Welcome

Tag: Insecurity

  • DHQ Denies Existence of Terrorist Base in South-West Amid Oyo School Abduction

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting the existence of a terrorist base in the South-West, insisting that ongoing military operations are targeted at rescuing abducted victims and tracking criminal elements behind recent attacks in Oyo State.

    The clarification was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja.

    DHQ reacts to Oyo school attack

    Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had sympathised with the government and people of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

    He condemned the attack on the affected schools, describing the abduction of innocent children and education workers as criminal and unacceptable.

    According to him, the Armed Forces have already deployed personnel and operational resources to ensure the victims are rescued safely.

    “The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe return of all abducted victims,” he said.

    “No terrorist base in South-West”

    The defence spokesman maintained that intelligence available to security agencies does not support claims of an organised terrorist structure operating in the South-West region.

    According to him, previous clearance operations carried out within the Old Oyo National Park had already neutralised criminal elements operating around the area.

    “The incident in Oyo State remains an isolated criminal act and does not indicate the presence of an entrenched insurgent structure in the region,” Onoja stated.

    He warned against spreading narratives capable of creating panic or emboldening criminal groups.

    Troops tracking abductors

    Onoja further disclosed that troops had established contact with the abductors and were currently sustaining pursuit operations across forest routes linked to the attack.

    He said joint operations involving other security agencies and local vigilante groups were ongoing to flush out criminal elements and restore normalcy in affected communities.

    The military also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to aid rescue operations.

    “The Armed Forces will not relent until all abducted victims are rescued and those responsible are brought to justice,” he added.

  • DHQ: Nigerian, US Forces Kill 175 ISIS Militants in Major North-East Offensive

    The Defence Headquarters has announced that no fewer than 175 ISIS militants have been killed in ongoing joint counterterrorism operations involving Nigerian troops and the United States Africa Command in the North-East.

    The military said the coordinated offensive has significantly weakened the terrorist group’s operations across the region.

    Joint Air and Ground Strikes Intensify

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed that the operations began a few days ago and involved coordinated air and ground assaults on ISIS strongholds.

    According to him, the strikes destroyed multiple checkpoints, logistics hubs, weapons storage facilities, financial networks and operational equipment used by the terrorists.

    He described the operation as a “devastating blow” to ISIS activities in the region.

    Top ISIS Commanders Neutralised

    The Defence Headquarters also confirmed the killing of several senior ISIS commanders during the operation.

    Among those neutralised was Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by the military as one of the group’s most important global operatives.

    Uba said al-Minuki played a major role in terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics coordination and planning attacks against civilians.

    His death, according to the military, has severely disrupted the operational structure and coordination of the extremist network.

    Other Key Terror Figures Killed

    The military further identified other senior figures killed in the offensive, including Abd-al Wahhab, said to be an ISWAP commander linked to attacks and propaganda operations.

    Also killed were Abu Musa al-Mangawi and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, who was reportedly involved in ISIS media production activities.

    Military Vows Continued Offensive

    The Defence Headquarters said the latest success reflects the sustained efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces and international allies in dismantling terrorist networks operating within the country.

    Uba assured Nigerians that operations would continue until all extremist threats are neutralised.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with international partners, will continue to hunt down and destroy terrorists wherever they operate,” he stated.

  • 12-Year-Old Survivor Recounts Horror as Teacher ‘Ran Away’ During Oyo School Terror Attack

    A 12-year-old survivor of the recent terrorist attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has narrated how her teacher allegedly fled for safety immediately gunmen invaded their classroom, forcing terrified pupils to jump through windows and hide inside the bush for hours.

    The survivor, identified as Aminah, spoke during an interview with SaharaReporters as fresh details continue to emerge from the coordinated attack that left several pupils, students and teachers missing.

    “We Jumped Through The Window”

    Narrating the incident in Yoruba, the visibly traumatised schoolgirl said lessons were ongoing when gunshots suddenly erupted outside the classroom.

    “We were in the classroom while a teacher was teaching us when we suddenly heard gunshots from outside,” Aminah said.

    “The teacher was the first to run away, leaving us alone. We all had to jump through the window and run into the bush to save ourselves.”

    She explained that many of the pupils remained hidden inside the forest for several hours out of fear, only coming out later in the evening after hearing the voices of residents searching for survivors.

    “We remained in the bush until evening before we started hearing people shouting. That was when all of us began coming out from the places where we had hidden,” she added.

    “The people who took us home were residents of the communities as well.”

    Teacher Beheaded After Abduction

    The attack happened on May 16 when armed bandits stormed multiple schools in the Ahoro-Esiele community during school hours.

    Among those abducted were pupils, students, teachers and the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu. Two persons were also reportedly killed during the invasion.

    Days after the abduction, a disturbing viral video surfaced online showing one of the kidnapped teachers being beheaded by the attackers.

    The victim was later identified as Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher.

    32 Victims Still Missing

    The Oyo State Police Command later confirmed that at least 32 victims abducted during the attacks are still missing.

    Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Oluyinka Ayanlade, disclosed that seven secondary school students, 18 primary school pupils and seven teachers remain unaccounted for.

    According to him, the victims were abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

    “Seven students, 18 pupils, and seven teachers are still missing,” Ayanlade said.

    Makinde Speaks On Surveillance Aircraft

    Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said surveillance aircraft acquired by the state government to strengthen security operations have already arrived in Nigeria.

    Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the governor disclosed that the aircraft are currently being assembled at a Nigerian Air Force facility in Lagos before deployment.

    “The surveillance aircraft have arrived in the country,” Makinde said.

    “As of today, they are at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos, where they are being assembled.”

    He added that the aircraft would help improve intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance to combat kidnapping and violent attacks across the state.

  • Oyo Police Clarify Ogbomoso Panic Was False Alarm, Warn Against Fake Bandit Rumours

    The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports of a bandit attack in Ogbomoso and Ajaawa, describing the widespread panic on Tuesday as a false alarm triggered by misinformation circulating within affected communities.

    The Command said normalcy has since been restored, while reassuring residents that there was no security breach in the area as earlier feared.

    Police Deploy Operatives After Panic Spreads

    According to the statement issued on May 19, 2026, panic broke out in parts of Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, including Ajaawa Town, after rumours alleged that armed bandits had invaded the area near Are-Ago High School.

    The police said surveillance and patrol teams were immediately deployed to verify the claims and prevent breakdown of law and order.

    Upon arrival, officers engaged school authorities, including the principal, Mrs. Akanbi Ruth, who explained that the alarm started from students who reported sighting unfamiliar individuals near the school fence.

    NSCDC Officer, Civilians Cleared After Verification

    The Command disclosed that preliminary investigations identified the individuals at the centre of the panic as an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps attached to the Kwara State Command, alongside two civilians.

    They were found in a Toyota Venza SUV and reportedly explained that they were in the area for a birthday visit.

    Security authorities in Ogbomoso were contacted to confirm the identity and status of the NSCDC officer involved.

    Altercation and Rumour Spread Trigger Escalation

    The police noted that an altercation between some teachers and the visitors further escalated suspicion within the school environment.

    This, according to the Command, led to students spreading unverified claims to nearby schools and communities, which quickly intensified panic across Ogbomoso and Ajaawa before facts were established.

    Police Warn Against Fake News

    The Command firmly stated that there was no bandit attack or invasion in the affected areas, stressing that the situation was fully contained.

    It added that patrols have been intensified and stakeholders engaged to reassure residents and maintain calm.

    The police also warned against the spread of fake news and unverified security reports, noting that such misinformation can trigger unnecessary fear and disrupt public order.

    It cautioned that individuals found guilty of spreading false security information will be investigated and prosecuted.

  • Nigerian Army to Recruit 28,000 New Troops as Tinubu Orders Major Security Expansion

    The Nigerian Army has announced plans to recruit and train an additional 28,000 troops as part of a wide-ranging expansion aimed at strengthening national security amid rising threats across the country.

    The announcement was made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, during the opening of the First Bi-Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja, where he outlined new strategies to boost military manpower and operational capacity.

    Mass Recruitment Drive Announced

    According to the Army leadership, the recruitment is part of directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address manpower gaps within the armed forces.

    The move is expected to significantly boost “boots on the ground” across various theatres of operation, including insurgency-hit regions in the North-East and banditry-prone North-West.

    The Army said the new personnel will be trained to support intelligence-led operations and rapid response missions across the country.

    New Military Formations Across States

    Alongside the recruitment plan, the Nigerian Army has established several new formations to strengthen security coverage nationwide.

    These include the 15 Brigade in parts of the South-East, new battalions in Kogi and Adamawa States, as well as logistics bases in Ilorin, Kwara State and Gusau, Zamfara State.

    A new training depot has also been set up in Amasiri, Ebonyi State, which will serve as a key centre for training the incoming recruits.

    Security Strategy and Government Push

    Military authorities say the expansion is aimed at improving coordination, enhancing intelligence gathering, and increasing response speed to emerging threats across different regions.

    Lt. Gen. Shuaibu commended President Tinubu for continued support in equipment procurement, welfare improvements, and infrastructure upgrades within the Army.

    He also noted that the restructuring has already contributed to improved operational outcomes in some volatile areas.

    Concerns Over Implementation

    While the development has been welcomed by some security analysts and stakeholders, concerns remain over training capacity, troop welfare, and the challenges of integrating such a large number of recruits within a short timeframe.

    There are also ongoing discussions around casualties and long-term sustainability of military operations amid widespread insecurity.

    Further details on recruitment requirements, timelines, and application processes are expected to be released by the Nigerian Army in the coming weeks.

     

  • Family Of Killed Oyo Teacher Begs Nigerians To Stop Sharing Graphic Videos

    The family of murdered Oyo school teacher, Michael Oyedokun, has appealed to Nigerians and media platforms to stop circulating graphic videos and photos of his killing online.

    The appeal followed the tragic attack carried out by bandits in Aholo-Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where pupils, students, and school staff were abducted from multiple schools last Friday.

    Family Speaks Out

    A family member, Adesewa Oladosu, made the emotional appeal in a Facebook post on Tuesday, saying the repeated circulation of the disturbing content has worsened the pain of the family.

    “Hello everyone, please we sincerely appeal to the public and media platforms to kindly reduce or stop sharing the graphic videos and pictures of our beloved uncle,” she wrote.

    She explained that the videos and images have continued to traumatise the family, especially the late teacher’s children who are currently sitting for their WAEC examinations.

    “We truly appreciate the love, concern, and sympathy shown towards our family during this painful time,” she added.

    “However, the continuous circulation of those videos and images is deeply traumatizing for us as a family.”

    Children Writing WAEC Exams

    According to her, the emotional toll has been overwhelming for the deceased’s children, elderly relatives, and extended family members.

    “His children are currently writing their WAEC exams, and it has been extremely difficult emotionally for them, his elderly loved ones, and all of us his nieces, nephews, cousins, and relatives especially as these contents keep appearing on social media,” she stated.

    The family urged Nigerians to use blurred images or officially released family photos whenever discussing the incident online.

    “For the sake of our mental and emotional wellbeing, we humbly ask that if it is necessary to post about the incident, please kindly blur the videos/images or make use of the pictures officially released by the family instead,” she appealed.

    “We sincerely appreciate your understanding, prayers, love, and support during this difficult period. Thank you.”

    Attack Sparks Outrage

    Mr Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded in a video allegedly released by the kidnappers on Sunday, May 17, a development that has triggered outrage and grief across Nigeria.

    The attack in Oyo State has also intensified concerns over insecurity affecting schools and rural communities, with teachers and residents demanding urgent government intervention.

  • Panic In Oyo As Parents Storm School, Withdraw Children Over Fresh Bandit Rumours

    Fear and confusion erupted in a community in Oyo State on Tuesday after anxious parents reportedly stormed a primary school and forcefully withdrew their children over rumours of a fresh bandit attack around the Ajawa axis.

    The incident reportedly happened at Ijeru Baptist Basic School I and III following claims circulating within the area that armed bandits had invaded nearby communities.

    Parents Force School Gates Open

    Photos and videos seen online captured chaotic scenes as worried parents rushed into the school premises, forced the gates open and hurriedly took their children away amid panic.

    According to SaharaReporters, the situation caused tension among teachers, pupils and residents within the area.

    A community source said the panic was triggered by unverified reports linking violence in nearby communities to suspected bandit activities.

    “The parents stormed the school, forced the gate open, and began taking their children away by force,” the source said.

    Teachers Attempted To Calm Situation

    The source explained that school authorities repeatedly assured parents that there was no confirmed bandit invasion around the school environment.

    “The information they heard was that bandits were around Ajawa, which is not true,” the source added.

    Teachers were also said to have contacted security operatives within the district in a bid to calm the growing panic.

    “The teachers came out saying they had contacted the police command within that district that they were told the violence had to do with a fight between Fulani people and the farmers there,” the source stated.

    Fresh Fear After Oyo School Abduction

    The latest scare comes days after terrorists attacked schools in the Ogbomoso axis of Oyo State, killing and abducting teachers and students.

    Two teachers have already been confirmed dead, while videos showing one of the abducted school principals pleading for government intervention surfaced online.

    Authorities are yet to officially comment on Tuesday’s panic at the school as tension continues to grow among residents and parents across affected communities in Oyo State.

  • Full List Of 46 Abducted Teachers, Pupils And Toddler In Oyo School Attack

    A 2-year-old toddler, Christianah Akanbi, is among 46 persons abducted during a coordinated attack on schools and surrounding communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday.

    Community leaders confirmed that the victims include seven teachers and 39 pupils and students abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

    The attackers were also said to have carted away four motorcycles belonging to villagers during the operation.

    Below is the full list of abducted teachers, pupils and residents as released by community leaders.

    Abducted Teachers

    1. Mrs. Alamu Folawe – Principal, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele
    2. Mr. Ojo Jonathan – Vice Principal
    3. Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus – Teacher
    4. Mr. John Olaleye – Teacher
    5. Mr. Michael Oyedokun – Teacher
    6. Mrs. Oladeji – Teacher
    7. Mary Akanbi – Teacher, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School

    Victims From Ahoro-Esinele Community

    1. Rashida Tajudeen – 11 years
    2. Ahmed Ramoni – 8 years
    3. Abdulsalam Toyib – 4 years
    4. Baraka Abioye – 16 years
    5. Fatimo Jimoh – 15 years
    6. Hassan Azeez – 14 years
    7. Joshua Adeleke – 13 years

    Victims From Yawota Community

    1. Samuel Oyedele – 7 years
    2. Emmanuel Oyedele – 4 years
    3. Idowu Taiwo – 4 years
    4. Christianah Akanbi – 2 years
    5. Juwon Sunday – 7 years
    6. Sikiru Salami – 3 years
    7. Soliu Salami – 4 years
    8. Ojo Joseph – 8 years
    9. Lydia Adewole – 8 years
    10. Testimony Jacob – 5 years
    11. Kehinde Kaosara – 7 years
    12. Sewa Seyi – 7 years
    13. Waliya Bello – 4 years
    14. Lydia Olohunloluwa – 7 years
    15. Damilare Oderinde – 8 years
    16. Deborah Adebowale – 5 years
    17. Aisha Oguntowo – 10 years
    18. Lege Taiwo – 12 years
    19. Balkis Ayanwale – 8 years
    20. Asa David – 10 years

    Victims From Oniya Community

    1. Shuaibu Aliyu – 10 years
    2. Ahmed Aliyu – 7 years
    3. Muiz Aliyu – 5 years
    4. Jomiloju Ogunlola – 6 years

    Victims From Alawusa Community

    1. Agune Noah – 8 years
    2. Elizabeth Abadi – 5 years
    3. Tosin Abadi – 9 years
    4. Pius Stephen – 5 years
    5. Hannah Ojo – 14 years
    6. Habidat Ayanwale – 7 years
    7. Mary Gabriel – 6 years
    8. Jacob Gabriel – age not specified

    Following the attack, teachers in the affected communities have suspended work, calling on the federal government and Oyo State Government to urgently secure the release of the abducted victims.

  • Oyo Police Arrest Six Suspects Over Abduction, Killing of Teachers and Pupils in Ahoro-Esiele

    The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of six suspects in connection with the deadly attack on schools in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, where pupils were abducted and two teachers alongside an okada rider were killed.

    The development comes days after the violent assault on the community, which has continued to spark fear and outrage across Oyo State and neighbouring areas.

    Suspects Allegedly Acted As Informants

    According to the police, the arrested suspects are believed to have played supporting roles as informants to the abductors before, during and after the attack.

    Investigators said early findings showed that some of the suspects were in direct communication with the attackers during the operation.

    The police explained that telephone records and conversations allegedly exchanged between the suspects and the abductors helped advance the investigation.

    Phone Records Led To Breakthrough

    State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the breakthrough came after security operatives traced communications linked to the attack.

    He said the intercepted calls contained information that allegedly helped the attackers navigate through routes within the National Park and locate safe hideouts.

    “Our findings showed that some of the suspects were in contact with the abductors through telephone conversations,” Ayanlade said.

    He added that the communications are currently being analysed to determine the level of involvement of each suspect and identify others still at large.

    Joint Security Operation Ongoing

    The police disclosed that the arrests were carried out through coordinated operations involving the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, NSCDC, and Agro Rangers.

    According to the command, the joint operation is part of wider efforts to dismantle the criminal network behind the attack and rescue remaining victims.

    Authorities assured that efforts were ongoing to track down fleeing members of the syndicate.

    “We are committed to ensuring that every individual connected to this criminal act is identified, arrested and brought to justice,” the police spokesman added.

    Tension Remains In Oriire Communities

    The attack on Ahoro-Esiele has left residents in fear, especially after reports of killings and abductions involving schoolchildren and teachers.

    Security agencies say investigations are still ongoing as pressure mounts for the safe rescue of all victims and full exposure of those behind the incident.

  • Rufai Oseni Cries Out Over Killing Of Oyo Teachers, Says Nigeria Is Losing Respect For Education

    Media personality and broadcaster, Rufai Oseni, has condemned the reported killing of teachers abducted during the recent school attacks in Oyo State, describing the development as a dangerous reflection of how little value is now placed on education and teachers in Nigeria.

    The broadcaster reacted amid growing outrage over the abduction of students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    Rufai Oseni Condemns Silence Over Teachers’ Killing

    Speaking  on the incident, Rufai Oseni expressed concern over what he described as the silence and lack of national outrage following the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers.

    According to him, teachers remain critical to the growth and future of every society and should never become victims of violence without public resistance and demands for justice.

    “Teachers were beheaded in Oyo State and we’re quiet about it. Do you know the role of a teacher in the life of a country? There’s nothing a country can become without a teacher,” he said.

    He further lamented that the country appeared to be losing its sense of urgency and empathy whenever educators become victims of insecurity.

    “But we have become a country where teachers are beheaded and we are quiet. A country that does not cry and seek justice,” he added.

    Attack On Oyo Schools Sparks Nationwide Concern

    The comments follow the recent attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly abducted dozens of pupils, students and teachers.

    Reports later emerged that one of the abducted teachers, identified as Mr Michael Oyedokun, was allegedly killed while in captivity.

    The incident has triggered protests among teachers in Ogbomoso and renewed conversations about insecurity in schools across Nigeria.

    Calls For Justice And Protection

    Rufai Oseni stressed that the killing of teachers should concern every Nigerian, noting that educators shape generations and contribute directly to national development.

    “That teacher could have been your brother, your sister, or your everything. Just imagine how a person that loved that teacher the most would feel,” he said.

    The Oyo State government and security agencies have continued rescue efforts for the remaining abducted victims, while residents and education stakeholders demand stronger security measures for schools.