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UPDATED: 20 Abducted Corps Members Regain Freedom in Imo

October 7, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps in Abia State have regained their freedom. The graduates were kidnapped seven days ago along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, while travelling in two buses. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the Department of State Services Hospital in Owerri. The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the facility to meet the victims and assess their condition. He was accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the DSS and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade. The latest development means all 20 prospective corps members have now regained their freedom. Authorities have, however, yet to disclose details of the rescue operation, including whether any suspects were arrested or ransom was paid. The abductors had reportedly demanded N50 million for each victim, initially putting the ransom at N1 billion before reducing it to N5 million per person, or N100 million in total. Following the abduction, security agencies launched a search operation and reportedly traced the kidnappers’ hideout through drone surveillance. However, access to the location was said to have been delayed after improvised explosive devices were reportedly discovered around the camp. Additional equipment, including bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers, was subsequently deployed to facilitate access. Earlier, the police had announced the rescue of 10 of the victims while efforts continued to locate the remaining captives. Meanwhile, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended the security agencies and the governments of Imo and Oyo states for their coordinated efforts in securing the victims’ release. Uzodimma said the sensitive nature of the operation informed the decision to keep details away from the public while efforts were ongoing. He also commended the victims’ families for their patience and urged Nigerians to remain confident in ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

NYSC Kidnap: Kidnappers Slash Ransom to N100m as Parents Raise Alarm Over Beatings

October 5, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Kidnappers holding 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State have reduced their ransom demand from N50 million to N5 million per victim, bringing the total demand down from N1 billion to N100 million. The development, however, has failed to ease the anxiety of the victims’ families, who say the abducted graduates are being beaten by their captors. One of the affected parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande, said on Sunday that the kidnappers had subjected the victims to physical assault since Friday. She appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their immediate rescue. “The kidnappers had reduced their demand from the earlier N50m per victim to N5m each. They are still demanding N5m. They have come down to N5m each,” Akande said. The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states on Thursday when gunmen attacked two buses conveying them around Umunoha on the Owerri-Onitsha Road. The parents also disputed reports that 10 passengers were rescued by security operatives, saying those who escaped did so by fleeing into the bush. Akande said the families remained under intense pressure as they struggled to raise the ransom, adding that one of the abducted victims had been allowed to communicate with his father. According to her, the kidnappers were allegedly monitoring the family’s ability to raise money through the phone conversations. “They are not sparing anybody. They are beating all of them,” she said. The parent added, “We appeal to the government at all levels to please assist us in getting them rescued out of that place. They have started beating them.” Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has assured the families that efforts were ongoing to rescue their children unharmed. “I want to assure that your children would be rescued unharmed. The police are working round the clock to secure their rescue,” Ladoja said. The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, also said he had been in contact with the Imo State Police Command over the incident. “I had already contacted Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of the incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt,” he said. The Imo State Police Command later confirmed that security agencies were closing in on the victims, while the 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, said all relevant agencies were collaborating to secure their release. Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said, “We’re conducting the operation and gradually closing in. We will keep you posted.” Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, had earlier disclosed that security operatives had identified the suspected camp where the victims were being held but were exercising caution over intelligence that the location had been mined with improvised explosive devices. He said drones were used to locate the camp after security operatives tracked the kidnappers into the bush, adding that bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers were being prepared for the rescue operation. The abduction has also triggered renewed calls for reforms to the NYSC scheme. The African Democratic Congress called for the temporary suspension of the scheme to allow the Federal Government to reorganise it and strengthen security measures for corps members. Other political parties and public figures, including the Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressives Party, Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore, also condemned the abduction and demanded the immediate and safe rescue of the victims. Sowore called for the suspension and eventual scrapping of the NYSC scheme, while Peter Obi urged the government to rescue the corps members and arrest those responsible. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, also expressed concern after confirming that at least three of its graduates were among those reportedly abducted. The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Razaq Kalilu, said the institution remained in solidarity with the affected families and was praying for the safe return of all the victims. As security agencies intensify efforts to reach the suspected kidnappers’ hideout, the families continue to appeal for urgent intervention to ensure that the 20 prospective corps members return home safely.

(PHOTOS):GOC 2 Division visits, Charges Oyo, Osun Troops to Remain Professional, Proactive

October 3, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops in newly established formations and units in Oyo and Osun states to remain disciplined, professional and proactive in the discharge of their duties. Mahmuda gave the charge on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during an inspection of the newly established Headquarters 7 Brigade in Oyo, Oyo State, and 137 Battalion in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The visit was aimed at ensuring the smooth take-off of the new formations and enabling the troops to immediately commence their constitutional responsibilities across the two states. Addressing the soldiers, the GOC urged them to maintain high standards of discipline and conduct, warning that he would not tolerate unprofessional behaviour. He also reminded the troops that their actions could affect the image of the Nigerian Army and urged them to maintain effective civil-military relations with their host communities. According to Mahmuda, the establishment of the new formations reflects the Chief of Army Staff’s, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, strategy to increase the number of troops on the ground to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges. He also noted that the Army was working to improve troops’ welfare under the COAS’s “Soldiers First” concept, urging personnel to reciprocate by remaining committed to their duties and denying criminal elements freedom of action. Meanwhile, community leaders in Ile-Ife, led by Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Sooko Laukun of Ife, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for establishing 137 Battalion in the town. They also thanked the Chief of Army Staff and the GOC for the new unit and pledged their support for its operations in the community.

Oyo Schools will stay Shut until Security Improves, says NUT

June 23, 2026 by admin

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has stated that public schools in the state should only reopen after the government has implemented sufficient security measures to ensure the safety of pupils, teachers, and other school personnel. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NUT directed teachers in public schools to embark on an indefinite strike following the abduction of over 40 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on May 15. The secretary of the union, Mr Olukayode Salami, told NAN in Ibadan on Tuesday that schools might reopen once the government implements adequate security measures to restore confidence among teachers, parents and learners. Salami said the union’s decision to withdraw teachers from classrooms was prompted by growing insecurity, including the killing of two teachers and the continued captivity of abducted victims. According to him, the development created fear, tension and psychological instability among teachers and learners, while some parents had also begun withdrawing their children from schools. “As much as we have casualties among learners in terms of abduction, we have higher casualties among teachers because two of them were killed. “The continuous detention of victims in captivity is another factor of concern to all of us. “The emotion, tension and panic in society also contributed to the decision because classrooms were no longer safe and teachers were not psychologically stable to carry out their duties,” he said. The NUT secretary noted that the union did not immediately embark on the strike after the incident but took the decision when it became apparent that the security situation had not improved sufficiently. He said the union attached conditions to the suspension of academic activities, including the safe rescue of abducted persons and the implementation of measures to prevent a recurrence. “The condition we attached was for government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe rescue of these people. “Secondly, government must put measures in place that can guard against such occurrences. “No condition is permanent and no decision is permanent. “Once meaningful measures are put in place, there will be a need to review the position and see how we can collectively move forward,” the secretary said. Salami also said that schools should remain safe learning environments and not become targets of criminal activities. “If anybody has a grievance against government, such persons should address it with government and not resort to attacking schools and innocent people who are not responsible for any offence,” he said. The union leader disclosed that the NUT and other stakeholders recently held marathon meetings with government officials to discuss solutions to the security challenges. According to him, a communiqué was issued after the meetings, while action plans were also developed and submitted to the government for implementation. “We are waiting for the implementation of those action plans, especially those requiring immediate action. “Schools and classrooms cannot remain shut forever, but we need to see signs that will restore confidence in society for us to return to work,” he said. Salami called for increased security patrols across vulnerable parts of the state, saying such measures would reassure residents and discourage criminal activities. He suggested the establishment of joint security task forces comprising conventional security agencies and local security outfits, including hunters and vigilante groups. According to him, local government areas bordering forests and other vulnerable locations should have dedicated security formations carrying out regular patrols and intelligence gathering. “If we begin to see security patrols across every nook and cranny of the state, especially vulnerable areas, it will send a signal that government is addressing the situation. “There should be no room for criminality. Once confidence and peace of mind are restored, people will be able to go about their normal activities, including teaching and learning,” he said. Salami, however, noted that the responsibility for providing security rests with the government, which possesses the required personnel, logistics and authority to deploy security operatives where necessary. He urged the government to treat the issue as a matter of urgency in the interest of education and public safety. (NAN)

Police Beef-up Security As Traders Besiege, Chant IPOB Song At Market Gate

January 27, 2026 by admin

AWKA – THE Anambra State Police Command has beefed up security at the gates of Onitsha main market which was ordered to be shut down on Monday by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo on Monday following the traders insistence on observing every Monday Sit-at-Home. The police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga, a superintendent of police said the “market has been re-closed in compliance with the directive of the Anambra State Government, as approved by His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, Executive Governor of Anambra State”. According to the police, in furtherance of this directive, adequate security has been deployed in and around the market, as well as other strategic locations within Onitsha, by the Police in collaboration with other security agencies, to maintain law and order and prevent any breach of public peace. Early Tuesday morning, traders were seen and mingling with a crowd chanting solidarity songs in support of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). They gathered around the market on a viral video and were addressed and sensitised on the need to cooperate fully with government directives in the interest of public safety, security, and economic stability, according to the police. The Command assured members of the public that the situation in Onitsha and across Anambra State remained calm and under control, while the police continued to monitor the situation to forestall any breakdown of law and order

#FreeNnamdiKanu: Protesters Defy Security Warning, Vow Villa March

October 20, 2025 by admin

There may be a showdown between the security forces and the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters today (Monday) following plans by the organisers to march on the Presidential Villa to pressure the government to release from custody Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra. This is even as a Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the organisers from protesting near the Villa, the National Assembly, and other key government institutions. Despite the judicial hurdle, the organisers remain defiant, vowing to stick to their original plan of a peaceful convergence in the Federal Capital Territory and a march to Aso Rock Villa. The Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, affirmed that the protest would go on as scheduled, both in Abuja and simultaneously in the South-Eastern states of the country. The nationwide demonstration for the immediate and unconditional release of the IPOB leader was endorsed by the opposition parties. Kanu is being detained on charges of terrorism, treason, and incitement, among others. The Federal Government alleges he advocated for Biafra’s independence through controversial means, including inflammatory rhetoric on social media and Radio Biafra. IPOB was declared a terrorist organisation in 2017. Kanu fled Nigeria in 2017 while on bail, leading to his re-arrest in Kenya in 2021. His extradition from Kenya sparked controversy and legal debates. Many argue Kanu’s detention is political persecution, while others see it as lawful prosecution. Kanu’s health condition has been a point of contention, but a recent medical evaluation declared him fit for trial. The Federal Government is apprehensive over the rally, particularly with its scheduled date coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the October 2020 #EndSARS protest that culminated in the alleged Lekki massacre. Asked if the protesters would take their grievance to the seat of power as planned, Adenola said, “Nothing shall discourage us! Marching peacefully anywhere in the country is our constitutionally guaranteed right. Nothing can derogate it,” Adenola stated. “There is no going back on our resolve to fight this inhumane, illegal and strongman act scripted to promote the erosion of our rights, and the capture of whatever remains of our criminal justice system.” The plan of the organisers to march on the Presidential Villa directly contravenes an interim injunction granted by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The order, issued on Friday, followed an ex parte application filed by the Nigeria Police Force on behalf of the Federal Government. The ruling explicitly restrained the organisers, led by a human rights activist and former Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, from protesting in or around sensitive government locations. These areas include the Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, the Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way. The order is to remain in effect pending the hearing of the substantive motion scheduled for today. Counsel to the organisers, Maxwell Opara, acknowledged reports of the suit, but stated on Sunday that no such order had been served on them. He maintained that the march to the seat of government was necessary to enable citizens to communicate directly with their leaders, insisting that even the Presidential Villa should be a symbolic place for the free expression of grievances. He added that the organisers had notified the police of the protest, stressing that his clients had yet to be served the court order. “We have notified them, and they will come and provide security — that’s what they are expected to do. We don’t want miscreants to take advantage of the protest. I learnt that they went to court, but we have not seen the order. They are asking the court to stop the protesters from going to the Villa or the National Assembly.” Addressing allegations of an unconfirmed plot by the police to clamp down on protesters made by Sowore, Adenola placed the responsibility for maintaining peace squarely on the security forces. “The truth is that protesters are always coordinated in this country; it is the police who usually disrupt this peace,” he argued. “The police are the ones who should ensure that they don’t provoke protesters. They should abide by the laws and rather protect protesters.” He further confirmed that the organisers had deployed a “large number of lawyers on standby” to assist protesters who might be arrested or detained. Sowore disclosed to The PUNCH on Sunday that more than 115 lawyers, medical personnel and journalists have been mobilised to support the nationwide protests. He said the mobilisation for the rally had gained strong national traction, with activities extending to marketplaces, religious centres, and high-profile engagements, including meetings with former President Goodluck Jonathan and diaspora groups. “Mobilisation is very strong, national mobilisation that took us to marketplaces, religious centres, and high-profile meetings, including with former President Goodluck Jonathan and diaspora interests, multiple state teams activated, people flying in, and many local convergences already organised. “The legal team (115 lawyers), medics, and media teams are in place. Expect a large, disciplined turnout in Abuja and coordinated actions in multiple states and Nigerian embassies, “ he said. Meanwhile, the protest has received significant public backing, as well as the support of major opposition figures, turning the demonstration into one of the most politically symbolic since the inception of the current administration. The nationwide march had been publicly endorsed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, both of whom have urged the Federal Government to embrace dialogue over the continued detention of Kanu. Obi reiterated that there was “no need for Kanu’s arrest in the first place,” emphasising that negotiation remains the only sustainable path to resolving separatist agitations. “I will consult, negotiate, and discuss with anybody who is agitating. I said it clearly and I remain there,” he asserted, commending the efforts of Sowore and other advocates. The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, reaffirmed Obi’s dedication to fairness and equity … Read more

Don’t Visit Edo Without Security Clearance – Okpebholo Warns Peter Obi

July 18, 2025 by admin

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has warned that the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, must get security clearance before coming to the state. Obi had visited Benin, the state capital, on July 7 and donated N15m million to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for the completion of projects in the school. The governor, who spoke on Friday while receiving Marcus Onobun, the last remaining opposition federal lawmaker in the state, into the All Progressives Congress, condemned Obi’s visit to the state. He asserted that his visit coincided with the resurgence of violence in the state. “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance. “His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state and this will not be tolerated,” the governor stated. Speaking at the event, the governor described Onobun’s move to APC as the final nail in the coffin of the PDP in Edo State. He said that the APC is now firmly in control of Edo State, declaring that all traces of the opposition would be completely erased by the 2027 general elections. He added, “We are not lobbying anyone to join APC; they are coming because they see the results of our governance. In 2027, 2.5 million votes from Edo are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu. “Last week, we finally buried the PDP in Edo State. I saw someone crying at Ring Road, talking about having 65 per cent. That is what we call social media winning. When I said I would become the Governor, I meant it. Today, we are turning Edo into a construction site, and they can see it,” he said. The governor further accused key opposition figures of deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement, claiming some of them were responsible for derailed national infrastructure projects and national insecurity. He said, “Some of them stole railway funds. Some were Senate Presidents for years and could not build roads to their villages. Some sold off Nigeria’s assets and even ushered in Boko Haram and kidnappers. These same people now want to form new parties. Today, SDP, tomorrow ADC, next ADA. We do not need insecurity merchants,” Okpebholo declared. Acting Deputy State Chairman of APC, Sylvester Aigboboh, said the defection is a major boost for the party, as it prepares for a major senatorial rerun election coming up next month. He said the remnants in the PDP are expected to join the ruling APC in the coming months, as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. In his remarks, Onobun, who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, said that his defection was both ideological and strategic. “I led the campaign for an Esan Governor. Now that we have one, I cannot be in the opposition. I have seen what Governor Okpebholo is doing; Edo people have seen it. I am back home to support him so that our people can get more,” he said. Onobun was accompanied into the APC by a host of former APC members who had earlier defected with him to the PDP. Their return, observers say, is a major consolidation of political strength ahead of future electoral contests in the State. Punch

PDP Relocates BoT Meeting Amid Security Blockade

June 30, 2025 by admin

The Peoples Democratic Party has issued a special announcement confirming the relocation of its Board of Trustees (BoT) Meeting scheduled for today. The statement, released by party management, posted on its official Facebook account is titled, “Special Announcement! Change of Venue for the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Meeting. The post was made around noon, hours after the meeting scheduled for the Wadata Plaza. The notice goes on to confirm that: “The Meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), earlier scheduled to hold by 10Am at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja has been moved to YarAdua Center, Central Business District, Abuja.” BoT members, some of whom were reportedly already en route to the original venue, are now being urged to reroute immediately. The statement concluded with a clear directive: “All BOT members are by this notice advised to proceed to the new venue.” The announcement is signed simply but authoritatively: “Signed: Management.” The abrupt change of venue for the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting comes amid dramatic scenes at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja earlier today, where security operatives reportedly sealed off the premises and barred party leaders from entering. According to multiple media reports, the police acted on what was described as “an order from above,” dispersing BoT members.

(PHOTOS): Oyo Police Command Parades Suspected Cultists, Recovers Vehicles, Firearms•••As CP Sonubi Promises Adequate Security During Yuletide

December 16, 2024 by admin

No fewer than 15 suspected criminals were on Monday paraded at the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters, Eleyele Ibadan for their involvements in various anti-society activities such as cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other illicit substances. The state Police Commissioner, CP Sonubi Ayodele while addressing journalists at the command over the development maintained that the Oyo State Police Command is committed to maintaining law and order in accordance with the dictates of the constitution and other guiding instruments of the law. CP Sonubi noted that lately, the Command has received disturbing reports of cult related activities in some parts of the Metropolis particularly around Apete, Abayomi (Iwo-road axis), Ijokodo, Moniya, Monathan, Ojoo, Samonda and Sango areas of the State. He further said that “in response to the yearnings of the good people of the State regarding cult related activities, even as we navigate through the yuletide period, the Command is parading (15) Fifteen Male Suspects for offences ranging from; cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other illicit banned substances. Items were also recovered during the intelligence led raids; (5) Five inscribed cultism jackets, (3) Three Dane Guns, (1) locally made Pistol (1) One Locally Made Cut-To-Size Gun, (1) One Long Barrel Gun, (1) One Red Toyota Camry with Reg NO. KTU 41 JH, (1) One Red Cloth (1) One Powder Blue Beret with Inscription and (3) Three Cutlasses, one black Honda with registration number GGE 64 FM Lagos. Among the suspects paraded at the command are, Ajayi Toheeb (Male), aged 26, Agbolahan Afeez (Male) aged 19, Amoo Ifeoluwa 25, Ajimude Mathew 26, Tomiwa Adeniyi 24. While Atoyebi Temitope, Ismail Lamidi, Rasheed Salawudeen, Babatola Adetunji Ajibade were paraded for cultism,conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms and illegal substance. Others are Adeosun Jamiu, aged 31, Musedeen Lamidi 44, Quyum Adesokan 22, Adigun Samad, Kamorudeen Rasheed, Toheed Abass.

Tinubu Directs Police To Provide Security To LG Offices In Rivers

October 7, 2024 by admin

President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law. In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state. He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions. President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately. While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions. President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism. He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy. According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.