza Aliyu, KONGONET noted that although Nigeria has sustained democratic rule for over two decades, citizens are increasingly demanding a…
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lauded former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, describing him as a symbol of selfless leadership and national service as he marks his 84th birthday. Obi made the remarks while joining other eminent Nigerians at the public presentation of books documenting Abdulsalami’s life, public service, and enduring contributions to Nigeria and Africa. Reflecting on the former military leader’s role in the nation’s history, Obi said Abdulsalami demonstrated rare patriotism and statesmanship by successfully guiding Nigeria through one of its most delicate political transitions, paving the way for the return…
Former Defence Headquarters spokesman, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), has died while being held by bandits following his abduction in Katsina State. Abubakar was kidnapped alongside his wife, Hajiya Amina, and taken into captivity by armed assailants in the state’s troubled northwest region. The Katsina State Government confirmed the retired general’s death on Saturday, describing it as a painful loss to his family, the state, and the nation. According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, the former military officer died after battling health complications related to diabetes and hypertension while…
The Labour Party(LP) has praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for reinstating its candidate for the forthcoming Enugu North Senatorial District by-election after an earlier omission from the list of cleared contestants. In a statement issued on June 13, the party said the correction followed engagements with the electoral body after its candidate and the party were initially left out of the list for the June 20, 2026 poll despite fulfilling all required legal and constitutional conditions. The party described INEC’s decision as a demonstration of fairness and responsiveness, noting that the restoration of its candidate has cleared the…
The leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress has launched a high-level effort to resolve post-primary disputes in seven strategic states amid fears that lingering grievances could weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections. With the deadline for the submission of candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fast approaching, party leaders are reportedly reviewing the outcomes of primaries conducted in Kwara, Nasarawa, Rivers, Adamawa, Benue, Bauchi and Taraba states. The intervention follows a wave of petitions from aggrieved aspirants and party stakeholders who have challenged the emergence of several candidates, alleging manipulation, imposition and irregularities during…