Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Denies Government Role in Attack on Women Protesters, Orders Arrest of Hoodlums

Kwara State Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman has denied any involvement of his administration in the weekend attack on women protesting near the under-construction Government House gate. The governor condemned the violence, reaffirmed the right to peaceful protest, and ordered security agencies to apprehend those responsible. The protesters, who were demanding urgent action on worsening insecurity and the kidnapping of family members in Oke-Ode, were reportedly assaulted by hoodlums while police personnel allegedly failed to intervene. Abdulrahman emphasized ongoing security efforts, including the deployment of armed forest guards to tackle kidnappers and terrorists.

Gunmen Kidnap Six Passengers, Including Driver, In Daring Attack Along Nsukka–Adani Road In Enugu State

Gunmen have abducted six passengers, including the driver of an Enugu State Transport Company (ENTRACO) bus, during an early-morning attack along the Nsukka–Adani Road in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. The incident occurred on December 26, 2025, when the assailants intercepted the bus near the Adani community, a route notorious for criminal activity. While three passengers escaped, the remaining victims were forced into the bush by the attackers. Residents have renewed calls for stronger and consistent security presence on the road amid rising kidnapping cases in the state.

DSS Arrests Gang Leader, Others Behind 2023 Abduction and Murder of Neurologist Prof. Ephraim in Cross River State

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested key suspects linked to the 2023 abduction and murder of renowned neurologist, Professor Ekanem Philip Ephraim, in Cross River State. According to a report by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the prime suspect, Patrick Essien Etim, was arrested alongside accomplices while allegedly planning another kidnapping. The suspects reportedly confessed to abducting and killing the professor after collecting multiple ransom payments from her family. Professor Ephraim was kidnapped from her private clinic in Calabar by gunmen posing as patients, an incident that sparked widespread protests and an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Medical Association in the state. The DSS said the arrests mark a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and restore public safety.

Sowore Condemns Attack on Women, Children Protesting Insecurity in Kwara, Blasts Governor Abdulrazaq, Police Over Violence at Government House

Former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has condemned the violent attack on women and children who were peacefully protesting worsening insecurity and mass kidnappings in parts of Kwara State. The protesters were assaulted by suspected hired thugs while demonstrating in front of the Kwara State Government House in Ilorin. Sowore expressed outrage that officers of the Nigeria Police Force allegedly stood by without intervening as the protesters were beaten and humiliated. He accused Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of intolerance and high-handedness, insisting that permitting or tolerating such actions against citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest is unacceptable in a democracy. Sowore also called for the immediate identification and punishment of police officers who failed in their duty, as well as the arrest and prosecution of those who carried out the attack.

Kaduna Village Head’s Wife and Two-Year-Old Daughter Rescued from Kidnappers, Two Others Still Missing

The wife of a village head in Amantu, Sanga LGA, Kaduna State, along with her two-year-old daughter, has been rescued following a kidnapping on Sunday evening. Security agencies and local communities collaborated in the successful operation, reuniting the victims with their family early Monday morning. Meanwhile, two other individuals abducted in Fadan Karshi, Gwantu Chiefdom, remain missing as authorities intensify search efforts. The incident highlights ongoing insecurity challenges in Kaduna State and the critical role of community involvement in rescue operations.

Kwara Women Protesting Insecurity Attacked by Thugs at Government House as Police Stand By

A peaceful protest by women in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, demanding action against kidnappings and insecurity, was violently disrupted by thugs allegedly linked to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration. The assailants wielded canes and flogged protesters in front of the Government House while police reportedly failed to intervene. Victims, including elderly women, recounted ongoing kidnappings of family members and accused state authorities of inaction. This incident follows similar attacks on peaceful protesters in Ilorin earlier in 2025, highlighting growing public concern over security failures. @

Tinubu’s Government Explains Roles of 7,000 Newly Recruited Forest Guards Deployed to Tackle Banditry

The federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has clarified the job description of over 7,000 newly recruited Forest Guards deployed across seven frontline states to combat banditry and insecurity. The guards, trained for three months under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative, are tasked with protecting Nigeria’s forests, gathering intelligence, supporting security agencies, and reclaiming territories overtaken by criminal elements. According to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the initiative marks a decisive step toward restoring state authority, with plans to recruit up to 180,000 forest guards nationwide to curb terrorism, kidnapping, and other crimes operating from forest reserves.

JUST IN: Notorious criminal named Fidelis Guyama, known for organizing kidnappings and armed robberies across Taraba, Benue, and Plateau States, has been arrested. He was captured by troops from Operation Whirl Stroke (6 Brigade, Nigerian Army) during an intelligence-led operation on December 21, 2025, in Vaase community, Ukum LGA, Benue State. He is believed to be a key leader behind several criminal activities in the region.

FG GRADUATES OVER 7,000 FOREST GUARDS, SET FOR IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has announced the graduation of over 7,000 newly recruited Forest Guards drawn from seven frontline states, following the successful completion of an intensive three-month training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative launched by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in May 2025.

The initiative represents a coordinated Federal–State security intervention aimed at reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from criminal exploitation.

The graduation ceremonies were held on 27 December 2025 across Borno, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi States. The programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture by denying terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups sanctuary within forested and hard-to-reach terrains.

The training programme was deliberately intensive, structured, and demanding, designed to transform loyal and committed Nigerians into agile, disciplined, and capable field operatives. The curriculum integrated environmental conservation principles with advanced security competencies, ensuring a balanced, professional, and mission-ready force.

Trainees underwent extensive physical and mental conditioning, including endurance exercises, obstacle-crossing drills, and long-range patrol simulations to prepare them for sustained forest operations.

They were also trained in tactical fieldcraft, including movement techniques, enemy-contact drills, ambush response, rescue operations, and coordinated offensive actions—equipping them to deny criminal elements any form of sanctuary within Nigeria’s forest spaces.

Equally central to the programme was a strong emphasis on ethics, legality, and professionalism. The curriculum placed significant focus on human rights, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), gender rights, and the protection of civilians.

Arms handling and use-of-force protocols were strictly regulated in line with an Arms Management Manual jointly agreed upon by all participating agencies.

Speaking at the ceremonies, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the initiative as a decisive step toward restoring state authority and protecting vulnerable communities.

“These Forest Guards are not just uniformed personnel. They are first responders, community protectors, and a critical layer of Nigeria’s security architecture. They will hold ground, gather intelligence, and support security agencies in reclaiming territories previously overtaken by criminal elements.”

The NSA confirmed that deployment will commence immediately, with no gap between graduation and operational duty.

“There will be no delay between graduation and deployment. Salaries and allowances will commence immediately, and every certified guard will proceed directly to assigned duty posts,” he stated.

The training programme recorded a 98.2 percent completion rate. A total of 81 trainees were disqualified on disciplinary grounds, while two trainees passed away due to pre-existing medical conditions. All successful participants have been fully certified and cleared for operational service.

The graduating Forest Guards are indigenous to their respective local government areas, enabling them to leverage terrain familiarity and community trust in countering banditry, kidnapping, and the illegal exploitation of forest resources.

The Nigerian Forest Guard is an inter-agency national security initiative established under the leadership and strategic guidance of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, and operationally coordinated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Park Service.

The programme draws doctrine, operational alignment, and strategic input from the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—ensuring unity of command, clarity of purpose, and operational effectiveness.

Governors and Deputy Governors from the seven participating states attended the ceremonies, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, with other states represented by their Deputy Governors.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, the NSA concluded: “By protecting our forests, we are securing our territory. And by securing our territory, we are protecting our people. The Federal Government will not relent. This initiative will expand nationwide as part of our sustained effort to build a safer and more secure Nigeria.”

Notorious Imo Police Unit Tiger Base After My Life, Lawyer Chinedu Agu Raises Alarm Over Alleged Threats

Human rights lawyer and activist Chinedu Agu has raised alarm over alleged threats to his life by operatives of the Imo State Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as Tiger Base, a unit long accused of torture, illegal detention and extrajudicial killings. Agu said credible intelligence revealed that elements linked to the unit have marked him for elimination due to his sustained advocacy and public criticism, including his role in unveiling the CAPTI report documenting over 200 deaths in Tiger Base custody. He has held the Nigeria Police Force and Imo State Government responsible for his safety, calling on local and international human rights organisations, diplomats and civil society groups to urgently intervene and ensure accountability.

Coalition Accuses Imo Police Tiger Base of Retaliating Against #TigerBaseMustFall Campaign With Mass Arrests, Remands 41 People

The Coalition Against Tigerbase Police Impunity (CAPTI) has accused the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, known as Tiger Base, of retaliating against the #TigerBaseMustFall campaign through mass arrests and rushed court remands. In a statement issued on December 27, 2025, CAPTI revealed that 41 people were remanded at the Owerri Correctional Centre within two weeks following the campaign’s launch and the release of a report alleging at least 200 deaths in Tiger Base custody. The coalition described the actions as an attempt to cover up years of alleged torture, illegal detention, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, including cases involving women and children. CAPTI called the recent arraignments “theatre” and demanded the immediate shutdown of Tiger Base and accountability for officers implicated in abuses.

Bandits Invade Kwara Community After Christmas, Kidnap Seven Residents and Injure Others

Armed bandits attacked Adanla community in Igbaja Ward 2, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, on the evening of December 26, 2025, a day after Christmas celebrations. The attackers abducted seven residents and injured several others, including a young girl reported to be in critical condition. The assailants reportedly stormed homes firing sporadically, leaving the community in panic and grief. As of the report, it is unclear if security forces have launched a rescue operation. This incident adds to the growing insecurity in Kwara State and the North-Central region, highlighting ongoing threats from banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks, even during festive periods.

POLICE SMASH CRIMINAL RINGS, ARREST 22 IN MULTI-STATE OPERATIONS, RECOVERED VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES

The Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad has recorded major operational successes in a series of intelligence-driven raids carried out across several states of the federation, leading to the arrest of twenty-two suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, car snatching, impersonation and drug trafficking.

According to a statement by the Force, operatives recovered six firearms, including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, a sub-machine gun, pump-action gun and an LAR rifle, alongside assorted ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits believed to have been used in the commission of various crimes.

A major breakthrough was recorded along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where thirteen brand-new motorcycles were intercepted and a suspect linked to economic sabotage was arrested. In the Federal Capital Territory, operatives apprehended an escapee from the Kuje Custodial Centre as well as a suspect impersonating a police officer. Further arrests were also made in Edo, Lagos, Ogun and Nasarawa States.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks and sustaining nationwide security operations. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing policing efforts across the country.

Police arrest bandit seen flaunting firearms in viral video, recover AK-47, cash

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins responsible for violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States.

A sttement from the force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said on Friday, December 19, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, in a covert operation carried out in collaboration with operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, intercepted and arrested two members of the dangerous banditry and k!dnapping gang along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Hundeyin gave the names of the suspects as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi ‘m’ aged 26 and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide ‘m’ aged 30. He mentioned that both suspects were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA of Kwara State at the time of arrest.

Items recovered from the suspects incude one brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, red in colour, valued at N1,850,000.00, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds of ransom payments; N500,000.00 cash, being unspent ransom money; one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States. Further findings indicate that the gang also doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements.

Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to enable the arrest of other members of the syndicate and recovery of additional weapons.””the statement read

Hundeyin mentioned that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral video flaunting firearms and large sums of money on social media.

KANO POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS FIVE SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, CATTLE RUSTLERS IN INTELLIGENCE-LED OPERATIONS

The Kano State Police Command has recorded significant successes in its efforts to combat kidnapping and cattle rustling in the state as the Command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad and other units arrest five suspects in Kiru, and Tsanyawa LGAs.

A statement by the Command's Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa says acting on intelligence reports, a team of Police Operatives attached to the Command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) on the direction of the Commissioner of Police, cordoned off Rahma Round in Kiru LGA, Kano State and arrested four suspects.

The suspects include Shafiu Ibrahim, 25 years old, of Auchanawa Village, Ikara LGA, Kaduna State.

The statement reveals that Shafiu confessed to belonging to a gang of kidnappers and involvement in a series of cattle rustling.

A TVS Motorcycle was recovered from him. The other three suspects are under investigation for other various felonious offences.

In a related operation, a combined team from Dragon Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and Tsanyawa Police Division, arrested Bishir Umar, 24 years old, of Karaduwa LGA, Katsina State, at Mahuta Village, Tsanyawa LGA, Kano State.

Bishir confessed that he and accomplices stormed Kano on two motorcycles with a rifle and was arrested while on surveillance, and others escaped with the motorcycles and rifle.

All suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

Kwara Monarch, Oba Kamilu Salami, Released After 25 Days in Captivity Following Ransom Payments

Oba Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile in Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, has been released after 25 days in captivity by armed abductors. His family and community paid ransom twice before securing his freedom. Following his release, he was taken to a hospital for medical care. The royal family criticized the Kwara State Government and security agencies for failing to assist in his rescue. The abduction underscores growing insecurity and kidnapping-for-ransom cases in the region.

#KwaraState #ObaKamiluSalami #Kidnapping #Ransom #BayaganIle

Kwara Monarch Released After 25 Days in Bandits’ Captivity

The Ojibara of Bayagan Ile, Kamilu Salami, kidnapped 25 days ago in Kwara State, has been released following payment of a substantial ransom by his community. His return sparked jubilation, with residents welcoming him back at the palace. The monarch was immediately taken to Ilorin for medical attention. Community leaders confirmed that state and local governments did not intervene during the ordeal, and additional security measures have been put in place to prevent future attacks.

#KwaraState #Kidnapping #Bandits #NigeriaNews #TraditionalRulers #Security #Ransom #CommunitySupport

House of Reps Urges Urgent Rescue of 28 Travellers, Including 25 Children, Abducted by Bandits in Plateau State; Ransom of N42 Million Demanded

The Nigerian House of Representatives has called on security agencies to urgently rescue 28 travellers, including 25 children, abducted by suspected bandits in Wase Local Government Area, Plateau State. The victims—children, a teacher, and a tricycle rider—were ambushed along the Zak–Sabon-Layin Gaji road while travelling to a Maulud celebration. The attackers abandoned the tricycle and the children’s footwear, highlighting the panic during the abduction. Bandits have demanded a ransom of N1.5 million per person, totaling N42 million. Lawmakers emphasized the challenges posed by dense forest terrain and urged security forces to deploy intelligence-driven operations. Plateau State authorities confirmed that soldiers and helicopters are actively tracking the kidnappers.

#PlateauState #Kidnapping #NigeriaSecurity

Oby Ezekwesili Says 35 Niger State School Kidnapping Victims Still Missing

Former Minister of Education and #BringBackOurGirls co-founder Oby Ezekwesili has challenged official claims that all abductees from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Niger State, have been rescued. While 130 pupils, students, and staff have reportedly regained freedom, Ezekwesili noted that the original abduction involved 315 individuals, leaving at least 35 still unaccounted for.
Ezekwesili criticized government authorities for failing to provide precise data on victims, describing it as a recurring pattern of dehumanizing and disrespectful reporting. She urged the government to account for the missing individuals, properly identify all victims, and called on Nigerians to demand transparency and better governance. The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in northern Nigeria despite repeated assurances from authorities.

#ObyEzekwesili
#SchoolAbduction
#NigerState

IGP Egbetokun Approves Mobilisation of 700+ Police Officers to Counter-Terrorism Unit

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has sanctioned the mobilisation of over 700 police officers across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory and Police Mobile Force, to strengthen the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU). The move comes amid ongoing threats from terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings. The internal police signal, dated December 18, 2025, detailed the deployment numbers for each state, with the FCT Command contributing the highest at 121 officers. Senior police formations were instructed to release personnel to proceed with the deployment, underscoring a nationwide effort to bolster counter-terrorism capabilities.

#NigeriaPolice
#CounterTerrorismUnit
#IGPEgbetokun