Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has suggested that only God can ultimately bring an end to Nigeria’s security challenges. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Matawalle described insecurity as a national challenge that requires cooperation from all Nigerians, urging citizens to support security agencies and pray for peace. He warned politicians against exploiting security challenges for political gain, saying insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation or religion. “It’s disheartening, and we must all rise to ensure that security agencies and Nigerians work together to end insecurity in the country. Insecurity does not discriminate based on political affiliation or religion. It can affect anyone. “That is why we have urged the opposition to stop using insecurity to incite people. It is a challenge that can happen to anyone, and no Nigerian is happy about it. Unfortunately, some members of the opposition appear pleased with the situation. “They do not care about the people. What matters to them is portraying the government as a failure for their own political interests and deceiving people into believing they alone can end insecurity. “It is only God that can bring to an end to this insecurity, alongside our collective prayers and efforts. It should not be used as a tool to condemn others or score political points” he said. According to the minister, some opposition figures have used insecurity to criticize the government, rather than supporting efforts to address the challenge. Matawalle also alleged that old and misleading videos are being circulated on social media to portray the administration of President Bola Tinubu as failing in its efforts to tackle insecurity. He said some of the videos being shared online were recorded during previous administrations or in other countries, including Burkina Faso and Mali, but are being presented as recent incidents in Nigeria. The minister maintained that security operatives are working tirelessly across the country to combat terrorism and other forms of criminality, adding that insecurity is a global challenge that cannot be eliminated overnight. Matawalle appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies and praying for the restoration of peace across the country. His comments come amid renewed security concerns following recent attacks and abductions in parts of Nigeria, including Oyo and Borno states.

Tesla and SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk has made history as the first individual to attain a net worth exceeding $1 trillion, according to a report by CNN on Friday. The unprecedented achievement follows the highly successful public listing of SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company, which made its debut on the stock market. SpaceX launched its initial public offering at $135 per share, a move that pushed Musk’s estimated wealth beyond the $1 trillion mark. Trading under the ticker symbol SPCX on the Nasdaq exchange, the company’s shares surged to $165 shortly after trading began, representing an increase of about 22 percent from the IPO price. The jump boosted SpaceX’s market value to more than $2 trillion. Prior to the IPO, Musk’s fortune was already estimated at $813 billion. According to Forbes, that figure was more than double the wealth of the world’s second-richest person, Google co-founder Larry Page, whose net worth stands at roughly $288 billion. With his latest financial milestone, Musk’s fortune is now greater than the combined wealth of the next three individuals on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison. The valuation also places SpaceX among America’s largest publicly traded corporations. The company currently ranks sixth in market value, trailing only Nvidia, Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. SpaceX oversees several major ventures, including Starlink, its rapidly expanding and profitable satellite internet business, as well as xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence firm responsible for developing the Grok chatbot.

The impassioned outcry by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) during the June 12 demonstrations serves as a damning double indictment of the Nigerian state. Speaking to protesters, Falana laid bare a harrowing reality: school pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states have been abandoned to criminals for weeks. The ultimate horror—the beheading of a school teacher to coerce government action—demonstrates that the state has ceded its primary constitutional duty of protecting lives to lawless cartels. Falana’s revelation that these children are starving and denied medical care should prick the conscience of our political elite. Instead, it highlights a chilling official inertia. When a nation allows its youngest citizens to be weaponised by terrorists as bargaining chips, it forfeits its moral authority. Our security apparatus has failed at its core mission. Yet, this security breakdown is inextricably linked to the broader economic pathologies of the nation. Falana rightly connected the hostage crisis to crushing economic deprivation and state neglect. It is a profound paradox that a nation overflowing with immense natural wealth and capital resources continues to breed a population defined by hunger and absolute poverty. There is simply no structural justification for this level of misery. Poverty breeds the desperation that fuels the kidnap-for-ransom industry, while state funds that should secure our schools are lost to systemic corruption. As we mark another June 12 anniversary, Falana’s distinction between "civilian rule" and "true democracy" is a vital intellectual wake-up call. We must stop confusing the mere absence of military uniforms with the presence of democratic substance. True democracy cannot coexist with mass abductions, unchecked poverty, and state institutional decay. The federal and state governments must act immediately to rescue the Oyo captives. More importantly, Nigerians must heed Falana’s call to sustain civic engagement. Democracy is not a gift handed down by the ruling class; it is a fortress that citizens must continuously defend through relentless accountability on both economic equity and national security.

Says victims starving, denied medical care in captivity• Human rights lawyer insists Nigeria practicing ‘civil rule,’ not true democracy IBADAN — Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has demanded the immediate and unconditional rescue of school pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oyo State, lamenting that the victims are enduring horrific conditions. Falana made the passionate plea while addressing a crowd of demonstrators during the June 12 protest. He revealed that the demonstration was organized to confront the worsening wave of insecurity, severe economic hardship, and systemic injustice across the federation. Horrific Conditions in Captivity Expressing deep worry over the welfare of the hostages, the senior advocate stated that the children have been cut off from food and vital medical attention for weeks. He revealed that the crisis has already turned fatal, with the kidnappers executing a school teacher to force the government`s hand. “Those kids are suffering. No medical attention, no food for them," Falana stated. "As you are well aware, a teacher has been beheaded in order to convince the government to move speedily to have those children released.” He noted that the security failure is not isolated, pointing out that innocent school children in both Oyo and Borno states have remained in the custody of criminal gangs for several weeks without rescue. Protesting Hunger Amid Abundance The human rights activist strongly criticized the federal government over prevailing poverty levels, arguing that Nigeria’s vast natural resources leave no justification for widespread hunger. He further condemned the routine harassment and unlawful arrest of young Nigerians on highways by police officers. “We are calling on the government that there is no basis for poverty in Nigeria. Our country has enormous material, natural resources, and capital resources to make our people happy,” he added. `Civil Rule, Not Democracy` Reflecting on the significance of the June 12 anniversary, Falana argued that the country`s democratic transition remains incomplete, describing the current political structure as mere civilian administration rather than a functional democracy. While thanking the media and the public for their resilience, he charged Nigerians to sustain peaceful civic engagements until true democratic governance and total liberation are achieved.

ABUJA — Marking 27 consecutive years of uninterrupted democratic governance, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged Nigerians—particularly the younger generation—to pivot from the struggle for political survival toward achieving long-term economic prosperity. In a national Democracy Day broadcast delivered on Friday, June 12, 2026, the President declared that while past heroes successfully won the battle for liberty, the historic duty of the present generation is to build a nation of economic abundance. Fragile Institutions Without Economic Substance. Reflecting on the nation`s political journey, President Tinubu paid profound tribute to Chief MKO Abiola and the martyrs of the historic June 12, 1993, election. He cautioned, however, that political freedom alone cannot sustain the country if the masses do not feel its economic impact. "Democracy without economic substance is fragile," the President stated, emphasizing that civic freedoms must be matched with tangible financial security, industrial growth, and food availability for ordinary citizens. Halting the `Japa` Wave: A Call to the Youth. A major highlight of the presidential broadcast was a direct appeal to Nigeria`s youth to look inward. Addressing the ongoing brain drain, President Tinubu urged young innovators, professionals, and creators to deploy their skills within the country rather than seeking opportunities abroad. He emphasized that sustainable growth relies entirely on homegrown solutions. He promised that the administration`s policy framework will continue to build a domestic ecosystem capable of absorbing and rewarding local talent. Local Government Autonomy and Strategic Honors. To accelerate rural development and tackle grassroots challenges, the President outlined key structural pillars for the future: An aggressive pursuit of total financial autonomy for local governments to empower grassroots administration. Utilizing decentralized funding to improve community-level intelligence and combat local insecurity. The official renaming of the Kaduna Petroleum Institute to honor the legacy of the late Major-General Shehu Musa Yar`Adua. Security Challenges and the `Renewed Hope` Guarantee. The President praise-sang the sacrifices of Nigeria`s military frontlines but maintained a somber tone regarding ongoing security gaps. He openly acknowledged the painful reality of children still held captive by bandits and terrorists in Borno and Oyo states. "Democracy without security is not solid enough," Tinubu noted, re-assuring families of captives that rescue operations remain top priorities. Concluding the broadcast, President Tinubu called on political opponents and citizens to reject divisive rhetoric and despair. Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, he promised a restructured economy, accessible justice, and an inclusive Nigeria where no citizen is left behind.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has warned against indulging in corrupt practices, especially among professionals. He said that public service should be about responsibility and not personal enrichment, adding that professionals have a critical role to play in restoring ethical standards across both public and private sectors. Sanusi reportedly made the call on Thursday during the 60th anniversary of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) and the inauguration of its Kano State Chapter in Kano, adding that integrity remains central to national development. “People can make money without being corrupt. People can make money without breaking the law. People can award contracts without taking bribes. Roads can be built without people making illegal money,” he said. According to him, corruption thrives when individuals use public office for personal gain instead of service to the people, saying that if you want to make money, go into business. He also called for a revival of ethical values in governance and the civil service, noting that Nigeria’s development has suffered due to a decline in discipline and accountability. He recalled that the civil service was once stronger because permanent secretaries played key roles in maintaining order, continuity and adherence to rules.

The Nigerian Senate has called on state governments to stop making peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, saying such deals rarely bring lasting peace and could end up encouraging more crime. The lawmakers also asked the Nigeria Police Force and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre to identify and arrest bandits who openly use social media platforms, especially TikTok. The Senate said many of them display large amounts of cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities. The decision followed a motion raised by Senator Sunday Karimi over recent attacks in communities in Kogi West Senatorial District. Karimi told the Senate that terrorists recently attacked Iluke-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State and attempted to kidnap students writing their Senior School Certificate Examination. According to him, the attack led to the deaths of the school’s vice principal, a teacher and another resident. He added that the incident occurred just a day after another attack on a private home in Odo-Ere, Yagba West Local Government Area, on June 8, 2026. The Senate also invited the commander of the National Centre for Control of Arms and Small Weapons to explain the recent attacks and discuss the growing problem of illegal weapons in the country The Nigerian Senate has called on state governments to stop making peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, saying such deals rarely bring lasting peace and could end up encouraging more crime. The lawmakers also asked the Nigeria Police Force and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre to identify and arrest bandits who openly use social media platforms, especially TikTok. The Senate said many of them display large amounts of cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities. The decision followed a motion raised by Senator Sunday Karimi over recent attacks in communities in Kogi West Senatorial District. Karimi told the Senate that terrorists recently attacked Iluke-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State and attempted to kidnap students writing their Senior School Certificate Examination. According to him, the attack led to the deaths of the school’s vice principal, a teacher and another resident. He added that the incident occurred just a day after another attack on a private home in Odo-Ere, Yagba West Local Government Area, on June 8, 2026. The Senate also invited the commander of the National Centre for Control of Arms and Small Weapons to explain the recent attacks and discuss the growing problem of illegal weapons in the country.

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a nationwide public holiday to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the official declaration on behalf of the government. He congratulated all Nigerians at home and abroad on celebrating another democratic milestone. In his statement, the Minister honored the sacrifices of Nigeria`s democratic heroes. He emphasized that the day serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity required to sustain the nation`s freedom. Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged citizens to reflect on the country`s progress and remain committed to democratic ideals. He also assured the public that the government remains focused on securing lives and boosting economic growth across all sectors. The declaration provides a three-day weekend for public servants, private sector workers, and students nationwide. Normal business operations and school activities will resume on Monday, June 15.

A coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions, youth groups, community associations, social movements and faith-based groups has declared June 12 a day of nationwide protest and mass action against “worsening insecurity, escalating economic hardship and the continuous deterioration of the living conditions of millions of Nigerians.” The declaration was contained in a statement on Wednesday, jointly signed by the National Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, Femi Falana (SAN); National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Yinka Folarin; and Hassan Soweto of the Organising Committee of the #EndBadGovernance Movement, Lagos State. Other signatories include the Organising Secretary of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement, Yusha’u Yankuzo; Secretary of Initiative and Mediation, Zauren Tuntuba da Sasanci, Ali Attahiru; and rapper, singer and songwriter, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz. The statement said the nationwide protest was aimed, among other things, at demanding the immediate release of Nigerians being held captive in Oyo, Borno, Ekiti, Kwara and other states. According to the coalition, there is nothing to celebrate on June 12 as many Nigerians continue to live in fear of attacks by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements. Various states across the country have, in recent times, witnessed a surge in incidents of abductions, killings and other forms of terrorism. The statement read, “Innocent Nigerians are being killed, abducted, displaced and traumatised while government responses have remained largely inadequate and ineffective. “For years, the people have been subjected to repeated assurances that insecurity is being defeated. Yet the killings continue. Communities are attacked, schools are threatened, farmers cannot safely access their farms, highways remain unsafe, and countless families continue to live with the pain of losing loved ones or having relatives in captivity. “The Nigerian people deserve a pro-people government that places the protection of lives and property at the core of governance.” While lamenting the state of security in the country, the coalition also decried the hardship faced by Nigerians following the policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration. The activists said the removal of fuel subsidy, repeated increases in fuel prices, currency devaluation, rising electricity tariffs and the commercialisation of essential services had pushed millions deeper into poverty. “Despite the significant increase in the monthly statutory allocations to the three tiers of government, the people are getting poorer. “Food prices have skyrocketed. Transportation costs have become unbearable. Small and medium-scale businesses are collapsing under the combined burden of expensive fuel, unstable electricity and declining purchasing power. Workers’ wages remain grossly inadequate while inflation continues to erode incomes,” the statement added. The coalition urged Nigerians to join the June 12 protest across the country to compel the government to take urgent and meaningful steps to address insecurity and reverse anti-poor economic policies that have plunged millions into misery. “This protest is about the lives of our children and teachers in captivity. It is about the collective survival of ordinary Nigerians. “As a result, the coalition calls on civil society organisations and progressive groups to unite and mobilise the collective power of the Nigerian people to demand the release of all captives and oppose the anti-people policies of the Tinubu administration, which have continued to increase poverty in the land,” the statement read. Other signatories to the statement were the Executive Director of the Moses Oisakede Leadership Foundation, Mike Igaga; President of the Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association, Rufus Olusesan; and Segun Oladunni of the Joint Action Front. The list of leaders also calling for the protest includes the General Secretary of Socialist Labour, Abiodun Olamosu; Lead of the Calabar Group of Socialists, Jonathan Ugbal; Country Director of Citizens Solution Network, Richard Inoyo; Salako Kayode of the Revolutionary Socialist Movement; Omole Ibukun of the Centre for Creative Change; and National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, Adaramoye Michael.

Senior Pastor of the Dunamis International Gospel Center, DIGC, Dr Paul Enenche has decried what her termed as irresponsibility of some Nigerians, who turn serious national issues into jokes. Speaking during the mid-week live service in Abuja on Wednesday, the clergyman wondered why a sane person could participate in an online giveaway organized by criminal elements. THENEWSCREDIT reports that some netizens stormed a social media handle operated by a suspected bandit recently and submitted their account details while soliciting giveaways. A young man in a viral video later cried out, claiming that he was offered N100,000 by the bandit, but the assailant later demanded N100 million from him. Leading the congregation on prayer for the nation on Wednesday night, Pastor Enenche said some Nigerians are irresponsible, stating that they are making a joke out of something devastating. He said, “I heard that there are people now canvassing for bandits to send them money, and you collect blood money, knowing that this money is from someone’s blood? “I believe that the country’s leadership knows that whatever happens, everything will be turned into a joke. “If the electoral commission declares anything it decides, no consequence, if the judiciary miscarries justice, nothing happens.”