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  • Tinubu Vows Rescue of Abducted Oyo School Victims, Condemns Killing of Teacher as “Barbaric”

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that all victims abducted during the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State will be rescued, while strongly condemning the reported killing of one of the kidnapped teachers.

    The attack, which occurred last Friday, saw armed bandits storm Esiele community and abduct students, pupils and school staff from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

    Tinubu Condemns Attack, Describes It As Barbaric

    In a statement issued by the State House and signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as barbaric and extended condolences to the families of the victims and the Oyo State Government.

    “President Bola Tinubu has condemned as barbaric the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers from the Esiele community in Oyo State, while the rescue operation is underway,” the statement read.

    The Presidency confirmed that security agencies have already been deployed to track down the attackers and secure the release of all abducted victims.

    Security Forces Intensify Rescue Operations

    According to the statement, security operatives are currently conducting coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the victims and arresting those responsible for the attack.

    The Presidency said the operation is being led through intelligence-driven efforts involving multiple security agencies working across affected areas.

    “The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims. Security operatives are working around the clock,” the statement added.

    Tinubu also praised the rapid response of the Inspector-General of Police and commissioners in Oyo and Kwara States, noting that tactical and intelligence teams have been deployed to the region.

    President Calls For State Police Reform

    The President used the opportunity to renew calls for the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step to strengthen security in underserved communities.

    He urged the National Assembly to speed up legislative processes on the matter, linking it to rising cases of kidnapping and rural insecurity.

    “The National Assembly should accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police,” Tinubu stated.

    He further assured that he is closely monitoring the situation and expects a breakthrough in the ongoing rescue operation.

  • Wedding Turns To Mourning As Soldier Dies Weeks Before Marriage In Sokoto Ambush

    Family members, friends, and colleagues have been thrown into mourning following the reported death of Nigerian military officer, Lieutenant Abdullahi Isma’il Chafe, after an alleged ambush on military personnel in Sokoto State.

    The tragic incident was said to have occurred just weeks before the officer’s wedding ceremony scheduled for June 13, 2026, turning what was meant to be a joyful period into grief for his loved ones.

    Wedding Plans Cut Short By Tragedy

    Reports circulating online claimed the late officer lost his life during an ambush involving Nigerian military personnel in Sokoto.

    The heartbreaking development sparked emotional reactions across social media, especially after a wedding invitation card allegedly belonging to the deceased officer surfaced online.

    A family member of the bride, identified as @aeesha_bagudu on X, confirmed the incident while mourning the loss of her cousin’s fiancé.

    “There was an ambush on the Nigerian military late yesterday night in Sokoto and my cousin whose wedding was a few weeks from today lost her fiancée. Officers lost their lives and there’s nothing about it online,” she wrote.

    Tributes Pour In Online

    Several Nigerians took to social media to mourn the officer while sympathising with his family and colleagues.

    A user identified as @BAface369 wrote, “We lost colleague Chafe yesterday in a war zone ambush. He was young, promising, and devoted to his duty and faith. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him mercy, and admit him to Jannah.”

    Another user, @TobechiOgazi, described the situation as one of the painful realities of insecurity in Nigeria.

    “This is one of the saddest parts of insecurity in Nigeria. Families lose fathers, sons, fiancés, and brothers, then the news disappears almost immediately like those lives never mattered,” the post read.

    Others also shared similar experiences involving security personnel allegedly killed during operations without widespread public attention.

    Fresh Concerns Over Security Challenges

    The incident has once again triggered conversations about the dangers faced daily by Nigerian security operatives amid ongoing insecurity across different parts of the country.

    Many Nigerians described the development as heartbreaking, especially considering the officer was preparing for his wedding before the reported attack.

    As condolences continue to pour in, several social media users have called for improved welfare and security measures for military personnel risking their lives in service to the nation.

  • Ogbomoso Teachers Protest Abduction, Killing of Colleagues as Security Fears Escalate in Oyo

    Angry teachers in Oyo State have taken to the streets in Ogbomoso in protest over the abduction and killing of their colleagues following a deadly attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele community.

    The protest comes amid rising tension in the state after terrorists reportedly abducted more than 45 students and several teachers, including school principals, during coordinated attacks on educational facilities.

    Teachers demand urgent government action

    In a viral video from the protest, one of the teachers expressed fear over the increasing insecurity, warning that schools could become repeated targets if urgent action is not taken.

    “We don’t know the next target, security is a right, please protect us,” she said.

    The protesting teachers called on the government to immediately strengthen security around schools and ensure the rescue of abducted colleagues and students.

    They also urged teachers across the state to consider withdrawing their services until concrete steps are taken to guarantee safety in schools.

    Attack leaves community in shock

    The attack reportedly occurred between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. last Friday at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, where armed men stormed the premises and whisked away students and staff.

    Among those abducted was the school principal, Rachael Alamu, alongside several teachers and students whose total number is still being confirmed by authorities.

    A resident described how the attackers invaded the school before escaping with victims into surrounding forest areas.

    Killed teacher sparks outrage

    Tension further escalated after reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, was killed in captivity, with disturbing videos reportedly circulating online.

    The incident has deepened fears among residents and intensified calls for stronger security intervention in rural school communities.

    Government urged to act swiftly

    The protesting teachers appealed directly to Governor Seyi Makinde and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging immediate rescue efforts and improved protection for schools.

    They warned that continued attacks on teachers and students threaten the foundation of education in the state, stressing that schools must no longer remain vulnerable.

    As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have yet to issue a fresh update on the ongoing rescue operations.

  • Makinde Confirms Abducted Oyo Teacher Killed by Terrorists After School Attack

    Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed that one of the teachers abducted during the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has been killed by terrorists.

    Makinde made the disclosure during a press briefing on the school abduction incident, days after armed men invaded schools in Ahoro-Esinele community and kidnapped dozens of teachers and pupils.

    Makinde confirms teacher’s death

    According to the governor, intelligence reports available to the state government showed that seven teachers were abducted during the attack.

    He added that one of the victims, identified as a mathematics teacher, was killed after a disturbing video surfaced online.

    “What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. And unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand the maths teacher, was killed by the terrorists this morning. Of course our prayers are with the family,” Makinde said.

    RNN had earlier reported that a viral video allegedly showed Mr. Oyedekun being beheaded while in captivity.

    Government adopts new rescue strategies

    The governor stated that the state government had begun combining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address the crisis and secure the release of the remaining victims.

    He revealed that consultations were ongoing with community leaders, security agencies and religious organisations, including the Baptist Convention whose school was affected during the attack.

    According to Makinde, the situation remains difficult and sensitive, stressing that authorities are doing everything possible to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers safely.

    “We have decided that we will adopt not just the kinetic approach. There has been a lot of threats… I want to appeal. We have not taken this lightly,” he said.

    Makinde appeals for calm

    The governor appealed to residents of the affected communities and the people of Oyo State to cooperate with security agencies and support rescue efforts.

    He insisted that the priority of government remained the safe return of the remaining abducted victims.

    “I want to appeal that we do everything within our power to ensure that this is resolved quickly and we bring our children back safely. But it is a very difficult and challenging situation,” he added.

    Makinde also announced that the state government would commence daily press briefings to keep the public updated on developments surrounding the rescue operations.

  • Tension in Oyo as Abducted Teacher Reportedly Killed by Kidnappers

    There is growing tension in Oyo State following reports that one of the teachers abducted during the recent attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinele community has allegedly been killed by kidnappers.

    According to a video circulating online, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers earlier declared missing after the attack, was reportedly murdered while in captivity.

    Fresh fear after school attack

    The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School on Friday after armed men reportedly stormed the communities on motorcycles.

    Community sources disclosed that about 46 persons, including teachers, students and pupils, were abducted during the invasion.

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

    List of abducted teachers

    Among the teachers earlier reported missing were Mrs. Alamu Folawe, Principal of Community High School; Mr. Ojo Jonathan, Vice Principal; Mr. Olatunde Zacchaeus; Mr. John Olaleye; Mr. Michael Oyedokun; Mrs. Oladeji; and Mary Akanbi of Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

    RNN had earlier reported that Mrs. Alamu appeared in a viral video appealing to the Federal Government, Governor Seyi Makinde and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure the release of the abducted victims.

    Police yet to react to fresh claim

    The Nigeria Police Force in Oyo had earlier confirmed the abduction and announced the deployment of tactical and intelligence teams to rescue the victims and track down the kidnappers.

    However, as of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to officially confirm or react to the video alleging the killing of Mr. Oyedokun.

  • Sheikh Gumi Sparks Reactions After Saying Terrorists Need Kidnap Money To Survive

    Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has triggered widespread reactions online after making fresh comments about terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria amid growing insecurity across the country.

    Gumi made the remarks during an interview with AIT while speaking on how terrorist groups allegedly sustain themselves financially despite increasing military offensives against them.

    Gumi speaks on terrorist financing

    According to the cleric, many armed groups rely heavily on money generated from kidnappings to continue their operations and maintain their activities.

    “The terrorists need all the money they’re getting from kidnapping. It’s not like they are living luxurious lives,” Gumi said during the interview.

    He further argued that intensified military pressure from the Nigerian government has allegedly pushed the groups into seeking more sources of funding.

    “The government is putting too much pressure on them, so they need money to finance their war machines. If they leave banditry, they won’t have any source of financing themselves,” he added.

    Comments trigger backlash online

    The statement quickly sparked reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing mixed feelings over the cleric’s remarks.

    While some users claimed Gumi was merely explaining the operational structure of terrorist groups, others accused him of appearing sympathetic toward bandits and kidnappers terrorising parts of the country.

    Several critics questioned why the cleric would make such comments at a time when many communities across northern Nigeria continue to battle attacks, abductions and killings linked to armed groups.

    Insecurity remains major concern

    Nigeria has continued to witness deadly attacks, kidnappings and insurgency activities across several states despite ongoing military operations targeting terrorists and bandits.

    The North-East and parts of the North-West have remained major flashpoints for insurgency, kidnapping and violent attacks on communities, schools and security formations.

    Gumi has repeatedly made headlines in recent years over his controversial engagements and comments concerning bandits, negotiations and insecurity in Nigeria.

  • ISWAP Suffers Heavy Losses As Bomb Blast Kills Six Fighters In Borno

    No fewer than six suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed after an improvised explosive device (IED) they were assembling exploded in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The incident reportedly occurred around 7:00 a.m. on Saturday in Jubilaram village.

    The information was contained in a report by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, which quoted security sources familiar with the development.

    IED Explosion Hits Bomb-Making Cell

    According to the sources, the group was led by a suspected bomb expert identified as Abu Umar, who also died in the explosion alongside five other militants.

    Three additional members of the group reportedly sustained serious injuries in the blast.

    The affected cell was said to be part of ISWAP’s IED-making network operating within the Marte–Kerenoa–Wulgo axis, a known corridor for insurgent movement in the Lake Chad Basin.

    Operational Impact On Insurgents

    The explosion reportedly destroyed the site and left several casualties, disrupting ongoing bomb-making activities in the area.

    Security analysts quoted in the report said the deaths of Abu Umar and other operatives could deal a setback to ISWAP’s improvised explosive device operations in the region.

    The affected hub, located between Arinna Maimasallaci and Arinna Ciki, was described as a key manufacturing point for explosive devices used in attacks across parts of Borno State.

    Possible Follow-Up Military Action

    Military sources also suggested that the incident may trigger further air and ground operations aimed at exploiting the disruption and targeting remaining insurgent cells in the Marte axis.

    Authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the Lake Chad region, where security forces continue to pressure ISWAP and other extremist groups.

  • Presidency Defends Reported Killing Of ISWAP Commander Al-Manuki Amid Doubts

    The Presidency has defended reports surrounding the killing of senior ISWAP commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, insisting that the joint Nigerian-American operation was credible and backed by extensive intelligence gathering.

    In a statement shared on X, Bayo Onanuga said the controversy trailing the operation exposed the gap between public scepticism and the realities of modern counterterrorism operations.

    Presidency Addresses Public Doubts

    According to Onanuga, critics quickly questioned the authenticity of the operation after reports emerged that the ISWAP leader had been eliminated.

    He noted that Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok or Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, had previously appeared on lists of insurgent commanders reportedly killed in 2024 during operations around Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.

    However, security officials now believe the earlier report was a case of mistaken identity or inaccurate battlefield assessment.

    “Importantly, intelligence now confirms that the Birnin Gwari theatre was never within Al-Manuki’s established operational sphere, which negates the accuracy of the earlier assessment,” the statement read.

    Months Of Surveillance Before Operation

    The Presidency disclosed that the latest operation followed months of coordinated intelligence efforts involving surveillance, phone intercepts, digital tracking and human intelligence.

    According to the statement, the operation was built on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance efforts that reportedly started in December 2025.

    Security sources said authorities initially attempted to capture the ISWAP commander alive before the mission eventually shifted to a final strike operation.

    The statement further revealed that Al-Manuki had allegedly been tracked across different locations, including Abuja and Maiduguri, shortly before the operation.

    ‘This Time, There Is No Ambiguity’

    Onanuga stated that unlike previous cases, security agencies applied multiple layers of verification before approving the operation.

    Officials reportedly insisted that the latest strike was carried out with a higher level of precision and target validation.

    “In their assessment, this time, there is no ambiguity,” the statement added.

    The Presidency also acknowledged that global counterterrorism operations have sometimes produced mistaken reports regarding the deaths of major insurgent leaders.

    It referenced previous uncertainty surrounding the reported deaths of insurgent leaders such as Abubakar Shekau and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

    Warning Against Undermining Security Operations

    The statement warned that dismissing military operations without evidence could weaken public confidence and affect morale among security operatives.

    According to security officials, Nigerian forces and their international partners are operating in one of the world’s most difficult insurgency environments where terrorists frequently use aliases and move across borders.

    The Presidency maintained that the operation against Al-Manuki remains a “validated, intelligence-driven success” against the Islamic State network.

  • AFRICOM Releases Footage Of Joint Nigeria–US Strike That Killed Senior ISIS Leader Al-Minuki

    The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has released footage of a coordinated military operation in northeastern Nigeria, saying the mission led to the killing of senior Islamic State leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and other top ISIS figures.

    In a statement on Saturday, AFRICOM said the strike was carried out on May 16, 2026, under the direction of the United States President and the Secretary of War, in coordination with the Government of Nigeria.

    Multiple ISIS Leaders Killed In Operation

    According to AFRICOM, initial assessments indicated that several terrorists were eliminated during the operation, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s director of global operations.

    The command added that no United States service members were injured during the mission.

    It said the operation targeted a “significant presence of ISIS fighters in Northeastern Nigeria,” describing it as a coordinated effort between Nigerian and American forces.

    US Military Details Intelligence-Driven Strike

    U.S. Air Force General Dagvin Anderson, commander of AFRICOM, said the mission reflected strong cooperation between both countries.

    “As President Trump shared last night, AFRICOM, in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, bravely and valiantly conducted a successful mission that resulted in the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, and multiple other ISIS leaders,” he said.

    He added that the operation was the result of months of coordination and intelligence sharing between both militaries.

    According to him, the partnership underscores a growing commitment to counterterrorism cooperation in the region.

    Role Of The ISIS Commander

    AFRICOM described al-Minuki as a key operational figure within ISIS, allegedly involved in strategic planning, media operations, weapons development, explosives production, drone manufacturing and hostage-taking coordination.

    He was also said to play a central role in directing global ISIS-linked activities.

    Tinubu Hails Joint Operation

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier described the mission as a “daring joint operation” that inflicted significant losses on ISIS networks operating in the Lake Chad Basin and surrounding areas.

    The latest development adds to ongoing military efforts by Nigerian forces and international partners aimed at weakening insurgent groups in the North-East.

  • Confusion Trails Reported Killing Of ISWAP Commander Al-Manuki After 2024 Death Claim

    Confusion has continued to trail the reported killing of senior ISWAP commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abubakar Mainok, after Nigerian authorities previously announced his death in 2024.

    The controversy intensified after Donald Trump announced that American and Nigerian forces had carried out a successful joint operation targeting the terrorist leader.

    Trump, Tinubu Confirm Operation

    In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump described Al-Manuki as one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists.

    “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote.

    He added that the operation would weaken ISIS operations globally and reduce threats against both Africans and Americans.

    Bola Ahmed Tinubu also confirmed the operation in a statement issued from the State House.

    According to Tinubu, Nigerian troops worked alongside United States forces in a “daring joint operation” targeting terrorist hideouts in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “Early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants,” Tinubu stated.

    The President also thanked the United States government for its support in counterterrorism operations.

    Military Had Earlier Declared Him Dead

    However, findings have shown that the Nigerian military had already announced Al-Manuki’s death in 2024.

    In April 2024, the Defence Headquarters listed Abu Bilal Minuki among terrorist commanders allegedly neutralised during military operations conducted between January and March 2024.

    The announcement was made by then Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba.

    At the time, Buba identified Minuki as the “Head of IS-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP)” and said he was killed during military operations around the Birnin Gwari forest axis and Abuja-Kaduna corridor.

    According to the briefing, the insurgent commander was allegedly eliminated on February 21, 2024.

    The military also announced that thousands of terrorists had been killed, arrested or displaced during the period under review.

    Who Is Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki?

    Security reports identify Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali al-Mainuki, also known as Abu Bilal Al-Minuki or Abubakar Mainok, as a senior ISIS-linked commander operating across West Africa and the Sahel.

    According to the Counter Extremism Project, Al-Manuki was born in Mainok, Borno State, in 1982 and later became a major figure within ISIS-aligned structures in the Lake Chad Basin.

    The United States government designated him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in June 2023 over alleged involvement in ISIS operations.

    Authorities linked him to ISIS’s al-Furqan network, which coordinates extremist activities across Nigeria, the Sahel and parts of West Africa.

    He was also reportedly involved in weapons manufacturing, explosives development, drone operations and ISIS propaganda activities.

    Questions Continue Over Contradictory Claims

    The conflicting reports surrounding his alleged deaths in 2024 and 2026 have continued to generate debate online and within security circles.

    While Nigerian and US authorities insist the latest operation was based on months of intelligence gathering and target verification, sceptics have questioned why his death had previously been announced by the military.

    Security analysts, however, argue that mistaken battlefield identification and conflicting intelligence assessments are not uncommon in counterterrorism operations involving insurgent groups that use aliases and operate across difficult terrains.