The source further confirmed that Isah’s wife, accompanied by a driver, a relative, and her baby, was finally able to see the student leader. ArticlesRead More
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All 24 Kebbi Schoolgirls Freed, Tinubu Elated, Says He’s Relieved
All 24 Kebbi Schoolgirls Freed, Tinubu Elated, Says He’s Relieved
*Orders 24-hour aerial surveillance of Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, charges security agencies to rescue others in captivity
*Military, DSS put pressure on bandits to free 38 Eruku worshippers, says Onanuga
*IGP seeks collaboration to surmount insecurity across Nigeria, Assembly says Niger under siege
*Sani tells northern elites to stop weaponising insecurity
*Recent surge in insecurity driving hunger to level never seen before, declares WFP
Deji Elumoye, Michael Olugbode, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Adedayo Akinwale, Linus Aleke in Abuja, John Shiklam in Kaduna, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Laleye Dipo in Minna, Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
The 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, have regained their freedom.
President Bola Tinubu expressed happiness over the development, saying he has ordered a total air security surveillance around forests in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states.
The directive followed an upsurge in kidnapping and terrorist activities in the states.
The president, in a statement yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, declared, “I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for.”
Tinubu applauded the security agents for the efforts made to secure freedom for all the victims taken away by the terrorists. He tasked the security agents to make more efforts to rescue the remaining students still being held captive.
“Now, we must put as a matter of urgency more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping,” he stated. “My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” he added.
A source familiar with the government’s coordinated rescue effort disclosed that the schoolgirls’ release was occasioned by a non-kinetic intervention by the federal government.
According to the source, the operation succeeded through close collaboration between the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), which worked behind the scenes to secure the girls’ freedom without resorting to force.
The source explained that the reliance on a non-kinetic approach—centred on dialogue, negotiation, and other peaceful measures—reflected a continuing shift in the government’s strategy for addressing mass abductions, which have repeatedly affected the northern region in recent years.
But Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, demanded a full military investigation to identify and hold accountable the commander, who allegedly ordered the withdrawal of soldiers from the school shortly before the abduction.
The governor described the incident as an act of “clear sabotage”.
The military, in a statement, confirmed that the matter was currently under investigation.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, disclosure in a post on his verified X handle that Tinubu had ordered a total air surveillance around forests in Kwara, Niger and Kebbi states.
Dare said the president had directed the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to intensify aerial surveillance over the deepest stretches of the forests, where criminals were believed to be hiding.
He said the operation would be carried out round the clock, with air assets maintaining constant communication and coordination with ground troops.
The presidential spokesperson explained that the same directive applied to Kebbi and Niger states, where joint operations were expected to facilitate the rescue of other kidnap victims.
According to Dare, communities in the affected regions have also been urged to provide timely intelligence on suspicious movements to aid security forces in restoring safety.
A wave of brazen kidnappings and violent raids across Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger states had exposed the alarming reach of criminal networks exploiting remote forests and ungoverned terrain.
Tinubu’s directive for 24-hour aerial surveillance and ground coordination was both urgent and essential to dismantle the networks, rescue hostages, and restore confidence to vulnerable communities.
Dare wrote, “President Tinubu has ordered total security cordon over the forests in Kwara state following recent kidnappings and terrorist activities.
“President Tinubu directed the Airforce to expand its air surveillance across the innermost parts of the forests in Kwara State, where it is believed the terrorists are hiding.
“They are to maintain a 24-hour surveillance and link up with the booths on the ground. This order equally applies to the Kebbi and Niger States axis where many are expected to be rescued.
“Communities are also urged to provide timely information about strange movements and activities to aid the work of the security forces.”
The presidency also disclosed that much pressure was mounted on the bandits by both the military and DSS last weekend, forcing the release of the 38 church worshippers kidnapped in Eruku, Kwara State.
Onanuga explained that non-kinetic approach was deployed in securing the release of the 38 worshippers.
In a release, Onanuga, while appreciating both the military and the DSS for the release of the kidnapped worshippers, added that the gunmen knew that if they did not cooperate, they were going to be “pummelled”.
He stated, “After the incident, the DSS and the military were involved in the rescue effort. They got in contact with the bandits to release the captives unharmed. On Sunday, they were able to get them out unharmed. They do have a way of tracking these people.
“The security agencies have a way of contacting these people. They (bandits) know the consequences of not acquiescing to government demands. They know they could be pummelled.”
Onanuga emphasised that a kinetic approach would have been counter-productive because terrorists often used abductees as “human shields”, which could result in “collateral damage”.
“Attacking their base could be risky because you can kill the civilians,” he added.
The presidential media aide also said the military would decide “the next line of action” on the kidnappers.
The rescued victims were abducted from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku community of Kwara State on November 18, while Director-General of DSS, Adeola Ajayi, briefed Tinubu on November 21 on the security crisis enveloping the country.
Tinubu had on Sunday announced that all the Eruku abductees had been released after receiving security briefings from top military and security brass at State House, Abuja.
Again, Bandits Strike in Kwara, Gov Sets Up Cabinet-level Security Committee
Suspected bandits once again invaded Isapa town in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and nine other residents of the town.
Isapa is a neighbouring community to Eruku town, where three people were killed and 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) were abducted last Tuesday, before they were later released last Sunday.
THISDAY checks revealed that the latest incident happened around 6pm, when between 20 and 30 armed bandits stormed the town with a large herd of cattle.
The incident, it was learnt, happened despite the presence of multiple deployment of army personnel and other security agencies to the local government area to ensure law and order.
It was gathered that the gunmen fired sporadically as they advanced, forcing residents to flee for safety.
Sources close to the town told journalists in Ilorin that an elderly woman, reportedly, died when struck by stray bullet during the assault.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, and said 11 persons were taken away, with seven abducted from the same family.
Among those kidnapped, which had been identified, were Talatu Kabiru, Magaji, Kande, Hadiza, Mariam, Saima, Habibat (a housewife), Fatima Yusufu (also a housewife), and a pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday.
Others included a nursing mother, Lami Fidelis, and Hajia Na Allah.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adekimi Ojo, who confirmed the incident, when first contacted, said, “Yes, there was an incident, but I cannot say much now. I am about to enter Isapa from Ilorin. I will update you when I get there.”
Later, confirming the incident, in a statement, the police command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated that it “received a distress call around 6:30pm reporting sporadic gunfire within the community.
“Preliminary findings revealed that at about 1805hrs, a group of armed men suspected to be herders invaded the village shooting sporadically. As a result, a woman sustained gunshot wound to her leg; she has since been treated and discharged.
“Police operatives, backed by tactical units, were immediately mobilised to the scene, where officers later discovered that 10 residents had been abducted during the attack.
“In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, visited Isapa for an on-the-spot assessment. During the visit, the police chief assured residents that the command had intensified efforts to rescue the abducted victims.”
According to the statement, “The CP met with Traditional Rulers, the Onisapa of Isapa Land, Oba Gbenga Adeyeye and Olokesa of Okesa Land, Oba Olu Fagbamila Raphael Olusegun, local and youth leaders; to assure residents of intensified operational efforts to rescue the victims safely and restore confidence in the area.”
The police said a massive search-and-rescue operation involving police tactical teams and local vigilantes was currently underway.
The command said the teams were “combing the surrounding bushes with the objective of rescuing the victims and apprehending the culprits”.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announced a cabinet-level security committee to drive alternative short-to-long term solutions to curtail further security breaches.
The committee was headed by Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, with Mrs. Olufunke Mercy Shittu of the Office of the Head of Service, as the secretary.
Other members of the committee were Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brigadier-General Saliu Tunde Bello; Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Abdullahi Bata; Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Muhyideen Aliu; Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Moshood Gobir; and one local government chairman from each of the three senatorial districts.
A statement issued in Ilorin by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, said the committee would midwife exclusive engagements with different stakeholders, including traditional rulers, to design a Kwara-specific security strategy to strengthen public safety.
“The committee will submit its report to the governor within four weeks for further considerations and actions. Its recommendations are to further enrich existing understanding of the nationwide security situations from local perspectives,” the statement added
IGP Egbetokun Calls for Collaboration to Surmount Insecurity Across the Country
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, called for collaboration by all Nigerians to surmount the plague of insecurity in the country.
The call came as members of Niger State House of Assembly also reviewed the security situation in the state and concluded that the state was under siege by terrorists and bandits.
Egbetokun, speaking during a sympathy visit to Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, said the country faced deep and troubling security challenges, with Niger being at the centre of the evolving threats.
The IGP expressed concern over the boldness of the criminals and their networks, insisting that the situation demands immediate and coordinated response by all and sundry.
Egbetokun described the St. Marys School incident as “troubling and heart-breaking”, assuring that security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police, are carrying the burden of rescuing the missing students.
He added that the force had deployed additional tactical assets to the state and expanded their intelligence platforms towards the safe recovery of the remaining school children and their teachers.
Bago appreciated the IGP and Tinubu for their prompt response in sending a rescue team to find the missing school children, adding that the IGP critical and tactical commands have been doing remarkable work.
The governor also acknowledged the roles of other security agencies in their concerted efforts aimed at rescuing the missing children. He re-emphasised the need for closer collaborations with all relevant stakeholders in the mission of rescuing the school children.
Lawmakers in the state assembly debated the abduction of staff, students and pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Primary/ Secondary and threatened to abandon their legislative business if the security situation in the state was not positively addressed.
The lawmakers demanded the immediate rescue of the 265 teachers, pupils and students.
Abbas: We Won’t Accept Conclusions That Do Not Reflect Our Security Challenges
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said Nigeria will not accept conclusions that did not reflect the complexities of the country’s security challenges. Abbas stated this at a special plenary session on national security, yesterday,
He said terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, and extremist violence had brought suffering to Nigerians of all faiths.
Abbas stated, “Terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, and extremist violence have brought suffering to Nigerians of all faiths. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and every institution of government remains committed to protecting that right.
“With this context in mind, Nigeria continues to welcome partnership and constructive engagement. At the same time, we cannot accept conclusions that do not reflect the complexities of our security challenges.”
The speaker stressed that the country’s constitution guaranteed freedom of religion, and every institution of government remained committed to protecting that right.
He said with that context in mind, Nigeria had continued to welcome partnership and constructive engagement.
The speaker also revealed that the federal legislature had conveyed to the United States government its recent resolution faulting Nigeria’s designation as “Country of Particular Concern” by President Donald Trump.
Abbas recalled that the Nigerian Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 was introduced in the United States Congress, which placed Nigeria on the list of Countries of Particular Concern, saying the bill suggested that Nigeria permitted or encouraged religious persecution.
Stating that the government of Nigeria did not and would never support or sponsor violence against its citizens, he said, “We conveyed our resolutions to the United States Congress, the Department of State, and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.”
Abbas said it was important to restate “Nigeria’s actual security reality,” stating that over the past 15 years, the Nigerian government has invested significant resources in confronting insurgency and widespread violence.
He stated, “It is true that in some communities, Christians have been targeted, just as Muslim communities have suffered similar attacks in others. Nigeria welcomes this prospect and is prepared to work transparently and responsibly with American institutions.
“Our sovereignty remains non-negotiable, yet partnership, especially when extended in good faith, can allow both countries to face shared threats with greater clarity and purpose.”
Abbas stressed that the terrorist acts had been carried out by violent groups pursuing their agenda, saying it does not reflect the policy or practice of the Nigerian state.
Sani Tells Northern Political Elite to Stop Weaponising Insecurity
Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central District, urged the northern political elite to address the root causes of insecurity in the region and stop politicising the crisis. Sani stated this yesterday at his residence in Kaduna, when Open Heart Foundation and the Women Empowerment Centre, paid him a courtesy visit.
He accused northern leaders of exploiting the security situation for political gain ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sani decried what he described as “political hypocrisy, failed leadership and worsening insecurity that has affected northern Nigeria for more than a decade”.
He identified Almajiri, mass illiteracy, poverty and underdevelopment as central factors driving the region’s insecurity, and called on northern leaders to confront the issues without further excuses.
He said, “The terrorists in the North-east are northerners; the bandits in the North-west speak Hausa, Fulfulde and Kanuri, not Mandarin or French. This is our problem. Only we can solve it.”
Sani urged civil society organisations to hold government accountable, but warned them against being used in political conflicts.
He cautioned, “Continue to speak out, but never allow yourselves to be used to undermine our security agencies. The future of the North depends on courage, honesty and unity. The question remains; when will the North sit down and confront its problems sincerely?”
He stated, “For 15 years, northern Nigeria has been a theatre of bloodshed,” noting that “schools, churches, mosques, villages, nothing has been spared since 2013.”
Sani also said insurgent networks now operated across West Africa “with increasing boldness”.
Recent Surge in Insecurity Driving Hunger to Level Never Seen Before, Declares WFP
Growing instability across northern Nigeria, including a surge in attacks, is driving hunger to levels never seen before, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned.
The warning followed the release of the latest Cadre Harmonisé, a regional food security analysis that classified the severity of hunger, which found that nearly 35 million people were projected to face severe food insecurity during the 2025 lean season, the highest number recorded in Nigeria.
WFP, in a statement yesterday, said attacks by insurgent groups in Nigeria had intensified throughout 2025. Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, reportedly carried out its first attack in Nigeria last month.
The insurgent group, Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), is said to be pursuing its expansion across the Sahel.
Other recent incidents included the killing of a brigadier in the North-east and attacks on public schools in the north, where several teachers and hundreds of schoolgirls remain missing.
“Communities are under severe pressure from repeated attacks and economic stress,” said David Stevenson, WFP Country Director and Representative in Nigeria.
Stevenson said, “If we can’t keep families fed and food insecurity at bay, growing desperation could fuel increased instability with insurgent groups exploiting hunger to expand their influence, creating a security threat that extends across West Africa and beyond.”
The statement lamented that northern Nigeria was experiencing the most severe hunger crisis in a decade with rural farming communities being the hardest hit.
Nearly six million people in the north are projected to face crisis levels of hunger or worse during the 2025 lean season – June to August – in the conflict zones of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. This included some 15,000 people in Borno State, who were expected to confront catastrophic hunger (Phase 5, famine-like conditions). children are at greatest risk across Borno, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara, where malnutrition rates are highest.
CP Airwing: Strategic Collaboration Key to Addressing Nigeria’s Insecurity
Commissioner of Police, Police Airwing, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Martin Nwogoh, said Nigeria’s persistent security threats could only be effectively addressed through robust strategic collaboration among security agencies and key stakeholders.
Speaking during visits by two major partners—the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Immigration Service – Nwogoh stated that no single agency could safeguard the country’s aviation environment in isolation.
He stressed that enhanced synergy was essential for maintaining security standards, projecting a positive national image, and ensuring that every visitor’s first impression of Nigeria reflected safety and professionalism.
Nwogoh sated, “Today, we received two strategic partners: the Executive Airlift, which oversees the Nigerian Air Force Hangar here, and the Controller of Immigration in charge of the international airport. These two visits are quite strategic.
“We consider them essential for building synergy and collaboration among sister agencies. The airport security ecosystem requires such cooperation, as no single agency can manage it alone. When I assumed duty, I also visited the strategic partners in the aviation industry.”
He added, “We will continue to deepen our relationship; the security challenges we face demand collaboration. To ensure that Nigeria is safe, especially within the aviation ecosystem, we must work closely with other sister security agencies.
“The airport is the first point of contact for every visitor to Nigeria; the attitude and impression they take away begins at the airport. We will continue to do our best to maintain the highest standards.”
Comptroller of Immigration Service (CIS), Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Command, Anidima Solomon Pepple, also underscored the need for vigilance in identifying those entering the country through the airport.
Reiterating that all hands must be on deck to confront the growing wave of threats nationwide, Pepple called for stronger collaboration among sister agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, to consistently outwit criminal elements.
She urged security agencies within the aviation ecosystem to work as a cohesive team to achieve the country’s broader security objectives.
Earlier, in his remarks, Commander, 307 Executive Airlift Group of the Nigerian Air Force (EAG NAF), Air Commodore Oluwaseun Oluwatayo, pledged continued partnership with the police to keep the airport safe.
Oluwatayo added that the Nigerian Air Force would further strengthen its collaboration with the police and other security agencies in the aviation security ecosystem, with particular emphasis on joint training.
Bandits Kidnap 10 Women in Kano, Invade Villages
Bandits raided Yan Chibi and Biresawa villages in Kano State’s Tsanyawa Local Government Area, abducting at least 10 people, including women and girls.
Residents of the area said the attackers raided the villages between 11pm and 12 midnight, on Monday and operated for hours without resistance.
According to a reliable source, the attackers, who came through Tsundu village, have left families in anguish, with no news on the victims’ whereabouts.
The incident heightened fears not only in the area but also in neighbouring Kano towns that share borders with Katsina State.
A resident, who craved anonymity, said some armed bandits on motorbikes raided villages and abducted eight residents.
He added that the attackers were fully armed with guns, and abducted his neighbour, Umma, 17-year-old daughter, Fati, his brother’s wife, and two other women.
The other incident occurred in Biresawa Tsundu village, with five people taken from each community. The bandits’ whereabouts are still unknown.
Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, recently held series of meetings with community leaders and discussed security arrangements at Kano borders, especially border villages along Shanono, Tsanyawa and Rogo local government areas.
Bakori promised to reinforce the ongoing operations in manpower, equipment, and stressed the need for sustained vigilance in the area.
Foundation Decries Schoolsirls’ Abduction
Protect the Precious Foundation(PPF) decried the abductions of schoolgirls in Kebbi and Niger states, calling for their safe return.
In a statement, founder of PPF, Ambassador Nora Okafor, condemned the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State.
Okafor described the incident as “horrifying, morally repugnant, and a clear sign of worsening insecurity targeting the nation’s most vulnerable: our children”.
She said, “This is not just a security breakdown; it is a brutal violation of the girls’ fundamental right to education. Schools must be safe spaces for learning, not hunting grounds for criminals.”
Okafor said the foundation, which advocates the rights of the girl child, “stands in unwavering solidarity” with the families of the abducted girls, the school community, and all Nigerians who believe that no child should ever live in fear for simply going to school.
Stop the Kidnapping, Killing of Nigerians, Catholic Bishops tell FG
Catholic bishops in Nigeria urged the federal and state governments to take urgent measures to end the kidnapping and killing of innocent citizens.
They said government should act on the disturbing reports of delayed or withheld security responses, which gave the impression of possible collusion or a lack of will to act against the perpetrators of the crime.
The bishops, who spoke under the auspices of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), said the manner in which violent attacks and killings of innocent Nigerians had been allowed to fester with impunity was fuelling the disturbing Christian genocide narrative.
A statement jointly signed by the president of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, and Secretary, Bishop of Uromi, Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun, said, “Government has both the responsibility and the means to end this violence and must no longer allow impunity to prevail
“The deplorable security situation in our nation Nigeria and the ongoing discourse heating up the nation’s fragile social and religious climate are truly worrisome.
“More deeply painful is the persistent violence that has claimed countless lives, destroyed homes, and displaced families. As murderous groups continue to unleash terror on defenseless citizens, we strongly condemn these atrocities that have brought untold anguish to many communities.”
The statement added, “It is a matter of grave concern that several predominantly Christian communities, particularly in the Northern and middle belt regions of the country, have come under repeated and brutal attacks, resulting in heavy casualties and the tragic loss of many Christian lives.
“In some instances, there have been disturbing reports of delayed or withheld security responses, giving the impression of possible collusion or a lack of will to act.”
*Orders 24-hour aerial surveillance of Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, charges security agencies to rescue others in captivity *Military, DSS put pressure on bandits to free 38 Eruku worshippers, says Onanuga *IGP seeks collaboration to surmount insecurity across Nigeria, Assembly says Niger under siege *Sani tells northern elites to
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