Month: June 2026

Troops Rescue Late Gen. Rabe Abubakar’s Wife from Bandits After Fierce Offensive

Emporium Reporters

Troops of the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Nigerian Air Force, have successfully rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, from bandits who abducted her alongside her husband several weeks ago. The rescue was achieved following intensified search-and-rescue operations conducted by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, who sustained pressure on the criminal elements through a series of offensive actions in the affected areas. According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major…

MMPN Renews Call for Public Holiday on Islamic New Year, Urges Government Action

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has renewed its call on the Federal Government and state governments to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic calendar, a public holiday in recognition of the Islamic New Year. In a statement issued to mark the commencement of Hijrah 1448 A.H. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the National President of MMPN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the declaration would promote fairness, justice and religious harmony in the country. Balogun argued that Muharram 1 holds the same significance for Muslims as January…

NDLEA Auctions Forfeited Drug Assets for N6.1 Billion, Warns Cartels Against Illicit Wealth

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully auctioned a Lagos hotel and three other properties forfeited by convicted drug kingpins to the Federal Government, generating a total of N6.15 billion in revenue. The auction, conducted through a competitive bidding process at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Monday, involved eight assets confiscated from drug traffickers across the country. Four properties were sold after bidders exceeded the approved reserve prices, while bids for the remaining four assets were unsuccessful due to offers falling below the benchmark values. Announcing the…

MURIC Accuses Adeleke of Evading Key Allegations, Demands Apology to Muslims

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, of avoiding critical issues raised by the group regarding his relationship with the Muslim community. In a statement issued on Monday, MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, said the governor failed to adequately address allegations of religious marginalization and claims of maintaining a “double religious identity.” The group was reacting to a recent response by the Osun State Government through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who dismissed MURIC’s earlier allegations against the governor.…

Federal High Court Orders INEC to Deregister ADC, Accord, AA, APP and ZLP Over Poor Electoral Performance

Emporium Reporters

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties for failing to meet the constitutional requirements for continued recognition as political parties in Nigeria. The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Peter Lifu held that the parties failed to secure the minimum electoral performance threshold required under the law, particularly the requirement to obtain at least 25 per cent…

Operation Clean Sweep III: Troops Destroy Terrorist Hideouts in Katsina After Ex-General’s Killing

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have launched a major offensive against terrorists and bandits in Katsina State, destroyed several criminal hideouts and logistics bases in the process. The operation, code-named Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, commenced on June 14, 2026, across Matazu Local Government Area and adjoining communities following the killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits. According to the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja,…

Galaxy Backbone Unveils New Vision, Targets Leadership in Africa’s Digital Transformation Space

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has unveiled a bold new vision aimed at positioning the organisation as Nigeria’s leading enabler of innovative digital transformation and inclusive economic growth, while aspiring to become one of Africa’s foremost digital infrastructure institutions.   Speaking during a media briefing to kick off activities marking the company’s 20th anniversary in Abuja, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, said the organisation is entering a new phase focused on unlocking the full value of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure for government, businesses and citizens. According…

GBB at 20: Galaxy Backbone Showcases Digital Infrastructure Achievements, Cybersecurity Successes

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) celebrates 20 years of operations, the organisation has highlighted its achievements in digital infrastructure development, cybersecurity protection and support for Nigeria’s digital economy.   Speaking during a media briefing marking GBB at 20, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, said the company has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most strategic digital infrastructure institutions over the past two decades. He revealed that Galaxy Backbone currently operate about 5,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure across 28 state capitals, providing connectivity that supports government services…

Nigeria Hosts Maiden Diplomatic Cultural Festival to Deepen Global Ties

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Annual Diplomatic Cultural Festival in Abuja, brought together members of the diplomatic community, international organisations, government officials, corporate partners, development agencies and the public in a celebration of cultural diversity and international cooperation. The festival, held on Saturday at the Velodrome of the National Stadium, Abuja, was organised to strengthen diplomatic relations and promote people-to-people engagement through cultural exchange. Participants showcased their countries’ rich cultural heritage through exhibitions, traditional cuisines, arts and crafts displays, musical performances,…

DHQ Delegation Visits Katsina, Vows Justice for Slain General Rabe Abubakar

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has assured that those responsible for the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar will be brought to justice, as a high-powered military delegation paid condolence visits to his family and the Katsina State Government. The delegation, led by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General IM Abdullahi, visited Katsina on Sunday on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to commiserate with the bereaved family and the people of the state over the tragic…