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Atiku Abubakar supports CAN's security reform demands, urges Muslim leaders to join campaign
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has endorsed the resolutions from the Christian Association of Nigeria's 2026 National Church Leaders Summit. The former Vice President expressed support for CAN's call for urgent reforms to address Nigeria's worsening security situation. In a post on his verified X handle, Atiku aligned with the concerns raised by the Christian body and sympathized with Nigerians affected by insecurity. He noted that CAN's demand for a comprehensive review of the nation's security framework, enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved operational effectiveness, and greater accountability in combating terrorism, banditry, and violent crime aligns with his own criticisms of the current administration's performance. Atiku commended Christian leaders for their unified stance on security challenges, describing it as a timely intervention. He added that the declaration of three days of national mourning by Christian leaders should prompt reflection from those in leadership. Atiku emphasized that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of background and called for broader support in addressing the crisis. He also urged Islamic organizations and leaders to join the call for urgent action on insecurity and implored President Bola Tinubu to heed CAN's concerns and take concrete steps to address the country's security challenges.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Federal Government announced a substantial decrease in repeat offenders within the Nigerian Correctional Service, from 11,616 in 2023 to 1,382 in 2025. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, attributed this reduction to ongoing rehabilitation and reformation programs during the presentation of an investigative report on the NCoS. He stated that while progress is evident, the government aims for zero recidivism before declaring full success. The Minister also noted that 15,632 inmates were admitted and 14,190 released in May 2026. He emphasized the need for continued reforms and aggressive implementation of the investigative report's recommendations, including establishing a monitoring and evaluation committee. Dr. Tunji-Ojo also called for collaboration with state governments to relocate correctional facilities, many of which are no longer suitable due to urban expansion. Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, mentioned that the investigative panel visited 86 custodial centers across 23 states.
The Nigerian Senate has voiced significant concern regarding the deteriorating security situation in Kwara North Senatorial District, warning that ongoing attacks by armed criminals could further destabilize communities. This resolution followed a motion by Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar, highlighting persistent issues such as the continued captivity of women and children abducted during the Woro massacre, recurring community attacks, and the recent burning of the Emir of Yashikira's palace. Senator Umar emphasized that security is a primary government responsibility and detailed the district's struggles with killings, kidnappings, and property destruction. He noted that the vast and difficult terrain around Kainji Lake National Park provides safe havens for criminal elements. The Senate urged the Federal Government to strengthen security architecture in Kwara North by establishing additional military bases, deploying more personnel and equipment, and intensifying joint operations. Lawmakers also called for efforts to secure the release of all kidnapped victims and for the rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure to improve accessibility and support security operations. Additionally, the Senate requested humanitarian assistance for affected communities and mandated relevant committees to report back within four weeks on efforts to address the crisis. A minute of silence was observed for the victims.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, highlighting the ongoing Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway project and renewable energy initiatives in the state as key justifications. The endorsement was made during a ceremony organized by the Tinubu Support Organisation in Birnin Kebbi, where supporters also backed Governor Idris for re-election. Governor Idris stated that Kebbi State has significantly benefited from federal projects under President Tinubu's leadership, demonstrating a strong commitment to national development. He expressed pride that Kebbi was among the first states to declare support for the President's second-term ambition. The National Leader of the Tinubu Support Organisation, Aminu Suleiman, thanked the governor for his support and announced plans to extend the endorsement campaign to other states. This early endorsement by a sitting governor, more than a year before the 2027 general elections, reflects a coordinated effort by the APC to secure backing from state-level leaders, particularly in the North-West, a region of significant electoral strength for the party. Kebbi State, a reliable APC stronghold and a major rice-producing state, holds strategic importance for its political loyalty and economic contributions.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the abduction of the sister and twin nephews of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stating it underscores Nigeria's deteriorating security situation. Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, called for the immediate release of the victims and urged security agencies to prioritize their rescue and the arrest of those responsible. He made these remarks in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, following reports that the abduction occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the Challenge Bus Stop. Atiku described the incident as alarming, noting that kidnappers could operate in a prominent public space without fear. He argued that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for the Federal Government, emphasizing that insecurity now affects individuals regardless of social status or political affiliation. Atiku urged President Bola Tinubu's administration to adopt a comprehensive, intelligence-driven strategy to dismantle kidnapping syndicates, secure communities, and restore public confidence in the state's ability to protect lives and property.