Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Monday, 1st June, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 1st June, 2026.

1. Tinubu Approves 1,000 Forest Guards, Deploys Special Rescue Team After Oyo School Abduction

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

Naija News reports that a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday, May 31, 2026, to convey the President’s concern and assure residents of efforts to secure the victims’ release.

The abducted victims were taken from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.

The Presidency said Tinubu had directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers.

The President also directed that the operation should be intelligence-led and carefully coordinated.

The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration and approval.

2. ADC: Atiku Reveals Details Of Meeting With Hayatu-Deen

President aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has resolved to work with the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 election.

Naija News reports that Atiku made this known in a post via his 𝕏 handle on Sunday, after a closed-door meeting with Hayatu-Deen at his Lagos State residence.

According to Atiku, the discussion with Hayatu-Deen focused on the state of the country and the ADC coalition.

The former Vice President said the duo have resolved to work together in the challenging task of reclaiming and rebuilding the country.

3. Kwankwaso Will Be Partner, Not Spare Tyre – Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso will serve as his vice-president “as a partner, not a spare tyre” if elected in the 2027 general elections.

Naija News reports that Obi stated this in his acceptance speech after emerging as the NDC presidential candidate.

The statement was posted on his 𝕏 handle on Sunday.

Obi, a former Anambra State governor, had formally announced Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, as his running mate on Saturday.

In his speech, Obi described his nomination as a call to national service.

He said his administration would pursue a “New Nigeria” anchored on unity, security, economic reform and accountable governance.

4. Wike Denies Endorsing Chinda, Reveals How Fubara’s Successor Will Emerge In Rivers State

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ will collectively determine who becomes the next governor of Rivers State.

Naija News reports that the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ is a political structure comprising members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP) and Action Alliance (AA).

This is as Wike denied reports that he has endorsed the APC candidate, Ogundu Kingsley Chinda, to take over from Siminalayi Fubara as the Rivers State Governor in 2027.

Naija News reports that Wike spoke on Saturday in Port Harcourt during a luncheon organised for candidates under the rainbow coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the coalition will collectively determine who eventually emerges, stressing that no final decision has been taken on the governorship ticket, and that aspirants would still have the opportunity to contest and prove their popularity.

5. APC Demands Gov. Makinde’s Resignation Over Remarks On Insecurity In Oyo

The Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded the resignation of Governor Seyi Makinde over his comments on the security situation in the state.

Naija News reports that Makinde, in his acceptance speech after clinching the presidential ticket of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), in Ibadan on Saturday, complained that there was little he could do to rescue the schoolchildren and other people abducted by bandits in the state, since he has no absolute control over all security agencies.

However, the state APC spokesman, Olawale Sadare, in a statement on Sunday, rejected Makinde’s remarks that he was constrained in tackling insecurity because the Federal Government controls all security structures.

Sadare described Makinde’s remarks as “a height of cluelessness, insincerity and criminal ineptitude”, stressing that it is a misrepresentation of the constitutional responsibilities of state governors.

The APC chieftain said Makinde should not shift responsibility for the state’s security challenges, urging him to resign and allow his Deputy to complete the remaining one year of his tenure.

6. 2027: Kwankwaso Speaks After Emerging As Peter Obi’s Running Mate

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has described his emergence as the Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections as an honour.

Kwankwaso, in a statement on Sunday via his 𝕏 Account, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi and the party’s leadership.

Naija News recalls that shortly after his ratification as the NDC presidential candidate on Saturday, Obi nominated Kwankwaso to be his running mate.

Kwankwaso accepted the role and on Sunday, appreciated the party’s leadership for the bold decision, describing it as an honour for him.

The former Governor promised to work with the NDC in achieving success at the 2027 polls.

7. Davido Speaks On Link With City Boy Movement

Nigerian music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has engaged in a heated exchange with a social media user after he called on entertainers to speak more about the challenges facing the country.

Naija News reports that the singer, in a post shared on his official social media page, admitted that entertainers, including himself, had not done enough to speak against injustice and the worsening state of affairs in Nigeria.

Davido said the situation in the country had become too serious for influential figures to remain silent.

In the post, Davido said Nigerian entertainers must begin to use their platforms to draw attention to the problems affecting citizens.

He wrote, “I can’t lie, we entertainers… we dey f**k up, I won’t lie, including me. We need to speak up. It’s too much injustice going on. Our country don go.”

8. You’re Dangerous – Actress Nancy Iheme Cuts Off Family, Friends Supporting Tinubu’s Second Term

Nollywood actress, Nancy Iheme, has declared that she no longer wants to maintain relationships with family members or friends who support the re-election of Bola Tinubu.

Naija News reports that the actress made her position known through a post on her Instagram page, where she openly criticized individuals backing the current administration. According to her, anyone still supporting the government despite the country’s challenges is encouraging what she considers wrongdoing and should stay away from her.

Iheme said the hardship being experienced across the country is affecting citizens from different backgrounds, including herself and her family. She stated that the economic situation has made life difficult for many Nigerians and blamed the present administration for the country’s struggles.

9. Arsenal’s Players, Fans Parade Streets Of London

Thousands of Arsenal supporters packed the streets of north London today, May 31, as the club celebrated their first Premier League title since 2004, putting aside the disappointment of their Champions League final defeat less than 24 hours earlier.

Arsenal fans dressed in the club’s famous red and white lined roads across Islington, waving flags, lighting flares and chanting as an open-top bus parade rolled through the borough.

The celebrations marked the end of a 22-year wait for league glory after Arsenal were confirmed champions on 19 May when Manchester City dropped points against Bournemouth.

Supporters gathered in huge numbers along the parade route, which began at the Emirates Stadium shortly after 2pm and wound through Highbury, Canonbury and Upper Street before returning to the club’s home ground.

10. Gabriel Breaks Silence After Missing Penalty In Arsenal’s Champions League Final Defeat

Arsenal defender, Gabriel Magalhaes, has spoken of his heartbreak after missing the decisive penalty in the Gunners’ Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday night, May 30.

The Premier League champions looked on course for European glory after Kai Havertz fired them ahead inside six minutes in Budapest.

However, PSG fought their way back into the game when Ousmane Dembele converted from the spot after Cristhian Mosquera brought down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the area.

With the match level at 1-1 after extra time, the final was settled by a penalty shoot-out.

Arsenal’s hopes suffered a blow when Eberechi Eze failed to convert his spot-kick. Gabriel then stepped up needing to score to keep his side alive, but the Brazilian defender sent his effort over the crossbar, handing PSG a second successive Champions League title.

The miss capped a painful evening for the centre-back, who later took to Instagram to express his disappointment while thanking supporters for their backing throughout the season.

“It’s painful, but I’m proud of this team and everything we achieved together this season,” Gabriel wrote on Instagram.

“Thank you to our incredible fans for your support every step of the way. You deserve to celebrate this journey with us and enjoy the parade today!

“See you next season!!! Love, Big Gabi.”

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.