MURIC Accuses Adeleke of Evading Key Issues, Demands Apology to Muslims Ahead of 2026 Poll

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, of avoiding critical issues raised by the Islamic advocacy group regarding alleged religious marginalization and what it described as the governor’s “double religious identity.”

In a statement issued on Monday by its Founder and Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, the organization said the Osun State Government’s recent response to its allegations failed to address some of the most contentious concerns it had raised.

MURIC had earlier accused Governor Adeleke of sidelining Muslims in political appointments and allegedly portraying himself as belonging to two different faiths. The group also raised concerns over alleged financial impropriety within the administration.

Responding to the state government’s rebuttal, MURIC argued that the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, failed to provide specific figures regarding the religious composition of the governor’s cabinet.

According to the group, its allegation that the governor appointed 17 Christian commissioners compared to seven Muslim commissioners remains unanswered.

“The crux of the matter is that the government has not disclosed the exact number of Muslim and Christian commissioners. If our figures are incorrect, the administration should publish its own figures,” the statement said.

MURIC challenged Governor Adeleke to make public the full list of commissioners, board chairmen and heads of parastatals in the state to allow Nigerians assess the balance of appointments.

The organization further claimed that the state government deliberately ignored its allegation concerning the governor’s religious identity.

According to MURIC, the failure of the government to respond to the allegation amounted to an admission by silence.

The group also rejected claims that its criticism of the governor was politically motivated or linked to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that it has no affiliation with any political party.

“We have no connection with APC or any political party. We support qualified Muslim candidates irrespective of their political platform,” the statement added.

MURIC maintained that three major allegations were raised against the governor — alleged lopsided political appointments, double religious identity and financial impropriety — but argued that only one of them received a response from the government.

The group warned that religion remains a sensitive issue among Muslims and alleged that many adherents across the country were displeased with what it described as the governor’s handling of religious matters.

It urged Governor Adeleke to apologize to Muslims whom it claimed had been offended by his actions and statements.

MURIC concluded by declaring that the debate over the issues would remain active ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election, insisting that the governor would continue to face public scrutiny over the allegations.

The Osun State Government had earlier dismissed MURIC’s claims as misinformation and defended the administration’s record on appointments and inclusiveness.

The controversy comes as political activities ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State continue to gather momentum, with religious representation and governance emerging as key issues in public discourse.

MURIC Accuses Adeleke of Evading Key Issues, Demands Apology to Muslims Ahead of 2026 Poll

Troops Neutralise 27 Terrorists, Rescue Hostages in Nationwide Operations

The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational successes across various parts of the country, neutralising 27 terrorists, arresting 10 suspected criminals, rescuing eight kidnapped victims and recovering weapons, ammunition, stolen vehicles and other logistics in coordinated operations conducted within the last 48 hours.

The military disclosed that the operations, driven by credible intelligence and executed through joint land and air efforts, were carried out in Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa and Akwa Ibom states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the Army, the operations form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, combat kidnapping and weaken the operational capabilities of criminal elements threatening national security.

In the North-East, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted precision air strikes against terrorist enclaves in the Tumbuns area of Borno State. Battle damage assessments and intelligence reports confirmed that 27 insurgents were killed during the operations.

Military authorities said 12 terrorists were neutralised in an air strike on Dawoshe community in Kukawa Local Government Area, while another 15 were eliminated during a separate operation at Metele in Guzamala Local Government Area.

Ground troops operating in Borno State also arrested a suspected terrorist along the Mandara-Girau-Sabon Gari axis in Biu Local Government Area. Recovered from the suspect were food supplies, communication gadgets, blankets, herbicides and batteries believed to be intended for insurgent groups.

In a separate operation near Kareto, troops successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued six civilians, comprising three men and three women, without any injuries.

In Plateau State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested a suspected kidnapper and cattle rustler during a raid in Bokkos Local Government Area. Items recovered from the suspect included ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, a laptop computer, a mobile phone and military-style clothing.

Security forces also apprehended four suspected criminals in Jos South Local Government Area. The suspects were reportedly found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol and ammunition.

In Nasarawa State, troops rescued two kidnapped victims after their captors fled upon sighting advancing security personnel. Subsequent operations, aided by intelligence obtained from an arrested suspect, led to the discovery of a criminal hideout.

Recovered items from the hideout included a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, communication devices, foreign and local currencies, as well as ₦1.8 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.

Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory, troops acting on actionable intelligence intercepted two suspected carjackers along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway and recovered a stolen Mercedes-Benz E350 vehicle.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had allegedly stolen the vehicle in Abuja and were attempting to transport it out of the city for sale.

In the South-South region, troops engaged in anti-crude oil theft operations recovered about 325 litres of suspected stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in sacks in a bush within Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The recovered products have since been handed over to relevant authorities.

The Nigerian Army said the achievements underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and joint military operations in degrading terrorist and criminal networks across the country.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement and ensuring the safety of citizens.

It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, describing intelligence provided by citizens as a critical force multiplier in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace and national security.

Troops Neutralise 27 Terrorists, Rescue Hostages in Nationwide Operations

Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a dismissed police officer, Inspector Danjuma Yusuf, over alleged involvement in a high-profile arms trafficking network operating across state lines in Plateau State.

The arrest was carried out on Sunday at the Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace.

According to a military statement obtained by Politics Nigeria, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence on the movement of illicit arms within Plateau State and neighbouring regions.

“Acting swiftly, troops of Sector 6, in collaboration with Headquarters Operation Enduring Peace, executed a coordinated intelligence-led operation on Sunday, 14 June 2026,” the statement said.

The suspect was reportedly intercepted while travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis. He was placed under surveillance before being stopped at a military checkpoint.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray, and a jack knife.

Other items recovered from the suspect included two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff tag, photographs showing him in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card, and ₦73,300 in cash.

Preliminary findings identified the suspect as a former officer of the Nigeria Police Force Base 7, Abuja, who had been officially dismissed from service.

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“Further intelligence indicates that the suspect is a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate, allegedly supplying weapons to criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes,” the statement added.

Military authorities said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation aimed at uncovering members of his network, including possible collaborators, financiers, and supply routes.

The operation, according to the Army, represents a significant disruption of illegal arms trafficking activities and demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations in the region.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining coordinated efforts with other security agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and combat violent crimes across the country.

It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing counter-crime operations and enhance security nationwide.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue.

Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau