President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to intensifying the fight against insecurity and easing economic hardship, insisting that the Federal Government “shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation”.

He made the declaration yesterday at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja as part of the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations themed: “God of hope, actualise our dreams.”

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu congratulated Nigerians on 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, describing it as a reflection of the nation’s resilience and the sacrifices of pro-democracy heroes.

According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga, the President paid tribute to activists of the June 12 struggle who “endured persecution, injuries and even death in the quest to secure democratic governance for the country,” urging citizens to honour their sacrifices by building a stronger nation.

Acknowledging the current economic hardship, the President said the government fully understands the suffering of Nigerians and is working to ease the burden. “Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he said, adding that efforts would be intensified to deliver sustainable democratic dividends and improve living conditions.

On security, he described recent attacks and abductions as “painful reminders that more work remains to be done,” stressing that government priority remains the safe rescue of all victims in captivity. He added that security agencies are being fully supported with resources needed “to protect lives, secure communities and preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity.”

“The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he declared, reaffirming a firm stance against insecurity nationwide.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, he warned against violence and divisive rhetoric, urging Nigerians—especially young people—to reject manipulation. “Do not rent out your conscience for money, drugs, political patronage or online applause. Your future is worth more than any politician’s temporary convenience,” he said.

He also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, the media, and families to promote unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence ahead of the elections.

Tinubu further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, interfaith harmony, and international cooperation, while commending the Armed Forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation and sustaining democratic rule.

The event was attended by top government officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Didi Walson-Jack.

The Nigerian Air Force has stepped up efforts to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State by deploying surveillance aircraft to support ongoing rescue operations.

The victims, including pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, were kidnapped on May 15 during an attack by armed bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Reports indicate that one teacher was killed while in captivity.

In a statement issued by NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde revealed that the Air Force swiftly deployed an aerial surveillance platform shortly after the incident was reported.

According to the governor, intelligence gathered through the surveillance missions has provided valuable support to security agencies conducting search-and-rescue operations and tracking the whereabouts of the abductors.

Makinde explained that the aerial surveillance effort has strengthened ongoing security operations by supplying critical intelligence aimed at facilitating the safe rescue of the victims.

The governor made the disclosure while receiving a delegation representing the Chief of the Air Staff, Hasan Abubakar, as security agencies continue coordinated efforts to locate the abducted pupils and teachers and bring those responsible to justice.

The deployment of surveillance aircraft forms part of broader measures by security forces to combat rising insecurity and improve intelligence gathering in affected communities across the country.

The Indigenous People of Biafra has argued that the Federal Government’s cross-appeal in the case involving its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has raised serious legal questions about the validity of his conviction and the jurisdiction of the trial court.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group maintained that the issues highlighted in the appeal process could have significant implications not only for Kanu’s case but also for Nigeria’s broader criminal justice system.

According to IPOB, the Federal Government’s cross-appeal effectively acknowledged that the trial court lacked jurisdiction over certain aspects of the sentencing process, a position the group believes weakens the legal foundation of the conviction.

The group stressed that jurisdiction remains a critical element in any criminal proceeding and cannot be separated into different phases of a trial.

“The implication is simple. Jurisdiction is not divisible. Jurisdiction is not a buffet. Jurisdiction is a continuum,” the statement said.

IPOB argued that if a court is found to have acted without jurisdiction during sentencing, the conviction itself becomes questionable because both stages are legally linked.

The group further stated that the Court of Appeal would be required to determine whether the conviction can remain valid in light of what it described as the Federal Government’s position regarding jurisdiction.

In addition, IPOB alleged that the trial was affected by several procedural issues, including the application of repealed laws, denial of fair hearing, non-disclosure of relevant statutes, and the withholding of evidence.

According to the group, these alleged irregularities have collectively undermined the legal sustainability of the conviction.

“It would have to explain how a conviction can stand when the trial judge himself acknowledged that without a written law there can be no conviction,” the statement said.

The separatist group also warned that the outcome of the appeal could set important legal precedents for future criminal cases, particularly on matters relating to jurisdiction, constitutional rights, and fair hearing.

IPOB called on members of the international community, legal experts, diplomats, and human rights organisations to closely observe the proceedings, describing the case as a major test of adherence to established legal principles.

Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government over activities linked to IPOB.

The case remains one of Nigeria’s most closely watched legal matters and has attracted considerable attention both locally and internationally.

In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged Kanu after ruling that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria violated domestic and international law.

However, the Federal Government challenged the ruling, and the Supreme Court of Nigeria later overturned the discharge order and directed that the trial continue on its merits.

Following the resumption of proceedings, Kanu was convicted and sentenced by the court. He is currently serving his sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

The Federal Government has approved five evacuation flights to repatriate Nigerians affected by renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, with more than 500 citizens already screened and cleared for return.

The development was confirmed on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who also announced that the screening exercise has been extended until Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to allow more Nigerians to register for evacuation.

According to Ebienfa, President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of five evacuation flights to be operated by Air Peace. The first flight is expected to depart Johannesburg on Monday evening, subject to the completion of required aviation permits and clearances.

“I just received confirmation from our Mission in Pretoria that the screening exercise of Nigerian nationals who have indicated interest in being evacuated back home has been extended to Wednesday, 10th June, 2026. So far, over 500 persons have been screened and cleared,” he said.

Ebienfa further disclosed that the first flight is expected to transport approximately 270 passengers.

“Mr. President has approved five evacuation flights that will be operated by Air Peace and the first flight, which will airlift about 270 passengers, is expected to leave Johannesburg on Monday evening if the necessary permits and clearance are secured for the aircraft,” he stated.

He added that details regarding departure schedules and arrival times would be communicated once finalized by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.

The evacuation initiative follows a fresh wave of xenophobic incidents in parts of South Africa, where attacks, threats, and intimidation targeting foreign nationals have created fear and uncertainty among migrant communities.

Prior to approving the evacuation, Nigerian authorities commenced a screening exercise through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with South African immigration officials, law enforcement agencies, and diplomatic partners. The exercise was designed to verify the identities of Nigerians willing to return home and establish an accurate passenger manifest.

While initial estimates suggested that around 400 Nigerians were interested in returning, the number has now exceeded 500 following the ongoing registration process.

Reports indicate that several migrants affected by the unrest have sought refuge in temporary shelters as tensions continue in some communities.

South African authorities have condemned the attacks and warned that security agencies would take action against individuals or groups found responsible for unlawful acts targeting foreign nationals.

Nigeria’s evacuation programme mirrors similar efforts by other African countries, including Ghana and Mozambique, which have also begun facilitating the return of their citizens amid the ongoing tensions.

The Federal Government emphasized that the evacuation process remains voluntary and will be carried out in phases. Officials also confirmed that diplomatic engagements with South African authorities are continuing to safeguard Nigerians who choose to remain in the country.