I extend warm felicitations to our Muslim brothers and sisters across Nigeria and worldwide as they celebrate the glorious Eid-el-Kabir, the Festival of Sacrifice.

We give glory to Almighty God for preserving our lives to witness this important celebration once again.

Eid-el-Kabir reminds us of the enduring virtues exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim—faith, obedience, and the willingness to sacrifice for a higher purpose. This sacred festival calls on all Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians and the whole of humanity, to embrace sacrifice, selflessness, unity, and compassion for our fellow human beings.

One central lesson of Eid-el-Kabir is the call to show mercy and compassion, regardless of race, ethnicity, or creed. There is no greater example of duty and devotion than Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to offer his only son, Ismail, as a sacrifice to Allah.

As a nation, we are on a journey of reconstruction and renewal. The reforms we have undertaken are challenging but necessary to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria for future generations.

Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth. The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here.

I am confident that, by the Grace of God, the reforms we have diligently pursued will continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities for all.

I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies—including the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader—heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities. I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil.

To our Muslim faithful, I urge you to use this sacred occasion to pray for our country, for peace in our communities, and for wisdom for those in leadership.

Let us pray that those who commit crimes among us may rethink and abandon their evil ways, or face the full weight of the law.

Let us also reach out to the less privileged, share with our neighbours, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us as one people.

My administration remains committed to building a Nigeria where all citizens can live in peace, worship freely, and pursue their dreams without fear.

We will continue to invest in security, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital to fulfil the great promise of our great nation.

On behalf of the government, I wish you all a peaceful, joyous, and blessed Eid al-Kabir. May Allah accept our sacrifices and prayers, and may He continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Eid Mubarak! Happy Sallah!

From Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON has hailed Nigerian children on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day Celebration, advising them to shun drugs and embrace hardwork and national consciousness.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio said children were a special gift from God, who must be jealously guarded, protected and loved.

“Today, as we mark Children’s Day 2026, I join millions of Nigerians to celebrate the joy, wonder and boundless potential in every one of you and limitless opportunities for growth and prosperity.

“Children’s Day is about nurturing dreams, protecting innocence and building a brighter future for the next generation.

On behalf of my family, constituents, the 10th Senate and the entire National Assembly, I assure you that we are bold and intentional about your development and opportunities.

“The 10th Senate will continue to prioritise policies and programmes that protect your rights and help you explore your full potential. Your education, health, and safety will remain at the heart of our legislative agenda.

“To every Nigerian child, I say: shun drugs and all vices that can derail your dreams. Dream big, work hard, and never give up on your aspirations.

“Be confident in your abilities and embrace your individuality. Believe in your dreams, for you possess the untapped potential to achieve greatness.

Remember, you hold the power to shape the destiny of our beloved nation. The future belongs to you. Seize every opportunity, learn from every experience, and strive to make a positive impact on the world.

“I wish you joy, happiness and love in your future. The Senate is committed to supporting you all the steps of the way”.

May your light shine brightly, and may your dreams soar high.
Happy Children’s day

By Isa Abdul, Abuja

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom in its May 2026 report says about 30,000 Fulani militants operating across Nigeria in groups ranging from 10 to 1,000 members are responsible for the insecurity in Nigeria.

The report states that the militants have become some of the deadliest non-state actors driving religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The document entitled, “Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants,” has this to say about armed actors of Fulani ethnic background’s intensified insecurity across the Middle Belt and Southern regions, leaving thousands dead, displacing communities and deepening tensions between religious groups:

“Violence by Fulani militants caused the highest number of deaths among all religious communities in Nigeria over the last year as compared to attacks by organised insurgent groups and criminal gangs.”

The commission said many of the attacks were directed at Christian communities, though Muslim communities had also suffered raids, killings and kidnappings.

According to the report, while the groups lack centralised leadership, USCIRF stated that some collaborate with criminal gangs and extremist organisations.

“These actors operate in a variety of contexts and with a multiplicity of likely aims and motivations.

“While many Fulani militant groups wage independent attacks, others periodically coordinate with a wide range of other actors, from conventional bandit gangs seeking financial enrichment to recognised terrorist organisations that espouse a violent interpretation of Islam.”

The commission noted the militants’ target and tactics as they frequently attack isolated rural communities at night using motorcycles, automatic weapons and machetes.

“They often wield machetes and descend on vulnerable communities during the night, eliciting terror as a way to force victims to quickly leave and to achieve greater control of desired land,” the report said.

USCIRF explained that attacks by Fulani militants and other armed groups had displaced at least 1.3 million people in the Middle Belt, forcing many into overcrowded camps lacking adequate sanitation and security.

The report detailed several attacks carried out in 2025 and early 2026, including mass killings in Benue and Plateau states.

“One attack in Benue in June 2025 killed at least 200 people, including internally displaced persons living in a Catholic mission,” the report said.

USCIRF also cited the massacre in Yelwata, Benue State, in 2025, where more than 200 Christians, “mostly sleeping women and children,” were reportedly killed and over 3,000 people displaced.

The commission said militants deliberately timed some attacks to coincide with Christian religious holidays.

“Militant actors have often carried out operations during Christian holidays such as Christmas or Easter to further maximise the psychological impact,” the report stated.

It added that in February 2026, suspected Fulani militants reportedly killed at least 32 people in Niger State and attacked Holy Trinity Parish in the Kafanchan Diocese of Kaduna State, killing three people and abducting 11 others, including parish priest Father Nathaniel Asuwaye.

The report also documented kidnappings targeting both churches and mosques.

“In February 2026, armed men kidnapped an imam and seven worshipers from a mosque in Plateau,” USCIRF stated, adding that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N16m.

The commission said Palm Sunday and Easter attacks in April 2026 left dozens dead in Plateau, Kaduna and Benue states.

“On Easter Sunday, Fulani militants reportedly killed five worshippers at two churches in Kaduna State while abducting 31 others,” the report stated.

USCIRF said conflicting narratives surrounding the violence had complicated efforts to determine the motivations behind the attacks.

The commission highlighted, “Some observers have argued that environmental and economic factors are the driving force behind Fulani militants’ acts of violence, while others have suggested that these actors are engaged in a concerted campaign of outright genocide against non-Muslims, especially Christians.

“In fact, multiple and overlapping factors, including religion in many cases, likely spur Fulani militants to attack communities or individuals.”

The report criticised the federal and state authorities for what it described as inadequate responses to the violence.

“Victims have long reported that security forces are consistently slow to respond to attacks on their communities,” the commission added.

USCIRF further stated that some Christian advocates accused security agencies of showing favouritism toward Muslim communities during investigations and security operations.

The report noted that governors from 11 states launched an initiative in June 2025 to establish ranch lands for herders in a bid to reduce clashes over grazing routes and farmland.

At the federal level, USCIRF linked renewed Federal Government’s action to the October 2025 decision by the US President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom violations.

Following the designation, President Bola Tinubu classified kidnappers and violent armed groups, including Fulani militants, as “terrorists” in December 2025, the commission stated.

The report said the security agencies rescued 309 hostages in January 2026 during operations in Kogi and Kwara states, arresting 129 suspected Fulani militants and killing 55 others.

USCIRF also highlighted growing scrutiny of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.

The organisation has faced allegations from Christian leaders that it failed to stop militant violence and land invasions. However, MACBAN denied supporting criminal activity.

“We do not support, condone, harbour, finance, or protect any form of criminality, extremism or violence,” the association said, according to the report.

USCIRF said the US Congress introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in February, proposing sanctions against MACBAN over allegations of involvement in severe religious freedom violations.

Despite recent security measures and peace initiatives, the commission warned that violence remained widespread.

“As a result, central Nigeria remains entrenched in an intense, daily, and seemingly perpetual crisis of insecurity,” the report concluded.

The commission added that the crisis was likely to continue “until the federal and several state governments create broader underlying conditions that are more conducive to the safe practice of religious freedom.”