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ActionAid Says June 12 Democratic Promise Remains Unfulfilled Amid Poverty, Rights Violations
ActionAid Says June 12 Democratic Promise Remains Unfulfilled Amid Poverty, Rights Violations
By: Michael Mike
As Nigerians mark Democracy Day, ActionAid Nigeria has raised concerns over what it describes as the country’s failure to fully realize the democratic ideals symbolized by June 12, warning that shrinking civic space, rising poverty, insecurity and weak governance threaten the nation’s democratic future.
In a statement issued to mark the June 12 celebration, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said the decision by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018 to recognize June 12 as Democracy Day was a significant step toward correcting the injustice surrounding the annulment of the 1993 presidential election won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
According to the organisation, the declaration was more than a symbolic gesture; it represented a commitment to uphold the will of the Nigerian people and strengthen democratic governance. However, ActionAid argued that eight years later, many of the aspirations associated with that promise remain unrealized.
The organisation expressed concern over what it called a growing crackdown on civic freedoms, citing reports of arrests, prosecutions and intimidation of journalists, activists and citizens critical of government actions.
It referenced data from the National Human Rights Commission indicating that hundreds of thousands of human rights complaints were recorded in April 2026, including allegations of extrajudicial killings, abuse of authority and restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
ActionAid also criticized the application of the Cybercrimes Act against journalists and activists, pointing to cases involving media practitioners and civil society actors who were reportedly arrested or prosecuted after exposing governance failures or questioning official claims.
The group further warned that Nigeria’s electoral system faces significant challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections. It argued that the Electoral Act 2026 was enacted without sufficient stakeholder consultation and called for urgent amendments to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
According to the organisation, preserving electoral credibility is essential to avoiding a repeat of the political crisis that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
Beyond electoral concerns, ActionAid raised alarm over worsening socio-economic conditions, noting that millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with poverty despite decades of democratic rule.
The organisation cited statistics showing that more than 130 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, while insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping and armed conflict, continues to disrupt livelihoods across many communities.
It argued that poverty and insecurity are interconnected challenges stemming from governance failures, weak institutions and limited accountability.
ActionAid also criticized what it described as weak fiscal transparency, alleging that the concurrent implementation of multiple federal budgets has undermined effective oversight and accountability in public spending.
The organisation maintained that these governance shortcomings have contributed to Nigeria’s poor performance in global assessments of government effectiveness.
To address the challenges, ActionAid called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to undertake comprehensive reforms, including amendments to the Electoral Act, protection of civic freedoms, improved security measures, strengthened social protection programmes and greater transparency in public finance management.
Mamedu stressed that Democracy Day should serve as more than a ceremonial event, urging leaders to take concrete actions that reflect the aspirations of Nigerians for accountable governance, justice and inclusive development.
He said that while recognizing June 12 was an important milestone, the true measure of that decision lies in the government’s commitment to protecting democratic institutions, expanding civic freedoms and improving the welfare of citizens.
ActionAid pledged to continue working with communities and civil society organizations across the country to promote accountability and ensure that the democratic ideals associated with June 12 are translated into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
ActionAid Says June 12 Democratic Promise Remains Unfulfilled Amid Poverty, Rights Violations
News
Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned
Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded major breakthroughs in ongoing offensive operations against armed criminal networks in Plateau State, neutralising two notorious terrorist leaders, critically wounding another and recovering six AK-47 rifles previously seized from security forces.
The latest developments followed sustained military offensives at Dajin Madam in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State on November 8, 2026.

Security sources disclosed that HUMINT reports received at about 8:53 a.m. on November 9 indicated that the intensity of the military operation had resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected terrorist leaders identified as Haruna Balatoni and Black.
Another notorious figure, identified as Dogo Mai Kunkuru, was reportedly shot in the chest and left in a critical condition, with sources indicating that his chances of survival were slim.
In a significant development on November 10, the sustained military pressure reportedly compelled the terrorist network, through an intermediary identified as Ali-Kwara, to return six AK-47 rifles previously seized from security forces.
The recovered weapons are currently in military custody.
In a related operation, troops of 173 Battalion deployed at Mansur rescued a kidnapped mother and her daughter and recovered 39 cattle.
The developments represent a significant disruption of the criminal network’s leadership, weapons stockpile and capacity to sustain operations in the Wase axis.
The recovery of the six rifles is particularly important as it restores weapons previously lost to the criminal network and provides an opportunity for further intelligence exploitation.
The latest successes underscore the impact of sustained offensive pressure, intelligence-driven operations and military presence in dismantling armed groups operating across Plateau State.
The reported deaths of the terrorist leaders and the condition of Dogo Mai Kunkuru are based on preliminary HUMINT assessments and remain subject to independent military confirmation
Two Notorious Terrorist Leaders Haruna Balatoni and Black Neutralised in Plateau Military Offensive Another Fatally Wounded as Six AK-47 Rifles Returned
News
Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles
Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 114 Battalion (Reinforcement) have dislodged suspected terrorists from their hideouts during a fighting patrol in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, conducted under Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), commenced at about 7:30 a.m. on November 8, 2026, with troops advancing towards Komodoro village, where they made contact with suspected terrorists.
Security sources said the criminals fled upon sighting the advancing troops, prompting the patrol team to extend its operation to Mashigin Kirya village within the same local government area.
At Mashigin Kirya, the troops encountered suspected terrorists believed to have been hibernating in the general area and engaged them, forcing the armed elements to retreat.
The troops subsequently recovered five motorcycles suspected to have been used by the criminal group for mobility and logistics.
To further disrupt the fleeing terrorists, the troops conducted a fire mission using an 81mm mortar along their withdrawal route.
The operation was ongoing as troops sustained pressure on suspected criminal hideouts and movement corridors in the area.
The development point to the military’s determination to deny armed groups safe havens and restrict their freedom of movement across Taraba State.
Troops Dislodge Terrorists from Hideouts in Taraba, Recover Five Motorcycles
News
Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation
Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS), have launched an investigation into an attack on Fulani herdsmen in Obelagu Umuamba community, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, which left two herders and 16 cattle dead.
The incident came to light at about 11:00 a.m. on November 10, 2026, when a joint patrol team comprising troops of the 82 Division Garrison and 103 Battalion (Reinforcement), alongside police and DSS operatives, visited the community to assess the cause and extent of damage from the recent attack by suspected hoodlums.
On arrival, the security team discovered that two Fulani herdsmen and 16 cows had been killed, while two other persons sustained injuries.
Following the discovery, the troops convened a joint peace and security meeting involving community leaders, representatives of the Fulani herders, neighbourhood watch groups and other key stakeholders.
During the meeting, security officials cautioned all parties against taking the law into their hands, warning that reprisals could escalate tensions and further threaten peaceful coexistence.
The troops subsequently recovered the corpses and handed them over to the police for further investigation.
Meanwhile, security agencies have commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack, including suspected local collaborators.
The intervention is aimed at preventing retaliatory violence, restoring confidence among residents and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
Authorities have urged both farming and herding communities to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and pursue grievances through lawful channels.
Two Fulani Herdsmen, 16 Cows Killed in Attack on Enugu Community as Joint Troops Launch Investigation
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