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Tag: Insecurity

  • Terrorists Invade Borno School, Many Children Feared Abducted In Askira-Uba Attack

    Many schoolchildren are feared abducted after suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists invaded Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The attack reportedly occurred on Friday morning when the armed men stormed the school on motorcycles shortly after troops had left the community.

    Terrorists Strike Minutes After Troop Movement

    According to eyewitness accounts shared on social media, the attackers arrived barely 15 minutes after military personnel left the area, raising concerns that the movement of troops may have been monitored.

    In a post, Mr Solomon Mussa said schoolchildren were affected and called for urgent prayers as the situation unfolded.

    The Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Abdullahi Askira, who hails from the area, also confirmed the incident.

    “Yes, I can confirm to you that some suspected terrorists riding on motorcycles invaded primary and junior secondary schools in Mussa village this morning,” he said.

    Students Flee Into Bush Amid Chaos

    The lawmaker noted that many students reportedly fled into nearby bushes during the attack, although the exact number of those abducted remains unclear.

    He added that the timing of the invasion, shortly after troops withdrew, suggests the attackers may have been tracking military movements before striking.

    “It is also disheartening that the incident took place barely some few minutes after troops on patrol left the community,” he said.

    The police in Borno State were yet to issue an official response at the time of filing this report.

    Mussa village, located near the border of Sambisa Forest, has long been considered vulnerable due to its proximity to known insurgent hideouts.

    Growing Security Concerns in North-East

    The latest attack adds to ongoing concerns about renewed insurgent activity in parts of the North-East, especially in rural communities with limited security presence.

    Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue into the possible abduction figures and the current status of the affected students.

  • Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Two Customs Officers In Kebbi Gun Battle

    Two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been killed during a gun duel with suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi State.

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed the incident on Wednesday while speaking at a conference in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    Customs officers killed during counter-operation

    According to Adeniyi, the attack happened around 3am during a counter-offensive operation against the armed group.

    The slain officers were identified as Assistant Superintendent of Customs Bamigboye and Deputy Superintendent of Customs Dom.

    “This morning, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service paid the supreme sacrifice while warding off threats from Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi,” Adeniyi said.

    “Customs remains the last shield”

    The customs boss described the incident as painful, noting that Customs officers continue to play active frontline roles in border security operations alongside the military.

    “Apart from the military, the Nigeria Customs Service remains the last shield in several of these border communities,” he stated.

    Adeniyi disclosed that he had already arrived in Ilorin before receiving reports of the attack.

    He, however, assured that the deaths of the officers would not weaken the resolve of the service in confronting criminal groups operating around Nigeria’s borders.

    A minute silence was later observed during the conference in honour of the deceased officers.

    Adeniyi speaks on Artificial Intelligence and corruption

    Speaking on the conference theme, “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” Adeniyi said the deployment of AI-driven risk management tools by Customs had helped reduce corruption and improve operational efficiency.

    He stressed that Artificial Intelligence should not be viewed as a replacement for human intelligence and leadership.

    “Human intelligence is still required to guide Artificial Intelligence and prevent disruption within the economy,” he said.

    The Customs CG also challenged Nigerian researchers and technology experts to develop affordable local innovations capable of working effectively in areas with poor internet connectivity.

    Kwara governor reacts to officers’ deaths

    In his remarks, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condoled with the Nigeria Customs Service over the deaths of the officers.

    Represented by his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saad Salahu, the governor described the slain officers as patriots who died serving the nation.

    He also called for stronger legal and ethical frameworks to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria.

  • Military Rejects Report Claiming Airstrike Killed Over 100 In Zamfara

    The Nigerian military has dismissed reports alleging that more than 100 people were killed during an airstrike in Zamfara State, insisting that there is “no credible evidence” showing civilians were affected.

    The reports, which surfaced on Tuesday, claimed that scores of residents died after a military operation targeting insurgents hit a community in the state.

    Amnesty alleges women, traders among victims

    Rights organisation Amnesty International alleged that many of the victims were women and girls trading at a local market during the strike.

    According to the organisation, one affected village reportedly buried about 80 people at once following the incident.

    Amnesty also stated that dozens of injured persons were taken to hospitals in Zurmi and Shinkafi, while others were referred to Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau for treatment.

    Defence Headquarters denies civilian deaths

    Reacting to the reports, the Defence Headquarters denied that civilians were killed during the operation.

    Defence spokesperson, Michael Onoja, said the strike targeted a “confirmed high-level gathering” of militant leaders based on intelligence gathered from multiple sources.

    According to him, the operation was conducted in compliance with international humanitarian law.

    “No credible, substantiated evidence of civilian casualties has been established through any official assessment or independent verification,” Onoja said.

    He added that the military’s post-strike assessment indicated that “several terrorists were neutralised.”

    Fresh concerns over military airstrikes

    The development has renewed concerns over civilian protection and intelligence accuracy during military operations in northern Nigeria.

    The latest controversy comes barely weeks after another reported airstrike in Jilli, located on the Borno-Yobe border, allegedly killed several civilians in April 2026.

    Previous operations in Zamfara and other northern states have also triggered disputes over whether those killed were terrorists, vigilantes or civilians.

  • “They sent me transport fare” — Abducted UNIJOS graduate recounts 11-day ordeal in kidnappers’ den

    A graduate of the University of Jos, John Arum Azi, has recounted how suspected kidnappers allegedly lured him into captivity through a fake welding job offer after repeatedly contacting him and sending transport fare to convince him the opportunity was genuine.

    The victim narrated his experience after regaining freedom following 11 days in captivity.

    Azi shared the testimony during a church service in the Tudun Wada area of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday.

    How the job offer began

    According to him, the suspected kidnappers persistently contacted him with promises of welding work before eventually sending him transport money.

    “They kept calling me, asking me to come and work for them. They even sent transport money, so I believed it was a real job,” he said.

    Azi explained that he travelled from Jos to Zaria, Kaduna State, on April 11, 2026, believing he was heading for a genuine employment opportunity.

    However, shortly after arriving in Zaria and contacting the supposed employers, he was directed to board a motorcycle heading to a village.

    Journey into the forest

    The graduate admitted he became suspicious during the journey but ignored the warning signs because he desperately needed work.

    “I started having doubts, but I told myself maybe it was a connection that could help me. I did not know they were kidnappers,” he said.

    According to him, a man later approached him claiming to be the same individual who arranged the welding job.

    Azi said he was subsequently taken deep into a remote forest on a motorcycle, where another heavily armed man was already waiting.

    “I saw a gun I had never seen before in my life,” he recounted.

    The victim alleged that the kidnappers searched him thoroughly, seized his phone, work tools and belongings before forcing him to wear strange clothes and a face mask.

    Kidnappers demanded ₦30m ransom

    Azi further disclosed that he was moved through Giwa Local Government Area into forests in Zamfara State after several hours of travelling on motorcycles.

    “We spent almost six hours moving through the bush on motorcycles. There was no security anywhere,” he said.

    Upon arriving at the camp, he said his hands and legs were tied while the abductors contacted his family and demanded ₦30 million ransom.

    “I gave them my elder brother’s number. They called him and demanded ₦30 million,” he added.

    ‘They called me Pastor’

    The graduate also narrated how he was allegedly tortured and interrogated repeatedly about his religion.

    According to him, the kidnappers fired gunshots around the camp while questioning him, forcing him to initially deny being a Christian out of fear.

    “They were shooting guns everywhere and asking questions. Out of fear, I initially denied being a Christian because I thought they would kill me,” he said.

    However, he said severe beatings later forced him to cry out “Jesus,” exposing his faith to the abductors.

    “While they were beating me, I suddenly shouted ‘Jesus.’ That was when they discovered I was a Christian,” he said.

    Azi revealed that the kidnappers subsequently nicknamed him “Pastor” throughout his stay in captivity.

    Release after negotiations

    According to him, the abductors later reduced the ransom demand from ₦30 million to ₦6 million after negotiations with his family.

    However, he alleged that the kidnappers still delayed his release after receiving the money and demanded an additional ₦4 million.

    “They started beating me again and said my family should add another ₦4 million. At that point, I thought I would not survive,” he said.

    Azi said support from relatives, friends and sympathisers eventually secured his release after the traumatic ordeal.

  • Gunmen Kidnap Oyo Businessman, 10-Year-Old Girl Hit By Stray Bullet During Attack

    Unknown gunmen on Monday night abducted a businessman, Wasiu Aleshinloye, from his residence in Irawo community, Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State after allegedly trailing him from a market in Ago-Are.

    The incident was confirmed by the Oyo State Police Command through its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who said the kidnappers stormed the victim’s residence and whisked him away at gunpoint.

    Gunshots Trigger Panic In Community

    Residents were thrown into panic after the attackers reportedly fired several gunshots into the air to disperse people in the area during the operation.

    During the attack, a 10-year-old girl identified as Modinat Aleshinloye was hit by a stray bullet and sustained injuries.

    She was immediately rushed to hospital for treatment and extraction of pellets, while the whereabouts of the abducted businessman remain unknown.

    Police Recover Evidence At Scene

    According to DSP Olayinka, the incident was reported at Tede Division around 10:20 p.m. on May 11, 2026.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that one Alhaji Wasiu Aleshinloye was allegedly trailed from Kraal Market, Ago-Are, to his filling station in Irawo and subsequently to his residence, where he was abducted at gunpoint by three armed men to an unknown destination,” he stated.

    The police spokesperson added that detectives recovered three expended ammunition shells from the scene, which are currently undergoing ballistic examination.

    He also disclosed that three face caps suspected to belong to the kidnappers were recovered during investigations.

    No Ransom Demand Yet

    Sources disclosed that the kidnappers had yet to contact the victim’s family or make any ransom demand as of the time of filing this report.

    The police assured residents that tactical and intelligence-led operations had commenced to rescue the businessman and arrest those behind the attack.

    The incident has further heightened concerns over rising insecurity in several parts of Nigeria, despite ongoing security operations across the country.

  • Gunmen Strike Plateau Burial, Many Feared Dead as Mourners Come Under Fire

    Many persons are feared dead and several others injured after gunmen attacked mourners during a mass burial in Nding Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    The attack occurred on Wednesday as residents gathered to bury seven victims of an earlier assault on the community.

    Attack unfolds during burial rites

    Sources said the gunmen, who were reportedly hiding on surrounding hills, stormed the area and opened fire on mourners as graves were being dug.

    The sudden attack forced residents to abandon the burial and flee for safety.

    Eyewitness recounts chaos

    A journalist, Masara Kim, who witnessed the incident, said multiple communities were under simultaneous attack at the time.

    “While we were at the burial site, the attackers emerged from the hills and began shooting,” he said, adding that he saw at least one person killed.

    He noted that local defenders armed with hunting rifles were overwhelmed by the attackers.

    Communities under pressure

    According to local sources, at least five communities south of Jos were affected, with many residents fleeing as the violence escalated.

    The Berom Youth Moulders Association confirmed the killings and said an attempted attack on Rim community in neighbouring Riyom LGA was repelled by vigilantes and Operation Rainbow personnel.

    Police confirm earlier killings

    The Plateau State Police Command confirmed a separate attack on Nding Susut on Tuesday night, where five people, including four women and a nine-year-old boy, were killed.

    Three others were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital.

    Security response underway

    Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, condemned the attacks and announced the deployment of additional tactical teams, including mobile police units, to restore calm in the affected areas.

    He assured residents that investigations were ongoing and urged the public to provide useful information to aid security operations.

  • Bandits Strike Katsina Communities, Kill Over 20 as Troops Neutralise 45 in Fierce Gun Battle

    At least 24 people have been killed in fresh bandit attacks on communities in Katsina State, with security forces also recording a major breakthrough after neutralising dozens of suspected terrorists.

    The incidents, which hit Musawa and Kankia local government areas, have deepened fears over rising insecurity in the region.

    Market attack leaves traders dead

    The first attack occurred on Monday evening at Jikamshi market in Musawa LGA, where gunmen reportedly stormed the area as traders were closing for the day.

    Witnesses said about 15 armed men on motorcycles opened fire, killing at least seven people and looting goods worth millions of naira.

    Local sources confirmed that the victims were buried according to Islamic rites, describing the incident as devastating.

    “The scale of the attack is enormous. The situation is beyond the state government alone,” a community leader said.

    Families recount painful losses

    Among the victims was Tukur Aliyu, who had just returned from Lagos after attending his daughter’s wedding.

    Family members said he left behind three wives, about 20 children, and several dependents.

    “Our lives are in danger now. He was our breadwinner… we don’t know how we will survive,” one of his wives said.

    Another victim, Rabi’u Ashiru, a phone trader, was killed in his shop just months before his planned wedding.

    His father described the loss as devastating, saying, “We have lost a pillar of the family.”

    Conflicting death toll after village attack

    In a separate incident, residents of Gwalgoro village in Kankia LGA reported that 17 people were killed in an attack over the weekend.

    However, the Katsina State government put the figure at 11, describing the killings as a reprisal after security forces foiled an earlier assault.

    A resident insisted the casualty figure was higher, saying, “Death is not something you exaggerate. We buried 17 people.”

    Security forces engage bandits

    According to officials, the violence began after intelligence reports revealed that a bandit leader identified as Mohammadu was advancing towards key locations in the area.

    Security operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, engaged the attackers, neutralising several of them and recovering motorcycles and rustled cattle.

    Authorities said the bandits later regrouped and launched a retaliatory attack on Gwalgoro village.

    Troops record major success in Danmusa

    Amid the attacks, troops reportedly neutralised 45 terrorists during a separate gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area.

    The operation is being seen as a significant counter-effort, though residents say more needs to be done to prevent recurring attacks.

    Growing concern over insecurity

    Residents and community leaders have called for urgent intervention, warning that continued violence could trigger a humanitarian crisis.

    Many women and children have already fled affected areas, seeking safety in nearby towns.

  • Gunmen Abduct Two IBEDC Staff on Duty Along Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road

    The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has confirmed that two of its staff members were abducted while on duty along the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, raising fresh concerns over security in the area.

    The incident occurred on April 29, 2026, according to a statement issued by the company.

    Workers kidnapped during official duty

    IBEDC said the employees were carrying out their responsibilities when they were whisked away by gunmen on the Oyo State axis of the road.

    The company described the development as deeply troubling.

    “We are deeply concerned about this situation, and our thoughts are with our colleagues and their families at this difficult time,” the statement read.

    Company engages security agencies

    IBEDC said it is working closely with relevant security agencies to secure the safe release of the abducted workers.

    Efforts are ongoing, although no further details have been provided on the progress of the rescue operation.

    Rising insecurity in Oyo axis

    The incident adds to growing concerns over kidnapping in parts of Oyo State and surrounding areas.

    Last month, a young woman identified as Adetutu Aderibigbe was abducted outside her residence in Ibadan.

    Sources said she was taken by gunmen around 6pm in the Bolumole area and driven away in a vehicle without number plates.

    Concerns deepen among residents

    Recent cases of abduction have heightened fears among residents, with calls for stronger security measures across the state.

    The latest attack on utility workers has further underscored the risks faced by individuals carrying out essential services.

  • Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Insecurity Remarks, Says ‘Leadership Must Earn Trust’

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent remarks on insecurity, warning that leadership must reflect responsibility as violence persists across Nigeria.

    Atiku reacts to Tinubu’s stance

    Atiku, in a statement issued by his aide Phrank Shaibu, described Tinubu’s comments as troubling and disconnected from realities on ground.

    “It is not political opponents who will judge this administration, it is the blood of innocent Nigerians being shed daily across our land,” he said.

    He added that leadership should be defined by compassion and decisive action, not defiance.

    Rising death toll sparks concern

    The former Vice President claimed that over 10,000 Nigerians have been killed since May 2023, with some estimates placing the figure above 18,000 within two years.

    According to him, the statistics represent devastated communities and families rather than mere numbers.

    He warned that dismissing such losses as political rhetoric undermines the gravity of the crisis.

    Criticism over government response

    Atiku faulted the President for allegedly downplaying the suffering of victims’ families, stating that such remarks trivialise national grief.

    “It is horrifying that the memories of innocent citizens would be reduced to political rhetoric,” he said.

    He also referenced recent attacks, including the reported church invasion in Ekiti State, saying such incidents require urgent and visible leadership response.

    Call for urgent action

    While acknowledging Tinubu’s right to seek re-election, Atiku said declining public confidence stems from the administration’s handling of security and economic challenges.

    He urged the Federal Government to recalibrate its security strategy and prioritise protection of citizens.

    “At a time like this, Nigerians do not need bravado; they need protection,” he stated.

  • “I Will Run Again” — Tinubu Declares 2027 Bid, Says Insecurity Won’t Push Him Out

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed he will seek re-election in 2027, insisting that rising insecurity across parts of the country will not force him out of office. He made the declaration while hosting Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other stakeholders in Abuja.

    His remarks come amid sustained public concern over security challenges nationwide.

    Tinubu Links Security Criticism to Political Opposition

    The President suggested that ongoing criticisms of his administration’s handling of insecurity could be exploited by political opponents. He warned that narratives around violence and instability may be used to weaken his position.

    “You are playing to the hand of agents, including my own enemies,” he said, referring to those highlighting security failures.

    President Signals Firm Resolve Ahead of 2027

    Tinubu stated that he remains determined to continue in office despite pressure and public scrutiny. He described himself as politically resilient and committed to seeking a second term.

    “I’m a very stubborn politician. I just refuse to go. And I will campaign for my second term,” he said.

    Rising Insecurity Remains National Concern

    The declaration comes against the backdrop of continued attacks, kidnappings, and killings reported in several parts of Nigeria. The situation has prompted calls from opposition figures and civil society groups for more decisive action.

    Security remains a central issue shaping public discourse ahead of the next election cycle.

    Government Maintains Efforts to Address Threats

    The President has consistently defended his administration’s approach, stating that security agencies are receiving the necessary support to combat threats. Officials say efforts are ongoing to restore stability and improve safety across affected regions.