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Oriire Abduction: Army Explains GOC 2 Division’s Role in Dismantling Kidnappers’ Network, Freeing Victims

July 11, 2026 by admin

A total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by armed men in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after a month-long, intelligence-led joint security operation conducted across the Old Oyo National Park and other locations nationwide. The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed assailants attacked their school in Oriire Local Government, triggering widespread concern and prompting a coordinated rescue mission involving multiple security agencies. Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the successful rescue was achieved on July 10 through a carefully planned and executed operation led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife. According to the statement, the operation brought together personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and members of the Amotekun Corps. The military said the operation was intelligence-led and focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction, including its kingpins, logistics channels, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park forest and other locations. It disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, adding that the sustained pressure mounted on the criminal network disrupted its activities and ultimately compelled the abductors to release the victims unconditionally. “The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists’ kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest. “Multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and other locations across the country. These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement said. The Army noted that the rescue mission was meticulously planned to prevent collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of all the abducted pupils and teachers. It, however, disclosed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation, without providing further details. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families. The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction, support and resources that contributed to the success of the operation. He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their continued support and cooperation with security agencies throughout the rescue efforts. Major General Nnebeife further acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as heads of other participating security agencies for ensuring seamless coordination during the operation. The military also appreciated media organisations and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and confidence in the country’s security architecture, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities. The statement added that security agencies are continuing follow-up operations to eliminate the remaining members of the terrorist network behind the abduction completely.

Oyo Abduction Came Hours After My 2027 Presidential Declaration — Makinde

July 10, 2026 by admin

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area happened only a few hours after he publicly announced his intention to run for president in the 2027 election. Makinde made the remark while addressing a meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and leaders of the Allied Peoples Movement in Bauchi, recalling that Oyo had not recorded a similar incident during his seven years in office before the May 15 attack. “For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted,” Makinde said. Hours after Makinde’s remarks in Bauchi, the Presidency announced that all the victims had been rescued after spending 56 days in captivity. The Presidency said the victims were freed during a joint operation involving the military, the Department of State Services and the police, with eight suspected kidnappers arrested and others neutralised. The Presidency disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were apprehended and are being held by the Department of State Services (DSS), while several other suspects were neutralised during the security operation.

Zamfara Grants Female Civil Servants Six-Month Maternity Leave

July 10, 2026 by admin

The Zamfara State Government has approved a six-month maternity leave policy for female civil servants in a move aimed at encouraging exclusive breastfeeding and enhancing the health and well-being of both mothers and their children. The announcement was made on Thursday in Gusau by the State Head of Service, Yakubu Haidara, while receiving a delegation from the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN). According to Haidara, the approval reflects Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to tackling child malnutrition and improving nutrition outcomes for infants across the state. “I believe the governor’s approval is aimed at addressing malnutrition among children in the state,” he said. He explained that the extended maternity leave would allow mothers adequate time to recover after childbirth, reduce the risk of postpartum depression, support exclusive breastfeeding and strengthen the bond between mothers and their babies. “It provides essential time for physical recovery, prevents postpartum depression, facilitates exclusive breastfeeding and promotes vital emotional bonding,” Haidara said. The Head of Service noted that the state government and civil society organisations shared a common goal of protecting children and ensuring healthier future generations. He recalled that Governor Lawal approved N500 million in counterpart funding for nutrition programmes last year and expressed optimism that the administration would sustain or increase its investment in nutrition. “I believe this year also the governor will do the same or even more for nutrition activities in the state,” he said. Haidara also assured the delegation that the government would continue to collaborate with development partners and civil society organisations to combat child malnutrition. Earlier, the CS-SUNN State Coordinator, Kabiru Jangeru, described the governor’s approval as a significant milestone in efforts to improve maternal and child nutrition in Zamfara. He said the organisation, with support from UNICEF, had been advocating increased funding for nutrition programmes and the adoption of a six-month maternity leave policy to encourage exclusive breastfeeding. According to Jangeru, the approval aligns with global recommendations on infant feeding and is expected to contribute to better health outcomes for mothers and children in the state. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is recommended by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF as one of the most effective interventions for reducing infant mortality, improving child nutrition and supporting healthy growth and development. The policy is expected to provide working mothers with the time needed to exclusively breastfeed their babies while recovering from childbirth.

Hold Governors Accountable for Kidnappings – Bwala

July 9, 2026 by admin

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has said responsibility for kidnappings in states rests with governors and local government chairmen, insisting that the Federal Government should not be blamed for such incidents. Bwala said this on Wednesday during an appearance on The Morayo Podcast Show, where he was questioned on the Federal Government’s handling of the ongoing Oyo State school abduction and rising insecurity across the country. “Every kidnapping and abduction that takes place in any state of Nigeria, hold that governor responsible. All the kidnappings have taken place in local government,” he said. He specifically referenced the Save the School Initiative, a federal programme he said had provided states with funds for perimeter fencing and early warning systems in schools, and challenged Nigerians to query their governors on how the money was spent. “There was this thing called the Save the School Initiative, in which monies were given to states to create perimeter fencing, early warning signs and all of those checks in schools. Ask your governor where that money went to,” he said. Bwala also alleged that local governments across the country were not receiving funds directly meant for them, citing an example from Oyo State. “Every state in Nigeria, and in the local government, there is money that should have gone directly to that local government. I was in Oyo and I engaged with the Oyo State Government. In three local governments in Oyo, I said this local government has 600 million coming here every month, and that’s how it is across Nigeria,” he said. He argued that if such funds were released directly to local government chairmen, they could be used to improve maternal healthcare, basic education, local vigilante security and welfare support for the elderly. The presidential aide also faulted Nigerians for what he described as a culture of waiting passively for government intervention, urging citizens to take their own action in holding local governments to account. “It’s only in Nigeria that citizens wait for manna to come from heaven. In all other countries of the world, citizens take their destinies in their hands,” he said. He explained that under Nigeria’s current constitutional arrangement, the President does not have direct authority over governors, limiting what the Federal Government can do to compel state compliance. “The unfortunate part of the democracy we are practising today is that it does not place the President as a head boy or prefect of the governors. That’s why when Obasanjo was struggling with that, he had to go outside the Constitution to start impeaching governors and even holding monies destined for them. Asiwaju is a democrat; he will not do that. He can only urge them,” Bwala said. He instead urged Nigerians to hold town hall meetings at the local government level and involve the media to publicly demand accountability over unremitted funds. He added that sustained public pressure, rather than isolated complaints, was more likely to draw attention to the issue. Responding to a question from an audience member on the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, who have now spent over 50 days in captivity, Bwala said the Federal Government’s priority remained securing their safe release rather than a forceful rescue that could endanger their lives. “The number one responsibility of government in a hostage-taking situation is to rescue them and rescue them alive. If you use force carelessly, you may end up jeopardising the lives of the people that are kidnapped,” he said.

Bandits threatened to kill Oyo pupils if troops came closer — Defence Minister

July 9, 2026 by admin

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that the bandits who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State warned they would kill the victims if security operatives attempted to move closer to their hideout. Musa said this in a preview clip of an interview with News Central, shared on Wednesday ahead of its broadcast on the NC Exclusive programme on Friday. He explained that the kidnappers were using the children as leverage to secure the release of their commanders in military custody. “For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander. Shoot terrorists without delay, defence minister orders troops Don’t wait for order before shooting terrorists, Defence minister tells soldiers “And now they’re threatening when we wanted to take action against them that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids,” he said. The minister’s comments come nearly eight weeks after gunmen abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and two other schools in Esinle, in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state, on May 15. Speaking further on measures to curb banditry and kidnapping, Musa backed the death penalty for perpetrators, saying weak laws had emboldened criminals. “I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” he added.

Kwara Community Rejoices as Abducted Worshippers Return

July 8, 2026 by admin

Families and residents of the Omugo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have welcomed with joy the return of the three remaining members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Omugo, who regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity. The three women, including a hearing-impaired widow, were among eight worshippers abducted by suspected kidnappers who invaded the church during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026. While five of the victims reportedly died in captivity, the remaining three regained their freedom following a coordinated security offensive against suspected kidnappers operating in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border. In a statement issued on Tuesday, President of the Omugo Development Union, Oladimeji Thompson, described the return of the three women as a moment of “mixed emotions,” saying the community was celebrating their freedom while mourning those who lost their lives in captivity. He said, “With grateful hearts, we give all glory to Almighty God because the three remaining mothers in captivity have finally regained their freedom and have been reunited with their families. “Indeed, God has once again shown that He hears and answers the prayers of His people. To Him alone be all the glory.” Reflecting on the ordeal, Thompson recalled that the attack on the church remained one of the darkest moments in the history of Omugo, noting that the community endured 105 days of fear, anxiety and unceasing prayers while hoping for the safe return of the victims. “For 105 painful days, our community lived in fear, anxiety, uncertainty and unceasing prayers. Yet, we never gave up hope. We trusted in God, stood together as one people and believed that He would make a way where there seemed to be none,” he said. The community leader also paid tribute to the five worshippers who died in the kidnappers’ den, describing their deaths as a painful loss that would never be forgotten. “Even as we celebrate this joyful reunion, our hearts remain heavy with grief as we remember the five precious worshippers who lost their lives in the kidnappers’ den,” Thompson said. “On behalf of the Omugo Development Union, I extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, ECWA Church, Omugo, and the entire community. May the Almighty God comfort every grieving family and grant eternal rest to the souls of our departed brothers and sisters,” he added. Thompson commended security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, local vigilante groups and other security personnel for their roles in securing the victims’ release. “We sincerely appreciate the government at all levels, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Armed Forces, local vigilante groups, and all security personnel whose courage, professionalism and relentless efforts contributed to the successful rescue of the remaining captives,” he said. He also praised the Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of Omugo and the Council of Chiefs for providing leadership and encouragement throughout the period of uncertainty, while thanking sons and daughters of Omugo, both at home and in the diaspora, for their financial support, prayers and solidarity. Calling for sustained unity, Thompson urged displaced residents to return home, assuring them that adequate arrangements had been put in place to safeguard lives and property. “I also encourage you all to return home, as all arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of lives and property in our community,” he stated. Earlier, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, said the victims were released after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers during the coordinated security operation along the Kwara-Kogi border. “A fierce and coordinated operation by Kogi State Joint Security Forces, comprising the military, police, hunters and vigilante groups, has forced the release of many captives held in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border,” the group said. “The relieving news filtered in last night as freed victims began reuniting with their families,” it added. Also confirming the return of the ECWA worshippers, the pastor-in-charge of the church, Rev. Sunday Omole, said the church had received the three women and appealed for prayers for their recovery. “With great joy in my heart, I announce that we already received back three of the eight people kidnapped from ECWA Omugo this afternoon. Join us as we pray for their quick recovery in Jesus’ name, amen,” Omole said. Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and a text message sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

JUST IN: Tinubu Orders Investigations into Google, Meta, and X for Alleged Exploitation of News Content

July 6, 2026 by admin

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate major global technology companies and Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and unlawful exploitation of the content of Nigerian media organisations. The move followed a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation, an umbrella body comprising the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers. The directive, conveyed to the FCCPC through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, could open a new chapter in the relationship between global digital platforms and Nigeria’s media industry, which has for years complained about declining revenues and the increasing use of its content by technology companies without compensation. A statement issued on Monday by the Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the investigation would focus on allegations against major technology companies, including Meta, Alphabet, which owns Google, and X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as certain Generative AI platforms operating in Nigeria. The statement partly read, “Big technology companies have come under the radar of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission following allegations of anti-competitive practices, unlawful exploitation of news content, and other potentially unfair market conduct. “Also to be investigated are Generative Artificial Intelligence platforms operating in Nigeria. This is in sequel to a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to FCCPC to look into a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation.” I The media organisations alleged that the activities of the firms could be undermining fair competition, threatening the commercial viability of Nigerian media organisations and violating the legitimate rights of content creators and publishers. “The investigation promises to open a new vista in Nigeria’s media history. In recent years, concerns have been raised by the Nigerian media industry over the growing impact of certain digital platforms on the sustainability of the country’s news ecosystem. “Specifically, the NPO is increasinglyu uncomfortable with major technology companies including Meta, Alphabet, X (formerly Twitter), and certain Generative AI platforms, citing practices capable of undermining fair competition, the commercial viability of Nigerian media organisations, and the legitimate rights of content creators and publishers,” the statement added. The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said the commission would conduct an independent, transparent and evidence-based investigation into the allegations. “We recognise the strategic importance of the media to Nigeria’s democracy and the equally significant role of technology in driving innovation and economic growth. Our responsibility is to objectively determine the facts and ensure that competition within the digital ecosystem remains fair, transparent, and consistent with Nigerian law,” said Bello. Clarifying the issues, Bello added, “This inquiry is not directed at any entity by presumption of wrongdoing. Rather, it is an opportunity to carefully examine the facts, hear from all affected parties, and determine whether any conduct has resulted in anti-competitive outcomes or unfair business practices. Every party will be accorded a fair opportunity to present relevant information before any conclusions are reached.” In specific terms, FCCPC will determine whether the practices in question constitute a breach of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018 or any other applicable law. According to the commission, the investigation will determine whether the practices complained of constitute a violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, or any other applicable law. The FCCPC said the probe would focus on allegations of market dominance and possible anti-competitive conduct by global technology companies. Another major area of investigation is the alleged unauthorised extraction, scraping, ingestion and commercial utilisation of copyrighted news articles, broadcast materials and other original journalistic content for the development and training of Generative Artificial Intelligence models. The commission will also examine complaints by Nigerian publishers that they have been denied meaningful opportunities to negotiate fair compensation and appropriate commercial arrangements for the use of their journalistic content. The development comes amid growing global concerns over the relationship between media organisations andJUST IN: Tinubu Orders Inquiry into Google, Meta, and X for Alleged Exploitation of News Content technology companies that distribute and monetise news content. Several countries have in recent years introduced regulations compelling digital platforms to negotiate compensation agreements with publishers. In South Africa, sustained agitation by media organisations and investigations by the South African Competition Commission culminated in an agreement under which Google would pay South African news media R688m, equivalent to about $40m, annually for between three and five years. The outcome of the Nigerian investigation could have far-reaching implications for the future of journalism and digital regulation in the country. The probe also comes barely a year after the FCCPC secured a landmark judgment against Meta over alleged violations of Nigeria’s competition and consumer protection laws, including data privacy breaches. The commission imposed a $220m penalty on the technology giant, although the company has appealed the decision. The latest investigation signals the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that global technology firms operating in Nigeria comply with local laws and that Nigerian publishers receive fair value for the content that sustains the digital information ecosystem.

Tony Elumelu to Step Down as UBA Chairman, Successor Named

July 6, 2026 by admin

United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) has announced that its Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, will retire from the bank’s Board of Directors effective August 21, 2026, marking the end of his tenure as chairman. “Under his chairmanship, UBA deepened its pan-African expansion strategy and now operates in 20 African countries, alongside operations in four global financial centres. “The bank currently serves more than 50 million customers across its network. His retirement comes as Nigerian banks continue to align with the CBN’s corporate governance guidelines, which impose a maximum tenure of 12 years for non-executive directors to strengthen board independence and governance standards.” Reacting, Elumelu on his Facebook acknowledged his years of service as the chairman of an “African institution that can compete globally, while being deeply committed to our continent’s development.” In the post titled, “Celebrating an African Institution: My Farewell from UBA,” he said, “I have never been able to look at Africa and see only borders. Where many see fifty-four separate markets, I saw one continent, one destiny — waiting to be transformed, waiting to be believed in. “Africa does not have a shortage of brilliant women and men. Africa suffers a shortage of institutions that outlast brilliant women and men. Today is a day of huge excitement – of potential delivered and continued opportunity. Leadership is not about holding onto a position, but knowing when an institution is ready for the next chapter. “I conclude my tenure as Chairman of the Group Board of United Bank for Africa (UBA) on August 21, 2026, after twelve years and decades of association with this extraordinary institution, with profound gratitude, immense pride, and most importantly – great optimism for the future.” He maintained that his objective of building the bank was to connect Africa to itself and the world and to build something that would outlive individuals. Elumelu continued, “Today, that vision is reality. UBA Group serves over 50 million customers, operates across 20 African countries and four continents, supports trade and investment, and demonstrates that an African institution can compete globally, while being deeply committed to our continent’s development. “This success belongs to generations of dedicated colleagues, exceptional management, visionary directors, loyal customers, supportive regulators, committed shareholders, and partners who believed in our shared purpose.” He further welcomed his successor, Nnorom, to lead the bank, stressing that he believed in his experience, leadership, and deep understanding of the bank, while urging shareholders, customers, partners, and the entire UBA family to extend to him the same trust and support they have entrusted him with over the years. The bank disclosed this on Monday during its board meeting, asserting that the process was necessary after the completion of the maximum 12-year tenure for non-executive directors prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The financial institution also named a current non-executive director on the board, Emmanuel Nnorom, as its incoming group chairman, whose appointment will take effect on the same day Elumelu retires. In a statement released shortly after the meeting, the bank said, “The Board places on record its profound appreciation to Elumelu for his visionary leadership and exceptional contribution to the strategic vision and institutional strength of the UBA Group.

COURT GRANTS SOWORE BAIL, GIVES FRESH TERM

June 30, 2026 by admin

A Federal Judge has set aside an arrest warrant against activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, and granted him bail after revoking an earlier one for failing to show up in his ongoing trial. An earlier bail granted Sowore was revoked and a warrant for his arrest ordered by the court for failing to show up for his trial on June 16. Sowore who is on trial for allegedly defaming Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu was admitted to bail in the sum of 200 Million Naira along with two sureties. One of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from his community Kiribo, a town in the Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. The trial judge, Mohammed Umar, ruled that the second defendant must be a resident of Abuja and an owner of a landed property. The court also ordered the prosecution to verify the sureties. Lastly, Justice Umar ordered the defendant to deposit his passport with the court. The court expressed satisfaction with the defendant’s ‘readiness in the case.’ He adds that Sowore did not wait till he was arrested. The judge expressed satisfaction that the defendant readily makes himself available for trial. ’He came to court to face his trial,’ the judge said. ‘This shows that he is set to face his trial with all seriousness,’ the judge further added. On the aspect of the defendant’s passport, his counsel, Raphael Adakole, said it is presently at the United States Embassy in Lagos and would need to be there in person to get it. The lawyer thereby made an undertaking assuring that their client would be their responsibility. He assures that Sowore would be present to face trial. Adakole said meeting that request was crucial as it is part of the terms of bail handed down by the court. Following this request, the trial judge gave a ruling handing the defendant over to his legal team headed by Senior Advocate Adeyinka Fusika. The judge adjourned the case till July 6 for Sowore to open his defense.

Oyo State Govt Declares 16-hour Curfew In 10 Local Government Area

June 23, 2026 by admin

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has approved the declaration of a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of the state. According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, the curfew takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The curfew, which is between 4PM and 8 AM, and lasts for 48 hours in the first instance, affects local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. The affected local government areas are: 1. Oriire (Headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile) 2. Orelope (Headquarters: Igboho) 3. Irepo (Headquarters: Kisi) 4. Saki West (Headquarters: Saki) 5. Saki East (Headquarters: Ago-Amodu) 6. Atisbo (Headquarters: Tede / Ago-Are) 7. Itesiwaju (Headquarters: Otu) 8. Iseyin (Headquarters: Iseyin) 9. Olorunsogo (Headquarters: Igbeti) 10. Atiba (Headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo )