President, Mata International Equestrian Festival, Nabil Baraka, has disclosed plans to partner with Nigeria on economic development projects.

He spoke on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 14th edition of the Mata International Equestrian Festival in northern Morocco.

While speaking with journalists, Baraka noted that cooperation between the countries would bring about closer ties that would lead to growth.

“Next year, we will make sure to have Nigerian-Moroccan cooperation on how the future generation will grow together.

“I will make sure that Nigeria and Morocco get closer in economic dialogue because this is what brings increase and growth”, he said.

This year’s edition of the festival commenced in northern Morocco on Saturday, bringing together local communities, international visitors, cultural enthusiasts, and equestrian teams in a celebration of heritage, tradition, and unity.

The day’s activities included the introduction of the Mata equestrian teams and the official launch of the festival’s renowned equestrian sporting events, which have become a symbol of Morocco’s enduring horse-riding traditions and cultural identity.

The Defence Headquarters on Saturday mourned the death of a former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who was abducted and later died in captivity.

The military high command also vowed to intensify ongoing operations aimed at tracking down those responsible and other criminal elements across the country.

Abubakar was reportedly kidnapped alongside his wife in May while travelling through Katsina State.

A video later surfaced on June 6 showing the retired general and his wife appealing to the Katsina State Government for the release of detained bandits and livestock.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the Defence Headquarters described Abubakar’s death as a tragic loss.

“The Defence Headquarters regrets to announce the passing of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Retired), who tragically lost his life in captivity following his abduction,” Uba said.

The military said Abubakar served the nation with distinction in various capacities, including as spokesman for military formations and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The DHQ noted that the late officer contributed significantly to counter-insurgency operations, military professionalism and national development.

“His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the AFN,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the Defence Headquarters deliberately avoided public comment on the abduction while rescue efforts were ongoing.

“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the AFN and sister security agencies.

“Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” Uba stated.

The military said the incident had further strengthened its resolve to intensify operations against insecurity across the country.

“In response to a series of unfortunate abductions across Nigeria, including that of Maj Gen Abubakar, ongoing operations have since been further intensified to bring perpetrators to justice and to dismantle all terrorist networks threatening our nation,” Uba said.

The Armed Forces assured Nigerians that it would not relent until peace and security are restored nationwide.

Accord Party presidential candidate and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has condemned the reported attack on human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and other protesters during a Democracy Day demonstration, describing it as a troubling sign for Nigeria’s democratic future.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Hashim said the right to peaceful protest, free expression, and civic participation are fundamental elements of democracy and must not be undermined.

He warned that democracy cannot survive where citizens are intimidated for demanding accountability or expressing concerns about governance.

According to him, Democracy Day should not only mark the return to civilian rule but also serve as a reminder of the responsibility to protect democratic values, including freedom of Expression justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

“Democracy is strengthened when citizens can freely speak, organise, and demand accountability from those entrusted with power. Any attempt to suppress these freedoms weakens democracy itself,” Hashim said.

The Presidential candidate, who recently became co-chair of MDR alongside NLC President Comrade Joe Ajero said the movement was established to defend Nigeria’s democratic space and prevent any drift towards authoritarianism.

He also condemned what he described as the continued harassment of Sowore, including the seizure of his passport, which he said remains unresolved despite legal interventions.

Hashim said MDR would continue to mobilise democratic forces, civil society, labour, and citizens committed to protecting democratic institutions and expanding civic freedoms.

“Nigeria must not return to an era where dissent is treated as a crime and citizens are denied their democratic rights. The defence of democracy is the responsibility of all who believe in freedom and accountable leadership,” he said.

He urged security agencies and relevant authorities to respect citizens’ constitutional rights while ensuring public order.