Good morning from the news desk! Below is a roundup of the key stories making headlines across Nigeria’s leading newspapers on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. From nationwide protests over school abductions to naval expansions and economic headwinds, here are the stories that matter.

1. Nationwide Protests Over School Abductions Paralyze Oyo, Ogun States

Academic activities were brought to a complete standstill across public schools in Oyo State on Monday, as teachers complied with a directive from the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on a peaceful protest over the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area. The protest coincides with nationwide solidarity rallies scheduled for Tuesday across all state capitals, demanding urgent government intervention and the safe release of abducted school personnel and learners.

The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools—Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School—in the Ahoro-Esienle and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, taking pupils and teachers captive. Checks by The Punch showed that academic activities were suspended in public schools across all 33 local government areas of Oyo State following the NUT directive, with students turned back from schools in Moniya, Ojoo, Agbowo, Bodija, Sango, Beere, Oja’ba, Molete, Orita Challenge, New Garage, and Odo-Ona.

In Ogbomoso, a visibly distraught woman, wearing a pink hijab, broke down in tears as she pleaded for the release of the victims, lamenting that her children were among those kidnapped. “Please, have mercy on me. The children have a bright future. Government, please help us and intervene in this matter. I have cried and cried,” she said. Another protester, Ajibola Aboderin, expressed the pain of the abducted victims’ families, saying, “How can anyone be so heartless as to kidnap a two-year-old boy or girl? This country is deteriorating into something unrecognisable”.

In a show of solidarity, residents of Ogun State also staged a peaceful protest against worsening insecurity, gathering at the Panseke Skating ground in Abeokuta with placards reading, “The crime they committed is they went to school,” “Release our children and teachers,” and “End terrorism in Nigeria”.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly deployed key officials, including Femi Gbajabiamila and Nuhu Ribadu, to Ogbomoso, approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State, and established a special rescue team to secure the release of the abducted victims.

2. Tinubu Inaugurates Three Naval Vessels, Commends Navy’s Maritime Achievements

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Navy for emerging as the most formidable naval force in Africa, describing the achievement as a testament to seven decades of operational excellence and dedication to national security. Speaking during the International Fleet Review and anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Navy, Tinubu praised the service for its transformation from a modest colonial marine force into a sophisticated maritime institution playing a critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic prosperity and territorial integrity.

The President inaugurated three naval vessels and expressed satisfaction with the International Fleet Review, noting that the participation of foreign navies and coast guards underscored the global recognition accorded to the Nigerian Navy. He acknowledged the Navy’s successes in combating maritime insecurity, particularly its efforts in eliminating piracy and curbing crude oil theft—illegal activities that had previously undermined economic growth and threatened national revenue. “You have successfully eradicated piracy in our waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crimes. These achievements have enhanced the security of our littoral communities and contributed to increased oil production, thereby supporting national economic growth,” Tinubu stated.

The President also commended the Navy’s contributions to counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts, highlighting the role of the Special Boat Service in executing complex security missions and noting that the recent induction of Nigerian Navy Marines would further strengthen the country’s security architecture.

3. Nigeria’s 3.9% Growth Rate Falls Short of Reviving Living Standards

Nigeria’s economy maintained positive growth momentum in the first quarter of 2026, but the pace remains too weak to significantly improve living standards, create sufficient jobs, or reverse the economic hardship caused by recent currency and fiscal shocks, according to investment research firm MoneyAfrica. Africa’s largest economy expanded by 3.89 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics—a slowdown from the 4.07 per cent growth recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.

MoneyAfrica attributed the weaker performance primarily to slower growth in the agriculture and industrial sectors, two critical pillars of the economy. Agricultural growth slowed to 3.2 per cent from 4.0 per cent in the previous quarter, while industrial growth moderated to 3.5 per cent from 3.88 per cent. However, the information and communications technology sector returned to double-digit growth, expanding by 10.98 per cent in the first quarter compared with 7.55 per cent in the final quarter of 2025, highlighting the continued strength of Nigeria’s digital economy.

One of the most striking features of the GDP report was the performance of the oil refining sub‑sector, which recorded growth of 37.47 per cent, making it the fastest‑growing segment of the economy. Despite this surge, refining’s contribution to overall GDP remained negligible, with reported nominal and real output figures of just N2.5 billion and N1.8 billion respectively. MoneyAfrica argued that the figures raise questions about whether the NBS has fully captured the output of the Dangote Refinery, which has become a major feature of Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

Beyond the statistical concerns, MoneyAfrica stressed that Nigeria’s growth rate remains inadequate for the country’s development needs. The firm argued that growth of around 4 per cent is insufficient to generate the scale of employment and income gains needed to improve household welfare after years of inflation, naira depreciation, and economic adjustment, adding that Nigeria would need sustained double-digit economic growth to meaningfully restore consumer purchasing power.

4. Manhunt Underway as Gunmen Kill Two Police Officers in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the killers of two policemen who were shot dead along the Amansea–Ndiora–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road in the Orumba South Local Government Area of the state. The directive to fish out the killers was issued on Monday by the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, during an emergency security meeting held at the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka.

Our correspondent gathered that the policemen were ambushed and attacked during a convoy operation on Sunday night while returning from an assignment. The attack was also said to have involved the convoy of Chief Ben Nwankwo, the Chief of Staff to the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who had attended a function on behalf of the governor and was returning to Awka when the incident occurred. Although the Chief of Staff reportedly escaped unhurt, some civilians in the entourage were injured in the gun duel that lasted several minutes.

In a video circulating online, the two policemen were seen lying on the road beside their patrol van in a pool of blood, while a voice in the video called for the attention of the relevant authorities. Confirming the incident, CP Orutugu said, “I want you to fish out the attackers and the killers of our officers. I demand immediate action to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act. I hereby declare ‘Operation Fish Them Out.’ Criminals cannot continue to take advantage of the night to unleash violence in the state”.

5. NDC Disowns Social Media Primary Results, Summons NEC Meeting

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from the various results of its recently concluded nationwide primaries circulating on social media, declaring that no official candidate has yet been announced for the 2027 general election. The party said all results from the primaries conducted across the country on May 28 and 29 remained under the custody of its National Executive Council (NEC), which is the only organ empowered to validate and announce the outcomes.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the party urged members, supporters and the general public to disregard any purported results being shared on social media platforms. To facilitate the ratification process, the party’s National Leader, former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, has directed the convening of a NEC meeting in Abuja. NEC members have been asked to arrive in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday, June 2, for a pre-NEC session, while the substantive meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3.

6. Gas Pipeline Project Stalled for Five Months, Raising Investment Concerns

The 80-kilometre Sagamu–Ibadan gas pipeline project, being developed by NIPCO Gas Limited in partnership with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, has remained stalled for more than five months, following a stop-work order issued by the Oyo State government in December 2025. Industry stakeholders warn that the prolonged suspension of the project could undermine efforts to expand domestic gas utilisation and support industrial growth along one of Nigeria’s most important economic corridors.

Designed to transport natural gas from Sagamu in Ogun State to Ibadan in Oyo State, the pipeline forms a critical component of the nation’s gas distribution network and was conceived as a strategic intervention to address energy challenges faced by manufacturers operating within the Lagos–Ibadan industrial corridor. According to industry sources, more than $100 million has already been invested in the project, covering pipeline procurement, right-of-way acquisition, engineering activities, and other preparatory work.

Industry experts argue that delays affecting projects backed by federal licences could send negative signals to investors, particularly at a time when Nigeria is actively seeking billions of dollars in investments to expand its gas infrastructure. Manufacturers operating within the Ibadan–Ogere–Oluyole industrial corridor continue to rely heavily on diesel‑powered generators and electricity from the national grid, keeping production costs elevated and limiting the competitiveness of locally manufactured goods.

7. Super Eagles Stars Osimhen, Lookman to Miss Portugal, Poland Friendlies

Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that both Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will be absent from Nigeria’s lineups for the two international friendlies with Poland and Portugal. Chelle hinted that Osimhen will miss the games because he is currently involved in important career discussions concerning where he will continue his career next football season. The Galatasaray top striker is reportedly in discussions with a top Spanish club on a transfer to La Liga.

Similarly, Chelle admitted that Atletico Madrid’s Ademola Lookman will not take part in both games, scheduled for Warsaw on June 3 and Leiria on June 10. Lookman has had a tough season since switching from Italian side Atalanta to Atletico in the January transfer window, and there are talks that Atletico manager Diego Simeone is thinking of offloading the 2024 African Player of the Year as he is finding it difficult to adapt to the Argentine gaffer’s playing philosophy. Apart from Osimhen and Lookman, the Super Eagles Head Coach also listed Femi Azeez, Alhassan Yusuf, Tijani Samson, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro among those that will be absent from the international friendlies.

8. Bloodbath in Plateau: Eight Killed, Ten Injured in Fresh Attack

Eight persons were reportedly killed and ten others injured following an attack by gunmen on Gwon‑Ajang village in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, according to a summary of major stories from Nigerian newspapers compiled by Daily Sun. The attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents across the country, with residents and civil society groups continuing to call on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity.

9. Delta Leaders Threaten to Petition INEC Chairman Over Delineation Crisis

Leaders of Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic groups of Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State, have threatened to petition the National Judicial Council against the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, accusing him of defying a Supreme Court‑ordered Warri Federal Constituency delineation. The threat underscores ongoing tensions over electoral boundary adjustments in the oil‑rich region as the country gears up for the 2027 general elections.

10. FCT Minister Wike Declares Tinubu’s Re‑election Path Clear

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the political pathway for President Bola Tinubu’s re‑election in 2027 is clear, dismissing opposition parties as “fragmented entities” incapable of forming a formidable coalition. Wike’s statement comes amid growing speculation about the political realignments ahead of the 2027 national and state elections.

That concludes the top news stories making the rounds across Nigerian newspapers on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Stay tuned for further updates as these stories develop.