Metro News Archives - Page 7 of 21

JUST IN: Troops Rescue Six Kogi Kidnap Victims

December 2, 2025 by admin

Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have rescued six kidnapped victims from bandits in the Ejiba and Saminaka forests in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi. This is contained in a statement released by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, on Tuesday in Lokoja. Abdullahi said that the operation was part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping in the region. He explained that the operation, involving coordinated air and ground offensives with support from the Nigeria Police helicopter, led to the interception of the victims. According to him, the victims were confirmed to have been abandoned by the bandits due to the sustained pressure from the military. “Five of the rescued individuals have been reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities, while the sixth is receiving medical attention,” he said. The Brigade reassured the public and the people of Kogi that the Army remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state. “Troops will continue to intensify operations, dominate the forests, identify hideouts, and deny criminals the freedom of action,” he said. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that bandits had on Sunday attacked a Cherubim and Seraphin church during service in Ejiba Community, kidnapped the pastor and several worshipers. NAN

Gunmen Attack Ngige’s Convoy, Shoot Police Officer

November 27, 2025 by admin

Father of Three Abducted Niger Schoolchildren Dies of Heart Attack – CAN Chairman

November 26, 2025 by admin

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the Northern Region and the FCT, Rev. John Hayab, has revealed that a parent died of a heart attack following the abduction of his three children at St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State. Speaking to ARISE News on Tuesday, Hayab described the trauma faced by families whose children were kidnapped in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states over the past week. He said the man, simply identified as Mr Anthony, was overwhelmed by the shock of losing his children. “People want to see concrete action. Imagine a mother or a father whose daughter… one of the parents (Mr Anthony) of these girls picked in the school, died yesterday of a heart attack because three of his children are victims,” he said. PUNCH Online has not been able to independently verify his claim. But he added, “People don’t understand that when you tell it as it is, you’re not speaking against anybody; you are only trying to state the problem. “The pains and the trauma are still very fresh. We tried speaking to the parents today, and they were scared of speaking to us.” PUNCH Online reported that parents of the dozens of children abducted from the Catholic school in Niger State are growing increasingly desperate. Speaking to the leadership of the church in Kontagora, Hayab said, “It was a very sad thing. You can imagine a man in shock because three children… he would not know what to explain, what is happening to them.” “People don’t understand this. These children have not slept, they have not bathed, and their parents cannot even explain where they are,” he stressed. Hayab also revealed that reports from locals in Niger State showed no visible security presence, stating that Nigerians want action, not statements. “The onus is now on the Nigerian security agencies to ensure that we don’t speak about this on television. People want to see concrete action,” he said. He added that 50 senior students returned on their own after fleeing into the bush during the bandit attack, but over 265 students remain unaccounted for, most aged between nine and 14. On November 23, the Niger State Chairman of CAN revealed that 50 of the abducted pupils have reportedly escaped from their captors and reunited with their parents. Hayab welcomed the release of 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, but warned that the situation has left families “traumatised” and exposed longstanding failures in Nigeria’s security system. The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed their release in a statement issued on Tuesday. “Everybody is worried, everybody is angry, everybody needs a stop. It has been a traumatic week for parents, for leaders and for our security men,” he said. Despite the scale of insecurity, Hayab maintained that Nigeria has the manpower to defeat terrorists if resources are properly allocated. “A large chunk of those who are supposed to secure Nigerians are securing VIPs. Many police officers are guarding banks. Banks should recruit their own security, but they are taking advantage of what is going on,” he said. “When proper deployment is done, we will be able to get rid of these things. We have what it takes, but we are not deploying it,” he added. However, the Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force has ordered all officers attached to VIPs and beats nationwide to return to their bases. This followed a directive issued on November 23 by President Bola Tinubu, who ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers assigned to VIP security across the country.

Pregnant Woman, Children, Others Feared Kidnapped in Fresh Kwara Attack

November 25, 2025 by admin

Barely one week after 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, were abducted and later released, another wave of terror has hit Kwara State, as at least 11 residents were reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening in Isapa, a neighbouring community in Ekiti Local Government Area. The PUNCH gathered that the latest attack occurred around 6pm when between 20 and 30 bandits stormed the quiet agrarian settlement with a large herd of cattle, shooting indiscriminately as residents fled for safety. Our correspondent gathered that the attackers moved through several parts of the town, firing shots into homes.q Bullet holes were reportedly found in walls, windows and wooden doors, confirming the intensity of the gunfire. A community leader, who spoke to PUNCH under strict anonymity, confirmed that 11 persons were abducted, with seven of them belonging to a single family. According to him, the kidnapped victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers and children. He listed the abductees as, Talatu Kabiru, six-year-old Magaji, Kande (5 years), 10-year-old Hadiza and Mariam, who is also 6 years old. Others are 5-year-old Saima, Habibat (housewife), Fatima Yusufu, 22-year-old pregnant woman identified as Sarah Sunday, Lami Fidelis and Haja Na Allah (nursing mother). “This is the worst attack we have seen in recent times, Seven members of the same family were taken. People are terrified. We don’t even know what to expect next. “People are now living in fear. This is too much. Eleven people just disappeared into the bush. We don’t know what tomorrow holds,” he said. A highly placed security official confirmed the incident to PUNCH on Tuesday, saying that operatives had already begun combing the forest linking Isapa, Eruku and other surrounding villages. “Yes, 11 people were abducted from what we have gathered. Our men are in that area now to ascertain the exact number and identify those responsible,” he said. He added that despite the presence of federal security reinforcements deployed after the Eruku church kidnapping, the vastness of the forest and the presence of multiple settlements make surveillance difficult. “Security agencies from Abuja are still around that axis, but you know that forest is vast. There are many villages around there, and it’s hard to be everywhere at the same time. But we are combing the area to rescue the victims,” he said. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was still verifying details and would provide an update later. As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the police or the state government. The attack has sparked fresh panic in Isapa, Eruku and neighbouring communities, with many residents expressing fear that bandits may be attempting to establish dominance in the area. Local vigilantes have intensified night patrols, while some religious centres have scaled back evening activities. The Isapa attack is the third major assault on Ekiti LGA communities in less than a month. Three weeks ago, 18 residents were kidnapped in Eruku but later rescued. Last week, 38 worshippers were abducted inside a church in Eruku during a thanksgiving service and were also later released.

Fear in Kwara: 3 Killed, 35 Abducted as State Closes Schools, Seeks Military Base

November 20, 2025 by admin

The Kwara State Government, on Wednesday, directed the closure of schools across four Local government areas amid escalating insecurity in the affected communities. The government’s decision was disclosed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kwara State Wing, on Wednesday. In a circular issued on Wednesday and obtained by The PUNCH, the NUT Chairman, Yusuf Agboola, announced the shutdown of schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs. Agboola explained that the union was acting strictly on instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development after the government raised concerns over fresh security threats in Kwara South. “Comrade chairmen, this is to inform you and through you, all schools in the above local governments of the instruction to close down all schools with immediate effect until further notice,” the circular read. “This decision was occasioned by the security challenges ravaging the area and the efforts of the government to control the situation. Treat this information as important and with the urgency it deserves, as it emanated from the ministry.” He assured school heads and teachers that further directives would be communicated as the situation evolves. On Wednesday, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, also announced plans to seek the establishment of a Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, following Tuesday night’s deadly bandit attack on a church in the community, which left three worshippers dead and over 35 abducted. The governor, who visited Eruku for an on-the-spot assessment, disclosed that he had spoken with the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the urgent security upgrade needed in the crisis-hit area. “We will speak with the GOC to see that we have a Forward Operating Base in Eruku to enhance security here and also talk to the Inspector General of Police about establishing a mobile squadron here,” Abdulrazaq said. “It is indeed unfortunate what happened yesterday despite all the effort we have been making. Our main purpose here is to commiserate with the people of the community. All the security agencies are on this. The President had to cancel his trip to the G-20 because of this incident and that of Kebbi State. So the President is aware and we are on top of the situation,” he added. Community recounts ordeal For many residents, the governor’s visit came after a harrowing night of fear, bloodshed, and unanswered pleas for help. One of the victims, Adesuyi Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were among those abducted, recounted the horror. “They took my wife and our granddaughter, who were in the church, along with about 30 other people. At first, we thought the gunshots were knockouts, but the sound changed. By the time we mobilised ourselves to confront the attackers, it was too late,” he said. He accused security agents, especially the police, of worsening the situation instead of assisting the community. “We have soldiers around this place. We also have a police station, but nothing was done throughout the attack. “When we were pursuing the bandits, the police started shooting from their gate. We thought it was the bandits again. When we got to the station, they tear-gassed us and allowed the attackers to escape,” he alleged. Another youth leader, Shola Peters, also accused the police of failing the community despite benefitting from local support. “These are the same police officers the town supported. We built houses for the DPO and the men. When we needed them most, they failed us. “Instead of joining us to pursue the bandits, they stopped us. The Inspector General needs to probe the Eruku division. All they do here is harass young boys and tag them as Yahoo boys or cultists. “We need the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General to come and probe the police. We don’t want them again. Let the government give us guns; we can protect ourselves.” He added that despite having only “a Dane gun and one pump-action,” the youths confronted the armed attackers. “Their firepower was too much. They came with AK-49 rifles and machine guns.” Speaking earlier with The PUNCH, the President Pastor of the attacked church, Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, said the congregation was holding a thanksgiving service for 18 kidnapped residents freed last week when the bandits struck. “We are doing Thanksgiving service for the 18 people who were kidnapped three weeks ago, and all of them were rescued. We were thanking God for their safe return, not knowing that danger was lurking around. “The incident happened unexpectedly and so fast. They came in and surrounded the church, shooting sporadically. Some who ran outside were shot from a tree, which one of the bandits climbed. “In the pandemonium, three people died on the spot, and about 35 church members were kidnapped. We need government assistance. This attack is the first of its kind in Kwara State in a church.” The Ekiti LGA Christian Association of Nigeria Coordinator, Pastor Kenneth Adigoke, expressed deep concern, warning that the attack could be interpreted as an assault on the Christian community. “This attack is just like a direct assault on the Christian community and the body of Christ. “Look at the situation that happened yesterday, they entered the church and killed three people on the spot, and kidnapped about 35. If they said there is genocide against the church or the Christian community, it can be justified. “People are not happy. We want the government to handle this insecurity issue dispassionately, and we believe that with prayers, the issue will be tackled.” Protesters block the highway. Earlier in the day, hundreds of angry youths barricaded the Ilorin–Kabba Expressway to protest what they described as “total abandonment” by security agencies during the attack. When The PUNCH visited around 1:30 pm, bonfires, stones, and logs blocked the highway, leaving dozens of trailers and commercial vehicles stranded. Residents insisted the attack lasted almost an hour without any intervention from security operatives reportedly … Read more

Ex-Presidential Chief of Staff Abdullahi Mohammed Dies at 86

November 5, 2025 by admin

Major General Abdullahi Mohammed (retd.), a former Chief of Staff to ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Yar’Adua, is dead. Mohammed, who hailed from Ilorin, Kwara State, reportedly died around 1 a.m. on Wednesday in Abuja at the age of 86. Family sources confirmed the development to The PUNCH in Ilorin, describing his passing as a huge loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the nation, and the military community. Born in 1939, the late General Mohammed attended the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom, and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1958. He rose through the ranks to become the Director of Military Intelligence and played a key role in the 1975 coup that toppled General Yakubu Gowon and brought General Murtala Mohammed to power. Following the change of government, Mohammed was appointed Governor of Benue-Plateau State, serving from July 1975 to March 1976. Under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military administration, he became the Director-General of the National Security Organisation (NSO)—the precursor to today’s Department of State Services (DSS)—a position he held until 1979. After his retirement that same year, he ventured into private business and became Managing Director of Atoto Press Limited, a notable printing company in Ilorin. In 1998, General Mohammed was recalled to public service as National Security Adviser to then Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a position he held until the transition to civilian rule in 1999. At the advent of the Fourth Republic, he was appointed Chief of Staff to President Olusegun Obasanjo, a role he retained under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua until his resignation in June 2008. Throughout his career, Mohammed was widely regarded as a disciplined officer, an influential administrator, and a silent power broker in Nigeria’s political and security landscape. Meanwhile, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has described the death of the retired General as a monumental loss to the Ilorin Emirate and Nigeria at large. In a condolence statement issued by union’s National Publicity Secretary, Nurudeen Ibrahim, on behalf of the National President, Alhaji Abdulmumini Abdullahi, the IEDPU said the death of the elder statesman was “even more painful at this critical time when the nation needs the wisdom of tested patriots to navigate its challenges.” The union praised the late Mohammed for his pioneering roles, noting that he was the first son of Ilorin to serve as a state governor and the first to attain the rank of a two-star General in the Nigerian Armed Forces. The statement added, “General Mohammed played critical roles in Nigeria’s history. He was a patriot who fought to keep the country united and later served as National Security Adviser and the first and longest-serving Chief of Staff to the President.” It further recalled that the late General supported the IEDPU for several years, including sponsoring the printing of its annual calendar free of charge. The IEDPU extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Abdulsalami Abubakar, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, over the passing of the distinguished Ilorin-born leader. Abdullahi prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Firdaus, while also praying for strength for his family and loved ones to bear the loss.

Niger Gov Donates N1m Each to Families of Tanker Explosion Victims

October 24, 2025 by admin

The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has announced a donation of ₦1 million to each family of the deceased victims and ₦500,000 to each of the injured survivors of the recent tanker explosion in Essa, Katcha Local Government Area. Bago made the announcement on Thursday during a condolence visit to the affected community, where he conducted an on-the-spot assessment and met with local leaders and residents. This is contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Thursday night. The tragic incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, when fire ignited and overpowered residents scooping petrol from a fallen tanker, along the Bida–Badegi–Agaie road. The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Authority, Abdullahi Arah, confirmed that the death toll from the petrol tanker explosion rose to 42. Arah, who spoke on ARISE News, attributed the tragic incident to the poor condition of the road and the high temperature in the area, which he said contributed to the ignition of the fire. “As of the last count, the total number of dead stands at 42, and the number of injured persons is 52,” Arah said. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the governor prayed for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment in hospitals in Bida and Abuja. He condemned the act of residents scooping fuel from fallen tankers, describing it as both dangerous and criminal. “We came to commiserate with them over loss of lives and to also talk to their conscience. “It is a terrible thing that a truck will fall and people of the community will carry containers to scoop fuel. It is theft and must be addressed as such, and we can’t encourage it,” he warned. Bago also “announced a donation of N1m to families of each of the deceased victims and N500,000 to each of the injured victims receiving treatment.” While acknowledging that poor road conditions contributed to the tragedy, he urged residents to act responsibly and assist in rescue efforts during such emergencies rather than endanger their lives. The governor also revealed that business mogul, Aliko Dangote, had pledged to repair the Mokwa–Lambata Road, with work expected to commence soon. “The state government will build a new primary healthcare center in Essa Community to cater for their health needs,” the statement added.

(PHOTOS): Nigerian Army Troops Of 2 Div Secure Release Of 9 Kidnapped Victims

October 14, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – THE Nigerian Army (NA) troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have continued to sustain operations against criminal elements operating within its Area of Responsibility (AOR). A press statement by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 2 Division Nigerian Army stated that, “During a night patrol along Egbe – Okuran in Kogi State, and Okoloke through Patigi in Kwara State, on 13 October, 2025, troops intercepted 9 kidnapped victims at Essalu community, in Yagba west LGA of Kogi State. Amongst the rescued victims are 4 males, and 5 females who were kidnapped from their community, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State on 24 September, 2025. On interrogation, the victims revealed that about 3 weeks ago, terrorists raided their village, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, and kidnapped several persons. It was also disclosed that the criminals rustled unconfirmed number of cattle. The milestone achievement was as a result of the continued extensive clearance operations by troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kogi and Kwara States. The victims further narrated that the bandits who took them suddenly became apprehensive, resulting from own troops sustained operations in the area.Consequently, they (terrorists) were compelled by circumstances to abandon them and flee. The intercepted kidnapped victims include; Mr Abdullahi Umar, aged 35, Mr Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa, aged 55, Mr Labaran Abubakar, aged 45, and Mr Umar Yanda, aged 30. Others are Mrs Hassana Muhammad, aged 25, Mrs Maryam Muhammad, aged 27, Mrs Aisha Idris, aged 20, and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, aged 12. They were administered first aid treatments and provided with food while the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division NA/Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, addressed the victims before they were handed to Patigi LGA authority to aid them reunite with their respective families. The GOC, further proceeded to Lata, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State where he applauded troops of both 12 and 22 Brigades for their continued synergy and collaboration towards achieving operational efficiency. The NA continues its campaign towards appealing to the general public to always avail troops with credible information that would aid in fighting insecurity and effectively securing lives and property of Nigerians.

Police Arrest 12 Suspected Robbers Linked to Arise TV Anchor’s Death

October 9, 2025 by admin

‎The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested 12 suspected armed robbers linked to the killing of an Arise News staff member, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a robbery attack in Abuja. ‎Arise TV, in a post on its website on Thursday, said the arrests followed an operation led by the Scorpion Squad under the FCT Command, based on intelligence provided by a forensics firm, Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC. ‎According to Arise, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, ordered a manhunt for the suspects after the September 29, 2025, attack at Unique Apartment in Gishiri Village, Katampe District, which occurred around 3:30 a.m. ‎The statement said operatives of the Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Godfrey, arrested the suspects following actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC. The suspects are: ‎Shamsudeen Hassan ‘m’ from Malumfashi LGA Katsina state Hassan Isah ‘m’, 22 years from Zaria kaduna State Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. abba ‘m’, 27 years from Musawa LGA katsina state Sani Sirajo a.k.a. dan borume ‘m’ 20 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. abba ‘m’ 28 years from Igabi LGA kaduna state Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. dan-sule ‘m’ 21 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state Abdul Salam saleh a.k.a. na-durudu ‘m’ from katsina lga katsina State Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. gwaska ‘m’ 23 years from chikun lga kaduna state Musa adamu a.k.a. musa hassan ‘m’ 30 years from malumfashi lga katsina state Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. baby ‘m’ 27 years from Sammaka LGA, Kaduna state Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. abbati ‘m’, 25 years from Zaria LGA, Kaduna state Musa Umar a.k.a. small ‘m’ 31 years from Maiduguri LGA Borno state. ‎ ‎ More details later….

Youths Beat Ondo Monarch, Wife, Son During Festival

October 3, 2025 by admin

Crisis erupted in Idogun community, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Friday as some irate youths allegedly beat up the town’s monarch, Oba Moses Bakare, his wife, and his son, identified as Victor. The incident, which occurred during the annual New Yam festival, left the monarch injured while his wife was reportedly beaten and stripped half-naked by the angry youths. Though the cause of the attack could not be immediately ascertained, a resident of the town, who pleaded anonymity for fear of reprisal, said some residents had long been at loggerheads with the monarch. The source stated, “The angry youths really assaulted the monarch and his wife and son. We don’t know what caused it but we know that some youths in the community don’t like the Oba; we don’t know why. “If not the swift intervention of security operatives, the matter would have degenerated to a full-blown crisis in the town.” Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said an investigation had commenced. “The case is under investigation and we are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served,” the PPRO stated. Punch