
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by armed criminals in Katsina State and died in their custody. The President received the news with "shock and sadness," calling the incident a tragic reminder of the security challenges in parts of the country. General Abubakar, who had a distinguished military career, was reportedly traveling to his hometown when he was intercepted and abducted. His wife was also taken and remains in captivity. President Tinubu extended condolences to the family, the people of Katsina State, and the military, describing the loss as painful and unacceptable. He reiterated the government's uncompromising stance against terrorism and kidnapping, warning that bandits and kidnappers must surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state. He emphasized national unity and resilience, stating that the country would prevail over insecurity and that General Abubakar's death should be a defining moment in the battle against terrorists, with no negotiation on any terms.
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.

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh stated that Morocco could have beaten Brazil 3-1 if they had players similar to Nigeria's Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman in their squad. Oliseh shared this comment on his X handle after Morocco's 1-1 draw with Brazil in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage match. He described Morocco's performance as impressive, highlighting their tactical balance in both attack and defense. Oliseh noted that Brazil's result flattered them, attributing the respectable scoreline to their star players like Vinicius Jr and Raphinha. Morocco secured a point against the five-time world champions in the match where Vinicius won the Superior Player of the Match award.

The air component of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 27 terrorists in separate air interdiction missions in Borno. An operational report from the Nigerian Air Force indicated that strikes were conducted following Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions. On June 10, an air interdiction mission at Dawoshe, a known terrorist enclave in the Southern Tumbus area, resulted in the destruction of vehicles and the neutralization of 12 terrorists. On the same day, a precision strike on terrorist positions at Metele in the Northern Tumbus area of Guzamala Local Government Area, Borno, confirmed 15 terrorists were neutralized. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt logistics networks, and deny insurgents freedom of action across the North-East theatre. The Armed Forces of Nigeria are committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist strongholds.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA has arrested Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, a 41-year-old Brazil-based businessman, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. He was apprehended upon his arrival from São Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 11. A search of his luggage revealed 14 towels and shirts impregnated with 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine. According to Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, the items were dried and ironed to conceal the substance. Abugu reportedly told investigators he has lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he operates an African restaurant, and was in Nigeria to visit his wife and purchase foodstuff for his business. In related developments, the NDLEA also arrested a 60-year-old woman, Chidimma Sunday, with 1.8kg of skunk in Abia State, and a 28-year-old man, Abubakar Usman, with various illicit drugs in Rivers State. The agency also reported significant seizures across several states, including 304 kilograms of skunk in Kwara, 1,121.5 kilograms of cannabis in Taraba, and 1,102 kilograms of Ghana Loud in Lagos. Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the officers for their efforts in reducing drug supply.