Abduction rescue efforts in Oyo and Borno states face challenges, INEC voids primaries after May 30 deadline
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Rescue operations for abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states are being hampered by difficult terrain, fears of casualties, and demands from abductors for the release of detained terrorist commanders. The Federal Government is reportedly unwilling to meet these demands despite public pressure. In other news, the Independent National Commission has declared primary elections conducted by political parties after May 30 invalid, a decision that could impact the 2027 general election. The Nigeria Democratic Congress, however, has defended its primaries against allegations of irregularities. Additionally, Federal Government debt repayments exceeded the 2025 amended budget allocation by N1.90 trillion in the first nine months of the year. In Abuja, gunmen killed a vigilante and abducted four residents. Nollywood actor and politician Emeka Ike expressed feeling unsafe after his personal data was exposed at the Independent National Electoral Commission.
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Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has received widespread commendation from notable Nigerians and international organizations for the transformations recorded across critical sectors in the state over the past three years. The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa retd., praised Governor Lawal on February 18, 2026, for procuring sophisticated military hardware, including 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers and an endurance surveillance drone, to combat banditry, stating that Zamfara could resemble Dubai with continued efforts. On October 29, 2025, Joseph Obule Odama, Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies, lauded Governor Lawal for transforming Zamfara from a state of negativity to positivity despite significant challenges. On April 10, 2026, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed led a UN team to Zamfara, expressing the organization's willingness to partner with the state, highlighting its potential in mining and markets, and the leadership's commitment. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended Governor Lawal on April 21, 2026, for his "uncommon" support for military operations. The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria BON awarded Governor Lawal the Infrastructure Governor of the Year on April 19, 2026, for his administration's urban renewal projects, including the construction of a modern International Airport and the refurbishment of over 800 schools. On December 13, 2025, Zamfara State was recognized as the best-perform
Must ReadColombian pop superstar Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy will perform the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, "Dai Dai," at the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11. They will take the stage at Estadio Azteca before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. FIFA stated that "Dai Dai" is a celebration of football's power to unite people and that Shakira and Burna Boy bring together two of the world's most influential musical voices. Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla are also scheduled to perform during the Mexico City show. Other opening ceremonies are planned, with Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette performing in Canada on June 12, and Katy Perry and Future performing in the United States. Shakira is also scheduled to co-headline the tournament's first Super Bowl-style halftime show at the World Cup final on July 19 alongside Madonna and K-pop group BTS.
Must ReadAs the world observes World Environment Day, a critical discussion for Nigeria and West Africa centers on financing agriculture to address climate change. Historically, African farmers relied on natural signs to guide their planting, but these signals have become unreliable due to changing weather patterns. The desert is expanding, Lake Chad is shrinking, and unpredictable rains cause severe flooding, impacting livelihoods. These are not isolated incidents but local manifestations of a global climate phenomenon, primarily affecting those who produce food. The article argues that agricultural finance is climate finance, emphasizing that direct investment in the land and the people who work it is the most impactful climate action for the region's financial sector. Despite agriculture being the foundation of the economy and employing the most people, it receives a disproportionately small share of bank lending due to perceived risks. However, advancements in financial tools, such as cash-flow facilities, value-chain models, warehouse-receipt systems, and weather-index insurance, are making the sector more bankable and resilient. These instruments, which promote irrigation, drought-tolerant seeds, and better storage, are crucial for farmers to adapt to a harsher climate. The author, Mannir U. Ringim, Executive Director, Business Banking at Union Bank of Nigeria, stresses that managing these risks requires collaboration among governments, development finance institutions, insurers
Must ReadAgbaibor, a month-old orphaned forest elephant, was rescued after being found near a palm oil plantation bordering Okomu National Park in Edo State, Nigeria. Forest elephants are critically endangered, with only an estimated 200 remaining in Nigeria, about 40 of which are in Okomu. Park authorities and the African Nature Investors ANI conservation group are caring for Agbaibor, a costly operation that involves specialists from Zambia and a monthly expenditure of four to five million naira approximately $3,600 on milk powder, oats, and supplements. The rehabilitation process is expected to take three to five more years, with plans to build a new enclosure deeper inside the park to gradually reintroduce him to wild herds. Okomu National Park, a vital rainforest ecosystem, faces increasing pressure from logging, poaching, farming, and expanding human settlements, which fragment the reserve and increase human-wildlife contact. Conservation groups emphasize engaging local communities, as economic hardship often drives people into protected forests. Former illegal logger Godstime Christopher, now an ANI ranger, uses camera traps to monitor elephants and identify poachers, stating that the training changed his mentality. Caretakers like Joshua Aribasoye are dedicated to Agbaibor's well-being, viewing their role as crucial for preserving Nigeria's remaining wildlife.