Colombia's president-elect gives armed groups one month to surrender
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, has issued an ultimatum to the country's guerrilla groups, giving them one month to surrender. This stance was a key part of his campaign, which saw him win Sunday's presidential election by a narrow margin. De la Espriella stated that his administration would not offer "generous offers or unacceptable concessions" to armed groups, contrasting with the outgoing administration's approach of dialogue. He previously expressed intentions to conduct bombing campaigns against guerrillas and build "mega-prisons." His victory marks the end of Colombia's first leftist government, led by President Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella also plans to form a military alliance with the United States and Israel, having stated that Colombia and Israel would share an unprecedented relationship after speaking with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. The United Nations reported on Thursday that drug crops in Colombia increased by 3.5 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Kano State has recorded the highest number of new voter registrations in Nigeria, with 441,845 individuals registered under the Continuous Voter Registration exercise as of June 15, 2026. This data was presented in a report by the Sub-Committee on ICT and Data Collection, chaired by the Kano State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Aliyu Isa Aliyu. The report, released on Thursday, indicates that Kano surpassed all other 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, attributing this success to sustained voter mobilization efforts and public awareness campaigns led by the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. A Voter Registration Task Force Committee established in 2025 played a key role in encouraging residents, particularly youths, to register. Bichi Local Government Area led with 30,806 new registrations, followed by Kumbotso with 18,701, while Kunchi recorded the lowest with 5,030. The report noted stronger registration in urban and semi-urban areas and highlighted the significant role of youth participation. To maintain this momentum, the committee recommended intensified voter education in areas with lower figures, increased youth and community volunteer engagement, and strengthened collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has officially signed the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, with Aero Alliance Limited under a Public-Private Partnership. This marks the formal transfer of operational and management responsibilities to the concessionaire. The signing ceremony, announced by the minister鈥檚 Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, was attended by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and representatives from various federal agencies and Aero Alliance Limited. The concession is part of the Federal Government鈥檚 efforts to modernize airport infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and attract private-sector investment, aligning with President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda. Keyamo noted that previous attempts to concession the airport had failed for two decades, and he praised Governor Mbah for his role in facilitating the project. The minister assured aviation employees that their welfare would be protected under the new arrangement, despite the shift to private management focused on efficiency and accountability. Keyamo urged Aero Alliance Limited to justify the confidence placed in it, as its performance will set a benchmark for future airport concessions. The Enugu State Government has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a direct flight connection between Guangzhou, China, and Enugu, aiming to boost trade, tourism, and investment in the South-East.
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, successfully rescued eight individuals who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in various communities within the Akure North Local Government Area. The victims, including a teacher and a pastor, were freed during an operation in a forest hideout. According to the Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, operatives acted on intelligence, tracked the kidnappers, and engaged them in a gun battle. The criminals fled, allowing the security operatives to secure the release of all eight victims without any ransom payment. Adeleye stated that the rescue was achieved through technology, intelligence gathering, and strategic operations. He commended the operatives and noted that efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects. The rescued victims have been reunited with their families, and security has been enhanced in the affected communities to prevent future attacks. It was reported that the kidnappers had demanded ransom from the victims' families prior to the rescue operation.