PRESS RELEASE
DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS MOURNS THE PASSING OF RETIRED MAJOR GENERAL RABE ABUBAKAR, REAFFIRMS RESOLVE TO ERADICATE TERRORISM
The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) convey its deepest sympathies to the Abubakar family, his colleagues and all Nigerians. Maj Gen Abubakar served the nation with distinction and held many appointments including spokesperson of various military formations as well as spokesman for the AFN as Director Defence Information. He made immense contributions to counter-insurgency operations, professional development of the AFN and numerous other commendable and outstanding impacts. His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN.
The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return.
This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the AFN. We will remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens.
In response to series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation.
We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorists activities across the nation are held to account.
SAMAILA UBA
Major General
Director Defence Information
13 June 2026
BREAKING: The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa has challenged the country’s youth population to rise up and lead the fight against insecurity.
Under the leadership of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria has witnessed a renewed sense of purpose in the fight against insecurity. From the rescue of abducted citizens to the disruption of terrorist networks, the increased surrender of insurgents, and improved coordination among our security agencies, there is growing evidence that determined leadership and strategic thinking can deliver results.
Mallam Ribadu has brought diligence, focus, and quiet effectiveness to one of the most difficult assignments in government. At a time when many had lost hope, he has continued to inspire confidence through intelligence-driven operations and a whole-of-government approach to security. While challenges remain, it is important to acknowledge progress when it is being made.
To the NSA, our military leadership, and the brave men and women in uniform, thank you for your sacrifice and steadfast commitment to protecting our nation. Nigeria is stronger because of your service, and millions of Nigerians are grateful for your efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.
You have no moral right to celebrate or wish children a "happy children's day"...
It's disgraceful, shameful, callous and conspicuous Satanism....
Go bury your bald head in molten magma..
Rubbish...
Should have just kept quiet and continue your satanic tomfoolery
On this Children’s Day, I celebrate every Nigerian child. I celebrate the child who is excelling in school. I celebrate the child who is learning a trade. I celebrate the child living with disability and still pressing forward with courage. I celebrate the child who has lost much but has not lost hope.
Today belongs to you. It is a day to celebrate your innocence, your strength, your creativity, your aspirations, and the immeasurable value you bring to our nation. You are the pride of our Republic, the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, and the living reminder that we can shape the future of Nigeria by the opportunities we create for our children today.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” speaks powerfully to the soul of our national conscience. It reminds us that the future is not a distant promise; it is already here.
As we mark this special day, which coincides with Eid-el-Kabir, some Nigerian children and their teachers in Oyo and Borno should be with their families, but are being held captive by criminals. Some children have been forced into fear. Some parents cannot join today’s celebration because their hearts are set on one prayer: ‘Bring our children home.’
To those children, their parents, and their teachers, I say this as a father and your President: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned.
To the families grieving and despondent, your government will not turn your pain into ceremony. We will continue to work until children taken from their homes, schools and communities are returned safely, and until those who profit from this cruelty are brought to justice.
I have directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country. These operations must be intelligence-led, carefully executed and focused first on the safe recovery of our children.
I have also directed the strengthening of school protection measures in high-risk areas. This will include updated school vulnerability mapping, closer coordination between state governments and security commands, rapid response links between schools and local security units, and stronger community-based early warning systems.
The Federal Ministry of Education, working with state governments, is to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework with clear reporting, clear responsibility and clear timelines. Every school in a vulnerable area must know who to call, what to do, where to move, and how to protect children when danger is identified.
We will also improve support for children who have survived abduction, violence and displacement. Rescue is not the end of the government’s duty. A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity. I have directed the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that recovered children receive proper reintegration support, not temporary attention.
Let me also state that protecting children cannot be left solely to the government. Parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth groups, transport unions, local vigilantes and the media all have a role to play. When a community sees strange movement around a school and keeps quiet, a child is placed at risk. When warning signs are ignored, families suffer. When information is shared quickly and responsibly, lives can be saved.
This is why we will continue to strengthen the link between communities and security agencies. The fight to protect children must begin before an attack happens, not after one has already occurred.
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It would be truly disappointing if @PeterObi cannot secure the FCT Senate ticket for @AishaYesufu. She has stood firmly and loyally with him since the Labour Party days. Politics and leadership should not revolve around one individual alone, people like Aisha also have dreams, ambitions, and political aspirations that deserve support and recognition.
We are watching closely.
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
PRESS RELEASE
27th May, 2026
FG CONDEMNS ABDUCTION OF STUDENTS, VOWS SAFE RETURN OF ALL CHILDREN
The Federal Ministry of Education has condemned the abduction of students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, describing the incidents as tragic and unacceptable.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, stated that attacks on schools and students are attacks on Nigeria’s future and assured that the Federal Government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of all abducted children.
“No child should face fear or violence in pursuit of education. Government remains committed to securing schools and protecting learners nationwide,” the Minister stated.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthening school security through improved surveillance, emergency response systems, and implementation of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools.
The Ministry urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid misinformation, and support ongoing rescue efforts while reaffirming solidarity with affected families and the governments of Oyo and Borno States.
Folasade Boriowo
Director, Press and Public Relations
“We have intensified efforts to rescue the k+dnapped victims in Oyo State. We will now use advanced air surveillance technology to help track the k+dnappers”
~ Army says