A group of young Nigerians on Tuesday took to the streets of Abuja to protest the growing insecurity across the country, urging the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive action against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.

Operating under the banner “Nigerians Unite Against Terror,” the demonstrators marched peacefully from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to the National Assembly, carrying placards and singing solidarity songs as they called for stronger measures to tackle the security crisis.

Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly complex, the convener of the protest, Isah Abubakar, said insecurity has become a national challenge that affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation or religion.

“There are major highways where, after 5 p.m., people are afraid to travel. Those who are trapped, kidnapped, or killed are not just members of APC, PDP or any other party — they are Nigerians,” he said.

Abubakar noted that while the protection of lives and property remains the government’s primary responsibility, achieving lasting security requires collective participation from citizens and authorities alike.

“We have a right and a duty to demand accountability from those charged with our safety. We need real, proactive measures to protect our children, keep women safe in their homes and farms, and reclaim our rural communities from criminals.

“The citizens who are trapped, kidnapped or killed on these roads are not just members of one political party or another; they are Nigerians. The bandits do not care about your religion, tribe, political party or background. This is a collective tragedy affecting us all,” he added.

He called on security chiefs and lawmakers to act with urgency and commitment while encouraging Nigerians to work alongside government efforts to restore peace across the country.

Another protest leader, Austin Okai, urged retired military officers and former security chiefs to contribute their experience and expertise toward addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

“We are calling on our former military and security leaders to step forward and collaborate. We must secure the country first before we can talk about politics,” Okai said.

He warned that continued insecurity could negatively impact democratic processes and political activities nationwide.

“No political party can successfully hold a rally or mobilise voters if the people they are gathering cannot return to their homes safely,” he said.

Okai stressed that insecurity transcends political divisions and requires a united national response.

Referencing the recent abduction of a political party chairman in Kebbi State, he argued that criminal groups pose a threat to everyone regardless of status or affiliation.

He also urged the National Assembly to strengthen oversight of security spending and ensure accountability in the management of public funds allocated to security agencies.

“The National Assembly has a constitutional mandate to demand strict accountability. That is the essence of democratic checks and balances,” he stated.

While advocating security sector reforms, Okai cautioned against creating state police and forest guard systems without proper planning, funding, training, and equipment.

“The only leverage these bandits have over our communities is their weaponry. If we create state police or forest guards but fail to train and arm them properly, we are sending them to their deaths,” he said.

He maintained that any move to decentralise policing must be backed by modern equipment, professional training, and effective coordination with federal security agencies.

“If we are going to establish state police and forest guards, there must be rigorous training, standardised modern weaponry and seamless synergy with federal security agencies,” Okai added.

The protest ended peacefully after representatives of the National Assembly received a petition from the demonstrators and assured them that their concerns would be forwarded to the leadership of both legislative chambers for consideration.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have warned that they may resort to a nationwide strike if the worsening security situation across the country is not urgently addressed by the Federal Government.

The warning was issued on Monday, June 8, 2026, by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, during the ongoing 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

However, the labour centres did not announce a specific date for any industrial action, meaning no strike has been fixed for June 13 or any other date at the moment. The unions stated that a nationwide shutdown remains an option if insecurity continues to escalate without a decisive government response.

Why NLC And TUC Are Threatening A Nationwide Strike

According to the labour unions, the increasing cases of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks across Nigeria have become a direct threat to workers’ safety, livelihoods and productivity.

Speaking on the situation, the labour leaders stressed that many Nigerians now go to work daily without any assurance of returning home safely.

The unions argued that the persistent security crisis has disrupted economic activities, affected workers across different sectors and worsened the hardship faced by ordinary citizens.

They warned that organised labour may be compelled to take drastic action if authorities fail to demonstrate stronger commitment to protecting lives and property.

The labour movement maintained that meaningful economic growth and improved welfare for workers cannot be achieved while communities remain under constant threat from criminal groups and armed attackers.

Labour Demands Fresh Minimum Wage Negotiations

Beyond concerns about insecurity, the NLC and TUC also called on the Federal Government to begin preparations for the renegotiation of the National Minimum Wage ahead of the next review expected in July 2027.

The labour centres rejected suggestions that a new minimum wage should simply be legislated without consultations, insisting that any adjustment must emerge through negotiations involving workers and relevant stakeholders.

They also dismissed claims that discussions were already ongoing around a proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage, describing such reports as inconsistent with the current state of negotiations on workers’ welfare.

While no strike date has been officially announced, the labour unions reiterated that they would continue to monitor developments and could escalate their response if insecurity and workers’ welfare concerns remain unresolved.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday received the President of Madagascar, Michael Randrianirina, during an official visit to Nigeria.

Randrianirina was welcomed by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between both countries.

The visit marks one of the notable high-level meetings involving the Madagascan leader since assuming office in 2025.

Randrianirina, a former army colonel, was sworn in as Madagascar’s president in October 2025 following a dramatic political transition that saw former president Andry Rajoelina leave office amid a military-backed takeover.

Before becoming president, Randrianirina led the CAPSAT army unit, which mutinied and aligned with anti-government protesters during the political crisis. The military later announced it had assumed control after Rajoelina was impeached on allegations of desertion of duty.

Following the change in government, Randrianirina emerged as the country’s leader and was subsequently sworn into office.

His meeting with President Tinubu is expected to further strengthen diplomatic relations and cooperation between Nigeria and Madagascar.

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Joseph Tegbe as the new Minister of Power and Sola Enikanolaiye as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in the presence of family members, senior government officials, and other dignitaries.

The appointments followed the resignation of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue their political ambitions.

President Tinubu subsequently nominated the two ministers, and the Senate confirmed their appointments on May 6, 2026.

Joseph Tegbe Takes Charge of Power Ministry

A native of Ibadan in Oyo State, Joseph Tegbe is a fiscal, economic, and institutional reform strategist with more than 35 years of experience spanning both the public and private sectors.

According to a statement by the President’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, Tegbe holds a First Class Degree in Civil Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Switzerland, and a Master of Public Administration degree from Birmingham.

He previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led several major transformation projects and policy reforms.

The statement noted:

“He worked as a Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG in Africa, where he led transformational initiatives, including the design and implementation of major presidential reforms and the articulation and implementation of a strategy for subnational governments.”

Tegbe has also worked with several public and private institutions, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Shell, Huawei, General Electric, MTN, and Odu’a Group.

Sola Enikanolaiye Appointed Minister Of State For Foreign Affairs

Sola Enikanolaiye, who hails from Igbagun in Kogi State, brings decades of diplomatic and public service experience to his new role.

He earned a First Class Degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, where he emerged as the best graduating student in his faculty and received the Dean’s Prize.

He later obtained a Master’s Degree in International Law and Diplomacy with distinction from University of Lagos.

Enikanolaiye joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in August 1982 and rose through the ranks to become Permanent Secretary in 2016 before retiring in August 2017 after 35 years of service.

The statement highlighted his extensive diplomatic experience, noting that he served in Nigeria’s missions in Ethiopia, Serbia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. His final foreign posting was as Nigeria’s Head of Mission in India.

It further stated:

“He is a recipient of several merit awards, including the Presidential Civil Service Merit Award, the Presidential Distinguished Public Service Career Award, and a Distinguished Fellow of the National Defence College, among others.”

Before his appointment as minister, Enikanolaiye served as Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and International Relations in the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

The appointments are expected to strengthen the administration’s efforts in the power and foreign affairs sectors as the government continues to pursue its policy and development agenda.

No fewer than 39 residents of Magamin Diddi community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been abducted by armed bandits while on a reconciliation mission aimed at fostering peace between the community and the criminal group.

The victims, mostly elders and community leaders, reportedly travelled to Fadama Forest to meet with the parents of a notorious bandit leader known as Smally as part of efforts to improve relations and seek a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions.

However, the peace initiative took a tragic turn when the bandit leader allegedly arrived at the meeting location with members of his gang and abducted dozens of participants, taking them to an unknown destination.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Bello Dosara, described the development as unfortunate and revealed that the reconciliation effort was carried out without the approval or knowledge of the local government authorities.

According to him, both the local government and the Zamfara State Government have maintained a firm stance against negotiating with bandits.

Dosara explained that the affected community had been facing several restrictions imposed by armed groups, including limitations on access to local markets. He noted, however, that security escorts had regularly been provided to help residents carry out their daily activities safely.

The council chairman also disclosed that some of the abducted individuals were later released by the bandits to deliver information about the incident to the community, while efforts continue to secure the release of those still in captivity.

Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and announced the commencement of a rescue operation.

In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the command received a report from the District Head of Magamin Diddi indicating that 47 residents had organised the reconciliation meeting on June 7, 2026.

According to the police, 39 members of the group were subsequently abducted and taken to an undisclosed location.

The spokesperson stated that security agencies have deployed operational assets to the area and are currently working with available intelligence to track the victims and facilitate their rescue.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Zamfara State Police Command immediately initiated efforts to trace the whereabouts of the victims and secure their safe rescue.”

“Operational assets have been deployed, and security operatives are working on available intelligence to locate the abducted persons,” Abubakar said.

The police assured residents that every possible effort is being made to rescue the victims unharmed and ensure those responsible face justice.

“The Command assures members of the public that every effort is being made to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed, and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the PPRO added.

The incident highlights the continuing security challenges facing communities in Zamfara State, where bandit attacks, kidnappings, and violent crimes remain a major concern despite ongoing security operations.

More than three weeks after the abduction of over 40 pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, residents of Ogbomoso on Monday staged fresh protests, demanding the immediate release of those still being held captive.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele. Since then, the abductees have remained in captivity, sparking widespread concern and public outcry.

The latest protest saw hundreds of residents block major roads and highways in Ogbomoso, causing traffic disruptions as they called on both the federal and state governments to intensify efforts toward securing the victims’ freedom.

One of the protesters, Kehinde Dahunsi, questioned why the government had not achieved the same level of success recorded in other recent kidnapping cases.

“What will it take for both the government at the centre and the state government to rescue our beloved ones since May 15. This is so pathetic.

“The former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu’s biological sister and her twin children (Peter and Paul), as heard on radio, television stations, and read in the pages of newspapers, were kidnapped early hours on Wednesday, June 3, and were rescued on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Just three days interval.

“But our people have been in captivity for 25 days now. Why shouldn’t governments also apply the same mechanism used to rescue the ex-minister’s sister and her two sons to rescue our family members?” he lamented.

Meanwhile, the abducted principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Rachael Alamu, appeared in a viral video from captivity, where she challenged reports claiming the kidnappers were demanding the implementation of Sharia law in Nigeria.

In the emotional appeal, Alamu urged Nigerians to help circulate her message and accused some individuals of complicating the situation through misinformation.

She said:

“Good day, everyone. Please, I have come to make some clarifications.

“Today makes it the 24th day that we have been in this place. And it seems that some people are making our problems complicated already.

“We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people that abducted us requested the release of some people. They requested a billion naira; they requested that Sharia be enshrined in the country. These are not true. They are just trying to create a problem for us.

“We have been here since, we have not been forced to worship in an Islamic way. We have been left alone. They have not troubled us concerning that. They are not asking for Sharia law; they are not asking for money.

“The single thing they are looking for is the release of some of their people. I don’t know why they are peddling this rumour to make it complicated for us.

“Please, we are begging you, please, don’t play politics with our lives. Nigerians, please, help us to circulate this, let it go viral.

“They are not asking for Sharia law. It’s not true. They are not asking for weapons; they are not asking for money. All they want is the release of some people, and the government should negotiate with them and know those whom they will release for them.

“I don’t know why they are playing politics with our lives. Please, Nigerians, our lives are in your hands. Please, help us make it go viral. Don’t let the government deceive the whole world.”

The ongoing abduction has continued to generate national attention, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers previously directing teachers across Oyo State to embark on strike action until the victims are rescued. Protests have also been held in several parts of the country as pressure mounts on authorities to secure the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers.