Inside Agwa News – Major National Headlines
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
By Rita Onuoha
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
1. Makinde Pledges Personal Commitment to Secure Release of Abducted Pupils
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration's determination to secure the safe return of the 46 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. Addressing demonstrators at the Government House on Tuesday, the governor declared his readiness to make any personal sacrifice necessary to ensure their freedom, while assuring residents that Oyo State would not witness a tragedy similar to the infamous Chibok schoolgirls' abduction.
2. Appeal Court Halts Deregistration of ADC and Four Political Parties
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has granted an immediate stay of execution on the Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties. The appellate court ordered that no deregistration action should be taken until the substantive appeal filed by the affected parties is fully determined.
3. Katsina Court Sentences Woman to Death for Terrorism Offences
A Federal High Court in Katsina has sentenced Hauwa'u Mukhtar to death by hanging after convicting her on charges relating to terrorism. The court found her guilty of conspiracy to commit terrorist acts as well as aiding and abetting terrorist activities, following the successful prosecution of the case.
4. Gunmen Attack NIPSS, Kill Three Security Personnel
Armed attackers invaded the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru on Monday night, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and one police officer. The victims were reportedly on duty at the institution's staff quarters when the assailants launched the attack, raising fresh concerns over the security of strategic national institutions.
5. Katsina Introduces Tougher Measures Against Banditry
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has announced additional security measures aimed at disrupting the operations of bandits and kidnappers. The new directives include a statewide prohibition on the sale and transportation of fuel in jerrycans alongside other restrictions designed to cut off logistical support for criminal groups.
6. Federal High Court Revokes Sowore's Bail
A Federal High Court in Abuja has revoked the bail previously granted to African Action Congress presidential candidate and publisher, Omoyele Sowore. Justice Mohammed Umar ruled that Sowore failed to appear before the court without presenting a satisfactory explanation, leading to the withdrawal of his bail in the ongoing criminal defamation proceedings.
7. Military Rescues 388 Kidnap Victims in One Week
The Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified operations against terrorists and criminal gangs across various theatres of operation, rescuing 388 kidnapped victims within the past week. According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, troops also arrested 31 suspected terrorists and neutralized 10 others during coordinated military offensives.
8. FG Identifies 470 Grazing Reserves to Support Livestock Reforms
The Federal Government has identified 470 gazetted and legally protected grazing reserves for rehabilitation and the resettlement of pastoralists. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, disclosed that the initiative forms part of the implementation of the National Dairy Policy Framework and is intended to discourage open cattle roaming in Abuja, Lagos, and other parts of the country.
9. Naira Gains at Parallel Market but Weakens in Official Window
Nigeria's currency recorded mixed performances on Tuesday. The naira appreciated in the parallel market, improving from ₦1,400 to ₦1,389 against the United States dollar. However, it depreciated in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), where it closed at ₦1,356.5 per dollar, reflecting continued fluctuations in the foreign exchange market.
10. Senate Suspends Recess Over Rising Insecurity
The Senate has suspended its legislative recess and directed lawmakers to reconvene for an emergency plenary session to deliberate on urgent national issues, with particular emphasis on the worsening security situation across the country. A notice signed by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, instructed senators to assemble at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Tuesday, June 23, by 11:00 a.m.
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