Katsina government optimistic about rescue of former defence spokesman and wife
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Katsina State Government has expressed optimism regarding the imminent release of former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar retd, and his wife, who were abducted by suspected bandits along the Matazu axis. According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, coordinated efforts by security agencies and the state government are at an advanced stage. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda directed relevant security agencies to prioritize the safe rescue of the couple and other victims. Preliminary investigations suggest the abduction was a deliberate and targeted operation, with evidence indicating the couple was monitored and trailed from Kaduna. The precision of the abduction points to organized criminal groups, guiding the strategy of security forces. The administration is committed to bringing those responsible to justice. Security agencies are deploying technological resources and intelligence gathering to track the abductors. The state government appeals to the public for any information regarding suspicious movements or activities. Collaboration among the Nigerian Army, Police, and intelligence agencies has intensified to ensure a breakthrough without endangering the victims. The government urged the family and public to remain calm, confident that ongoing high-level operations will yield positive results, and promised further updates.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that President Bola Tinubu's administration is intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, expressing confidence that the challenge will soon be resolved. Akpabio made these remarks while receiving members of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, led by its National President, Dr. Lima Ahmed, during a courtesy visit to the National Assembly in Abuja. He cited the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State as evidence of the Federal Government's dedication to addressing security issues. Akpabio urged Nigerians not to rely on social media for information regarding the security situation, stating it does not reflect the true efforts being made. He also discussed women's participation in politics, attributing past challenges to the conduct of some female office holders. The Senate President pledged the National Assembly's support for an upcoming international ladies golf tournament in Abuja. Dr. Ahmed thanked Akpabio and invited him to the tournament, also decorating him as the association's Grand Patron.
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is expected to stay in England beyond his current contract, aiming to qualify for a British passport, according to former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana. Awoniyi joined Forest in June 2022 for a club-record £17m. Olofinjana, who discovered Awoniyi as a teenager and has guided his career, stated that the striker intends to remain in England long enough to secure British citizenship. Under UK immigration rules, Awoniyi needs five continuous years of living and working in England to be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain ILR, which he could apply for in July 2027. After holding ILR for 12 months, he could then apply for British citizenship, potentially obtaining a British passport around July 2028, provided immigration rules do not change. This timeline aligns with his long-term plans at Forest, making a move outside England unlikely before then. Awoniyi has scored 21 goals and provided five assists in 90 league appearances for Forest across four Premier League seasons. He recently participated in the club's training camp in Spain under new manager Oliver Glasner and captained a friendly match against Blackburn Rovers, where he also scored.
Nigerian sprinter Favour Onyah has expressed her frustration and threatened to stop representing Nigeria after being excluded from the athletics squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Onyah had qualified at the national trials, winning the women’s 400m final with a time of 52.68s and being selected for the women’s 4x400m relay team. She was among 15 athletes who began camp in Abuja, but did not proceed to the final phase of preparations in Scotland. In a TikTok post, Onyah stated, “Yes, I qualified for my first senior Commonwealth Games. And yes, I won’t be running for Nigeria. You can never guess the reason. I already forgave them three times; I don’t plan on making it four. You all are free to judge me for the next step I’ll be taking. I’ve had enough.” Earlier this year, Onyah represented Nigeria at the African Senior Athletics Championships and is a triple gold medalist from the 2025 CAA U-20 African Athletics Championships. Former Nigerian sprinter and athletics coach Deji Aliu criticized the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for inconsistency in its selection standards, emphasizing the importance of clear, published criteria for building trust with athletes, the public, and sponsors.