News
Reps Panel Applauds NHRC’s 2025 Performance, Signals Support for ₦20bn 2026 Budget
Reps Panel Applauds NHRC’s 2025 Performance, Signals Support for ₦20bn 2026 Budget
By: Michael Mike
The House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights has commended the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for what it described as a resilient and impactful performance in 2025, pledging legislative backing for the Commission’s proposed ₦20 billion budget for 2026.
The endorsement came during the Commission’s budget defence before the Committee, where lawmakers acknowledged the NHRC’s efforts to sustain its mandate despite financial constraints and mounting human rights concerns across the country.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Peter Abiola Makinde, praised the Commission for maintaining visibility, transparency and public accountability, particularly through its Human Rights Dashboard, which provides updates on complaints received and actions taken. He noted that at a time of increasing reports of violations affecting fundamental freedoms, the Commission has remained active and responsive.
Makinde stressed that the National Assembly has a constitutional responsibility to strengthen institutions that protect citizens’ rights, assuring the NHRC of continued collaboration and oversight support.
Presenting the Commission’s 2025 performance report, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, revealed that the NHRC recorded more than 3.7 million complaints within the year. He attributed the high number to growing public awareness and confidence in the Commission as an accessible platform for redress.
According to Ojukwu, the surge in complaints highlights the urgent need to strengthen investigative capacity, improve complaint resolution mechanisms, and expand the Commission’s physical presence nationwide.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional independence in line with the Paris Principles, which set global standards for national human rights bodies. To improve access to justice at the grassroots, he disclosed that eight new state offices have been constructed under his leadership, with plans underway to establish 20 additional offices in 2026.
The Executive Secretary also pointed to infrastructure challenges at the Commission’s headquarters, noting that staff numbers have tripled since 2007, making expansion and renovation imperative.
For the 2026 fiscal year, the NHRC is proposing a ₦20 billion budget. Of this amount, 33.67 percent is earmarked for personnel and overhead costs, while 66.33 percent is allocated to capital projects — a distribution Ojukwu said reflects a deliberate strategy to prioritize infrastructure, operational expansion and improved service delivery.
In response, members of the Committee indicated readiness to support the proposal, urging the Commission to build on its gains and intensify efforts to safeguard and promote human rights nationwide.
The Committee’s endorsement signals strengthened legislative confidence in the NHRC at a time when public demand for accountability and rights protection continues to grow.
Reps Panel Applauds NHRC’s 2025 Performance, Signals Support for ₦20bn 2026 Budget
News
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised)/24 Task Force Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 2:44 a.m. on June 12 when terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the troops’ location from Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery fire support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.
Following the encounter, the fleeing terrorists retreating and scampered into the bushes.
At about 5:45 a.m., troops and auxiliary forces conducted a follow-up exploitation along the withdrawal route towards Wurge, during which three RPG-7 high-explosive unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and two torchlights were recovered.
The sources further disclosed that a main battle tank developed technical faults during the aftermath of the engagement, while one soldier sustained injuries from fragments of an RPG blast.
The wounded personnel was evacuated to the 3 Battalion Regimental Aid Post (RAP) for medical treatment.
Military authorities said clearance and follow-up operations were ongoing in the area to consolidate gains and prevent further terrorist regrouping.
They reaffirmed commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre.
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
News
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the captivity of bandits.
The government, in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, described the development as tragic and a major loss to the state and the nation.
According to the statement, the retired senior military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
The government said that despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the situation ended in tragedy.
“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement said.
It noted that the late officer’s abduction and subsequent death represented not only a loss to his immediate family and Katsina State but also a monumental loss to the country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the need for intensified efforts against criminal elements threatening peace and security.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
He also assured residents that the government remained resolute in its determination to eliminate banditry and safeguard lives and property across the state.
The government prayed for the repose of the soul of the late retired Major General and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
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