Terrorists Demand ₦250m, 20 Motorcycles for Release of 166 Abducted Worshippers in Kaduna

Suspected terrorists who abducted at least 166 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have raised their ransom demand to ₦250 million and 20 motorcycles.

The village head of Kurmin Wali, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking about the worsening plight of the community, days after armed men carried out one of the largest mass abductions in recent times.

According to Dan’azumi, the attack occurred on January 18, 2026, when gunmen stormed Kurmin Wali village during a religious gathering. The assailants reportedly invaded three churches in the area and abducted men, women, and youths indiscriminately before fleeing into the surrounding forest.

He said the kidnappers initially made contact with the community with a lower demand but later increased it to ₦250 million alongside 20 motorcycles, a figure far beyond the capacity of the affected families.

Residents have appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, warning that the community is traumatized and living in fear as the abductees remain in captivity.

#Kaduna #Insecurity #MassAbduction #NigeriaNews

Community in mourning after a deadly bandits’ attack in a popular northern state left two people dead and over 50 women kidnapped.

The shocking incident has thrown the area into grief and fear, as families await news of their loved ones. Security concerns continue to rise as residents call for urgent action.

Bandits Kidnap Four in Kaduna Days After Mass Abduction of Worshippers…..

Barely five days after the abduction of 177 Christian worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, bandits have launched another attack in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. In the fresh incident, four persons were reportedly kidnapped, heightening fear among residents. Security agencies have begun investigations as communities call for urgent action to curb the rising wave of kidnappings.

Bandits have killed an Islamic cleric, Malam Zainu AB Mada, in Zamfara State after collecting ₦2 million ransom, two phones, and ₦70,000 airtime from his family.

Malam Zainu was abducted along the Kwatarkwashi–Mada highway, a road now known for frequent bandit attacks. Despite his family meeting all the demands, the bandits still brutally killed him.

His funeral prayer was held on Thursday.

This tragic killing shows a painful reality: paying ransom no longer guarantees safety. Zamfara residents continue to live in fear as kidnappings, killings, and attacks on major roads persist, despite government assurances.

How many more lives will be lost before real action is taken?

#Zamfara #Banditry #Insecurity #Kidnapping #NigeriaNews #StopTheKillings

52 Suspects Arrested In Ekpoma For Looting, Vandalism — IGP

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has disclosed that 52 suspects were arrested during the recent protests in Ekpoma, Edo State, for alleged looting and vandalism.

According to the IGP, residents of Ekpoma and neighbouring communities had taken to the streets to protest the rising cases of kidnapping in the area. However, the protests were reportedly hijacked by criminal elements who engaged in the destruction of property and looting, leading to the arrests.

The police leadership reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of peaceful protesters while warning that criminal acts would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

#EdoState #NigeriaPolice #SecurityUpdate #NigeriaNews

Witchcraft Accusations, Agwu Beliefs and Police Abuse in Imo State — How Extortion and Impunity Thrive

This opinion piece by Leo Igwe exposes how witchcraft accusations and beliefs surrounding Agwu rituals are being exploited by families, vigilantes and even police officers in Imo State to justify abuse, extortion and human rights violations. Using the case of 70-year-old Joseph Ottih and his family, the article details alleged police brutality, illegal arrests, destruction of property and collusion between relatives, vigilantes and the anti-kidnapping unit (Tigerbase). Igwe argues that witchcraft accusations are unlawful under Nigerian law, that freedom of religion is constitutionally protected, and that the police must enforce the law—not tradition or superstition. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) vows legal support for the victims, insisting that witch-hunting, ritual policing and religious bias within law enforcement must end.

DSS Rescues Two Pastors Abducted by Bandits in Kaduna Forest

The Department of State Services (DSS) has rescued two pastors and a church member who were abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State. The victims — Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu — were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, in the Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Government Area while travelling from Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony. The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, commended the DSS for what he described as a courageous, timely, and selfless operation, saying it brought relief to the church and the families.

#DSS #Kaduna #Banditry #NigeriaSecurity

Kaduna Priest’s Family Freed by Kidnappers Weeks After His Death in Captivity

The wife and daughter of the late Anglican priest, Venerable Edwin Achi, have regained their freedom after over two months in captivity in Kaduna State. The priest died while in the hands of his abductors in late 2025. Details of their release, including whether a ransom was paid, remain unclear. The Anglican Diocese of Kaduna had mourned Achi’s death, while prayers continued for the safe release of his remaining family members.

#KadunaKidnapping #AnglicanChurch #NigeriaNews

Kogi Kidnappers Release Five Women After ₦12 Million Ransom, Three Remain Captive

Five women abducted from Olle-Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu LGA, Kogi State, have been released after residents raised ₦12 million to meet kidnappers’ demands. Despite their release, three other victims remain in captivity, raising safety concerns. Security forces recently dismantled a network of bandits in the area after a fierce midnight gun battle, repelling attackers and forcing them to retreat into the forest. The incident underscores ongoing insecurity challenges in Kogi communities.

#KogiInsecurity #KidnappingNigeria #CommunitySafety

Kidnappers Release Five Women in Kogi After ₦12m Ransom, Hold Three Others

Five women abducted by kidnappers in a Kogi State community have been released after a ₦12 million ransom was paid. However, three other victims are still being held in captivity as efforts continue to secure their freedom. Residents say fear remains high in the area amid growing concerns over insecurity.

Full story in comments section 👇🏽

#KogiState #Kidnapping #NigeriaSecurity #BreakingNews

Kwara Kidnap Wahala: Terrorists Demand N20m, Threaten To Kill Trader If Family Misses Deadline

Terrorists who abducted a female trader in Omu-Aran, Irepodun LGA of Kwara State, have demanded a ransom of N20 million, threatening to kill her if the money is not paid before their deadline. An audio recording reveals the kidnappers rejecting the family’s offer of about N2.5–N3 million and mocking their pleas. The victim’s relatives say they have sold nearly all their belongings and are appealing to Nigerians for urgent help. The case adds to the growing wave of kidnappings in Kwara, where families are forced into debt to save loved ones.

#KwaraInsecurity #KidnappingCrisis #NigeriaNews

Shehu Sani Urges Northern Nigerians to Protect Themselves Amid Rising Banditry and Insecurity

Former Senator Shehu Sani has urged citizens in Northern Nigeria to take security into their own hands amid persistent banditry and terrorism. Speaking during the launch of his books and stageplay in Abuja, Sani highlighted attacks by ISWAP, Boko Haram, and other armed groups, which have displaced millions, killed, and kidnapped civilians. He stressed community vigilance, accountability, and local intelligence as vital to dismantling criminal networks. His works also address irregular migration, human trafficking, and the need for African leaders to create local opportunities to curb youth exploitation abroad.

South Africa-Based Nigerian Rescued by Police After Escaping Kidnappers’ Den in Anambra

Operatives of a police-led joint security team in Anambra State have rescued a South Africa-based Nigerian man who was abducted on January 1, 2026, from his hometown in Oji River, Enugu State. The victim escaped from his captors’ hideout in Orumba South LGA during a routine patrol by the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Aguata, and was immediately taken into protective custody. The police are acting on intelligence from the victim to dismantle the criminal gang and arrest its members. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to proactive policing and urged residents to cooperate in the fight against kidnapping.

Kogi Police Repel Midnight Bandit Attack, Neutralize Several Criminals in Forest Operations

A joint security team led by the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a network of bandits and kidnappers in Kogi State following a fierce midnight attack. Officers of the Force Intelligence Bureau–Intelligence Response Team (FIB/IRT), supported by sister agencies, engaged heavily armed criminals during a clearance patrol. Videos show explosions and gunfire as the police repelled the attackers, forcing them to retreat with casualties. The operation, led by CP Muhammad Sanusi Ahmed, included airstrikes and ground offensives, signaling renewed momentum to reclaim forests terrorized by bandits, with authorities commending the professionalism and commitment of the security forces.

Stop Negotiating With Bandits, Terrorists – Nigeria’s Defence Minister Warns States, Local Governments

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has warned state and local governments to stop negotiating or paying ransom to terrorists and bandits, describing such engagements as deceptive tactics that only embolden criminals. Speaking to BBC Hausa, Musa stressed that criminal groups never honor agreements, citing Katsina as an example. He urged citizens to report kidnappings instead of paying ransoms and called on states to address root causes of insecurity through education, jobs, and social development. Musa emphasized that cooperation between citizens and security agencies is key to ending insecurity nationwide.

FG Doesn’t Pay Ransom for Kidnapped Victims – Defence Minister

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has insisted that the Federal Government does not pay ransom to free kidnapped victims. Speaking in an interview, Musa said security agencies rely on military pressure and intelligence operations to rescue abducted persons, including schoolchildren. He warned that paying ransom only strengthens criminal groups and encourages more kidnappings. The minister urged families and communities to report cases to security agencies instead of negotiating with abductors. He also advised Nigerians to stop supplying bandits with food or support, stressing that public cooperation is vital to ending banditry nationwide.

#DefenceMinister #Kidnapping #NigeriaSecurity

Kogi Govt Demolishes Criminal Hideouts in Okene to Curb Rising Insecurity

Kogi State security operatives, backed by heavy equipment, have demolished buildings in Sambell community, Idoji, Okene, identified as criminal hideouts. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo approved the decisive operation after intelligence linked the area to kidnappers, armed robbers, and violent gangs terrorizing Okene, Ajaokuta, Lokoja, and nearby areas. Officials say dismantling these camps will make it harder for criminals to regroup, emphasizing zero tolerance for crime. Residents welcomed the move, calling it long overdue, while security operations continue across other hotspots.

#KogiSecurity #OkeneCrime #NigeriaNews

Na wah oo! Just few days after Katsina govt talk say dem wan release 70 suspected bandits, another gbege don burst for Yar Tafki, Funtua LGA. Bandits attack community, kill people, abduct others, even after two peace deals dem don sign before. Security expert, Malam Bakatsine, confirm the attack. Katsina still dey hot for bandit wahala, rural areas dey suffer despite military and local peace moves. Govt letter show 48 suspects plus 22 more dey inside courts, dem wan release dem under peace accord. People dey fear say releasing bandits fit destroy law, deny justice, and ginger more crime. Meanwhile, govt talk say na to maintain peace, e say accord don already save about 1,000 kidnapped people.

Niger Gov Bago Calls Kasuwan Daji ‘Market of Thieves’ After 40+ Killed, Orders Relocation of Hamlets

Niger State Governor Umar Bago has described Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Borgu LGA—where over 40 people were killed and many, including women and children, kidnapped—as a “market of thieves”, notorious for trading stolen cattle.

During a condolence visit to Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, Bago highlighted broader security risks tied to unmonitored settlements and warned that armed groups and extremist ideologies had infiltrated some communities.

The governor announced a two-month deadline for residents in hamlets within the Kainji Lake forest to relocate to designated resettlement areas to flush out criminals. This follows a rise in violent incidents, including the January 2026 Kasuwan Daji attack and the November 2025 abduction of pupils and staff from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA.

Bago urged the Emirate Council and residents to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that public safety remains a top priority.

Tinubu Dey Wash Image for Oyibo While Insecurity Dey Kill Us: Yoruba Group Slam $9m US Lobby Deal

Wahala don burst as pan-Yoruba group Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá accuse President Bola Tinubu of wrong priority after report say Federal Government commit $9 million to hire US lobbyists while insecurity dey scatter Nigeria.

For statement wey Olusola Badero sign, the group say the money wey government allegedly pay foreign lobbyists fit use fight banditry, kidnapping and killings wey don claim thousands of lives across the country. Dem accuse Tinubu of caring more about foreign image laundering and 2027 politics than the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

According to dem, APC government dey waste taxpayers’ money to paint Nigeria fine for abroad, while people dey die every day for villages, highways and even Abuja. Dem say terrorists full almost all states, yet government dey pretend say everywhere safe and even dey give amnesty to criminals.

The group react to report say NSA Nuhu Ribadu arrange deal with US firm DCI Group, with initial $4.5m paid and another $4.5m to follow, making am $750k per month. Dem question why Tinubu go dey “appease Trump” instead of fixing security, economy and governance.

Dem demand accountability, urge Nigerians to hold government responsible, and insist say $9m fit rebuild communities, support victims and strengthen security—not to polish Nigeria image for abroad while citizens dey suffer.