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.

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

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.

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

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.

Na Wetin? 52 AAU Students Arrest After Dem Protest Insecurity, Youth & Law Folks Dey Shout ‘Release Dem Now

Omo, wahala don gas! Police don arrest 52 students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, wey just protest say insecurity don too much for di school area. Di students waka go show say dem no dey happy with kidnapping and wahala wey dey disturb academics, but instead make government hear dem, dem carry dem go detention.

Youth Arise Movement don yan say na against wetin Constitution talk dem dey do, because Section 40 give every citizen right to protest peacefully. Dem talk say government suppose protect people, no be arrest dem wey dey ask for safety. LAWGAN join body, yan say students action dey within dem rights and call on authorities make dem drop all prosecution, start solve di insecurity wey dey cause wahala.

Dem dey appeal to human rights groups, media, and civil society make dem continue pressure until students free. Naija no fit gree make students dey suffer for demand for basic safety.

Ekpoma Protests: Okpebholo Approves Release Of Arrested Persons
The governor also dismissed claims of kidnapping linked to the incident, describing them as false and stage-managed to mislead the public and create ethnic tension.

Wahala oo! Three Family Members Kidnapped for Over One Month in Kogi, Bandits Demand ₦20 Million Ransom

Taki community, Kabba/Bunu LGA, Kogi State, don dey shake as three members of the same family – Eniojukan Samuel, Eniojukan Bunmi, and Ekomitan Mary – don dey with kidnappers for more than one month after dem drag dem along Ihale–Taki Road. According to sources, bandits dey demand ₦20 million before dem go release them. Residents dey beg for urgent security intervention as road don dey dangerous, and repeated attacks dey terrorize locals. This case join long list of kidnapping wahala for Okunland, and people dey question why bandits dey operate freely while authorities dey slow to respond. Earlier, another victim, Dada Babatege, pay ₦6 million but bandits still refuse to free am, dey demand extra ₦14 million plus two Bajaj motorcycles. Communities dey fear, dey call government make dem act fast before more lives scatter. Wahala heavy oo, security no dey reach those wey need am most.

Wahala Don Burst for Ekpoma! NANS Slams Edo Govt Over Detention of 52 Students, Demands Immediate Release

Wahala don tey for Ekpoma oo! The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised alarm over the continued detention of 52 Ambrose Alli University (AAU) students following their peaceful protest against rising insecurity and kidnapping in Edo State.

In a statement signed by NANS National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, the students’ body described the detention as “ridiculous, unacceptable, and deeply disturbing”, insisting that the affected students were simply exercising their constitutional right to protest peacefully.

Peaceful protest is not a crime, and demanding safety should never be met with repression,” NANS said.

The association accused the Edo State government, AAU management, and Nigeria Police Force of failing to protect students while allegedly resorting to intimidation, harassment, and psychological trauma against young Nigerians speaking out on insecurity.

NANS also warned that any attempt to justify the detention would be seen as a deliberate act of oppression against the Nigerian student community.

Nigerian students deserve safety, not suppression,” the statement emphasized.

Court Moves

The 52 students were initially remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre by a Benin High Court on charges of malicious damage and armed robbery. However, Justice William Aziegbemi ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction and directed defence counsel to file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court, adjourning the case to February 26, 2026.

NANS demanded:

Immediate and unconditional release of all detained students

Guarantee of their physical and mental wellbeing

Respect for students’ constitutional rights to peaceful protest


Instead of addressing genuine concerns of kidnapping and insecurity affecting campuses and communities, authorities have criminalised students for speaking out. This approach is counterproductive and unjust,” NANS said.

Ekpoma wahala don tey oo! Nigerian students are now calling on the Edo State government to act fast, free their colleagues, and ensure safety on campus before tensions escalate further.

AAU Students Wahala Don Burst! Take-It-Back Slams Police Over 52 Students’ Remand, Demands Freedom Now

Wahala don set for Edo State as the Take-It-Back Movement has condemned the arrest and remand of 52 Ambrose Alli University (AAU) students in Ekpoma, describing it as a dangerous abuse of power and a clear violation of human rights. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, the group said police carried out midnight raids on student hostels, storming rooms and arresting youths who had earlier protested against rising kidnappings and insecurity in the state. The movement said the action was aimed at intimidating students who exercised their constitutional right to peaceful protest. It noted that while kidnappers continue to operate freely, authorities have chosen to chase protesters instead of criminals. Take-It-Back also revealed that another resident was abducted just a day after the protest, exposing what it called the state’s failure to protect lives. The group demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the 52 students, withdrawal of all “bogus” charges, an end to harassment of protesters, a public apology from the government and police, and punishment for officers involved, warning that repression will only fuel more resistance.

Police Repel Bandit Attack in Kaduna, Kill Two Suspects, Recover Arms

The Kaduna State Police Command says it has repelled an attempted bandit attack in Giwa Local Government Area, killing two suspected bandits and recovering firearms and ammunition.

Police said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that armed bandits were planning to attack Idisu village in Bayan Kogi ward. Intelligence revealed the group, allegedly led by a notorious kingpin identified as Kachalla Sanusi Bajira, was mobilising after residents refused to pay an illegal levy.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, the Commissioner of Police ordered operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, to move into the area.

On arrival, the security team encountered the bandits who had set an ambush, leading to a gun battle. Police operatives overpowered the attackers, killing two suspects, while others escaped into nearby bushes.

Two firearms and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the operation.

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the operatives for their professionalism and assured residents of continued intelligence-led operations against banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. He warned that Kaduna State will not serve as a safe haven for criminals.

Wahala Don Set Oo! Ex-Detainee Cries Out Over Torture, Starvation, Disappearances At Imo Police Tiger Base

Wahala don truly happen for Imo State as a former detainee, Augustine Sixtus Nwaiwu, has accused the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, known as Tiger Base, of torture, starvation and the mysterious disappearance of detainees. In a petition to the Take It Back Movement, Nwaiwu said he was arrested on September 9, 2025, without a warrant, charge or explanation and detained for 10 days without being taken to court. He alleged that officers denied him food and clean water throughout his detention, describing the treatment as cruel and inhuman. He also said the cells were overcrowded, poorly ventilated and unfit for human beings. Most disturbing, Nwaiwu claimed that three detainees collapsed from hunger and harsh conditions, were taken away, and never returned. He warned that their disappearance raises fears of extrajudicial actions. Citing the Constitution, Anti-Torture Act and other laws, he demanded an independent investigation, accountability, compensation and reforms. Human rights groups say the petition adds to growing concerns over abuses at the facility.

Wahala Burst for Edo Oo! Ekpoma DPO Under Fire Over ‘Hausa Officer Who Won’t Listen’ Remark Amid Protest

Wahala don set for Edo State oo! A Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, is currently facing heavy backlash after a video surfaced online in which he allegedly made an ethnically charged statement while addressing protesters.

In the viral footage circulating on social media, the officer—whose identity is yet to be officially confirmed—is heard telling demonstrators:
“Don’t worry, I will leave Ekpoma, and they will bring a Hausa officer who won’t listen to anybody.”

The remark was reportedly made during a protest sparked by the killing of a young medical graduate, who was abducted and later murdered by kidnappers even after a ransom had been paid. The tragic incident had triggered anger and frustration among residents, who took to the streets to demand improved security and accountability.

However, instead of calming tensions, the DPO’s comment has now set social media on fire, with many Nigerians describing it as insensitive, divisive, and ethnically provocative.

Nigerians React: “This One No Pure At All”

Following the video’s circulation, reactions poured in from across the country, with many users condemning what they described as ethnic stereotyping and unprofessional conduct by a senior police officer.

One X user, Mr Gerald (@Mr_Gerrie01), wrote:

> “A very insensitive police officer.”



Another user, Everything Politics (@Everypolitics1), said:

> “This statement is troubling because it unfairly stereotypes and dehumanises Hausa people, implying they are incapable of empathy or dialogue. Ethnicity should never be used as a threat or a tool of intimidation.”



Ekong De Superstar (@EkongGodson) added:

> “Imagine what a supposed DPO is spewing. Protecting the lives of the people you swore to serve has now turned to ethnic tirade.”



Similarly, Mister Balo (@MubarakBalogun) described the comment as irresponsible, while Iamowolabi (@Iamowolabi01) urged the officer to focus on his duty:

> “Oga, do your job to protect people, no deh threaten them.”



“We Need Security, Not Ethnic Talk”

Other Nigerians acknowledged the emotional tension surrounding the protest but insisted that bringing ethnicity into the matter only worsens divisions.

Hephzibah Behulah (@HephzibaBehulah) wrote:

> “No one should have to live in fear of kidnapping every day, especially students just trying to get an education. That case where the young medical graduate was killed even after ransom was paid is tragic and shows how bad things have gotten.”



She added that while the DPO may have sounded frustrated, invoking ethnicity was unnecessary and harmful:

> “The protesters are right to demand better security. Threatening to replace one officer with another who ‘won’t listen’ doesn’t solve the real problem.”



Calls for Accountability Grow Louder

As the controversy continues, many Nigerians are now calling on the Edo State Police Command and the Nigeria Police Force headquarters to address the matter, investigate the officer’s conduct, and reaffirm their commitment to professionalism and unity.

For many observers, the incident reflects a deeper frustration with insecurity, police-community relations, and the handling of public anger over kidnappings and violent crime.

Wahala don burst oo — because when people dey cry for protection, na unity dem expect, not ethnic threats. Nigerians dey watch wetin go happen next.