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

Armed Men Abduct 28 Muslim Travellers, Including Women and Children, in Plateau State Armed men kidnapped 28 people, including women and children, in Plateau State, Nigeria, while they were traveling to an annual Islamic event. The ambush occurred on Sunday night between villages, and families of the victims have begun receiving ransom demands. Police confirmed that they had deployed security assets to the area to rescue the hostages. The incident comes a day after the release of 130 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from a Catholic boarding school in Niger State. Authorities noted that the Plateau abduction is separate from the ongoing Islamist insurgency in northeastern Nigeria and emphasized that trained forest guards would support army operations to curb the growing kidnapping crisis. #PlateauState #NigeriaKidnapping #BanditryInNigeria #RansomDemands #WomenAndChildrenAbducted #NigerianSecurity #IslamicEventAbduction #NigeriaNews

Nigeria Partners Facebook, TikTok, X and Other Social Media Platforms to Delete Terrorists’ Accounts, Disrupt Online Propaganda and Terror Financing — NCTC Chief The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigerian security agencies are working closely with major social media platforms including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and X to identify and remove accounts used by terrorists and criminal gangs to spread propaganda, showcase attacks and raise funds. Speaking during an end-of-year briefing in Abuja, the Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major-General Adamu Laka, said sustained engagements with the tech companies have led to the takedown of numerous extremist accounts, significantly curbing activities such as livestreaming of attacks and display of looted items. Laka also revealed that ransom payments remain a major source of terrorist financing, often facilitated through point-of-sale (POS) operators, prompting intensified investigations, arrests and asset seizures. He warned that evolving terror tactics, porous borders and instability in neighbouring Sahel countries continue to pose serious security challenges, stressing the need for regional cooperation and stronger counter-terrorism measures. #CounterTerrorism #SocialMediaRegulation #NationalSecurity

Kwara Families Appeal for Help as Gunmen Demand ₦500 Million Ransom for Abducted Workers Families of five workers abducted at a road construction site along Sabaja/Owa-Onire Road in Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, are appealing to the government and security agencies for urgent intervention. The victims include two engineers, two labourers, and a driver. Kidnappers reportedly demanded a ₦500 million ransom, an amount far beyond the families’ means. Security forces, including police, military, and local vigilantes, have launched operations to rescue the victims. This incident mirrors another recent abduction in Oba community, Isin LGA, highlighting rising insecurity and targeted attacks on construction workers in Kwara State. #KwaraState #Kidnapping #Insecurity #NigeriaNews #RansomDemand #ConstructionWorkers #PoliceOperations

Shame On Me For What?” — VeryDarkMan Defends Call for Harrison’s Release, Alleges ₦5.4 Million Ransom Controversy as Kidnapped Victim Remains in Bush Popular social media activist VeryDarkMan has reacted strongly to criticisms following the release of Harrison, insisting his demand was aimed at accountability, not sympathy. He alleged that Harrison collected ₦5.4 million meant for ransom negotiations while the kidnapped victim remains in captivity. According to VeryDarkMan, kidnappers monitored social media updates, initially demanded ₦5.4 million, later raised the ransom to ₦60 million before reducing it to ₦50 million. He further questioned claims that Harrison killed some kidnappers and warned that any harm to the abducted victim would raise serious moral and legal concerns. VeryDarkMan maintained that his role is to expose alleged wrongdoing and rejected suggestions that ransom payments should be normalized, warning that such actions only encourage kidnapping.

Yoruba Union Condemns President Tinubu’s Christmas Holiday Amid Kogi ECWA Church Abductions, Calls for Immediate Action on National Insecurity The Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has condemned President Bola Tinubu for reportedly planning to spend Christmas with his family while victims of abduction, including ECWA Church worshippers in Ayetoro Kiri, Kogi State, remain in captivity. The group criticized the government’s failure to prioritize citizen safety amid worsening insecurity across Nigeria, highlighting ongoing kidnappings, ransom demands, and the suffering of families. The union urged the President to cancel his holiday, personally visit affected areas, and direct security agencies to intensify rescue operations, dismantle criminal networks, and ensure justice for abductees.

Video Shows Abducted ECWA Church Worshippers, Children, Elderly Distressed in Bandits’ Captivity After Kogi Church Attack A distressing video has emerged showing worshippers abducted during the bandit attack on First ECWA Church in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The 38-second footage reveals elderly victims and young children standing in a forest, confirming fears over the fate of those kidnapped during the December 14, 2025 attack. At least one worshipper, Student Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi, was killed, while no fewer than 37 people were abducted. Residents say the bandits operated freely for hours, targeting church services and demanding ransom as insecurity continues to worsen in the area.

Insecurity Forces Kwara Farmers to Abandon Farming for Okada Riding Published December 19, 2025 Rising insecurity, kidnappings, and ransom demands in parts of Kwara State, especially Patigi and Ifelodun, have driven farmers away from their lands. Farmers report that armed men frequently attack fields, sometimes using charms or threats of death, making farming a “death sentence.” Many victims, like Sadiku from Patigi, have sold family farmland to pay ransoms and now work as commercial motorbike (okada) riders for survival. The shift from farming is reducing local food production, leading to scarcity and higher market prices. Residents say security agencies have failed to respond effectively, leaving rural communities vulnerable. Farmers argue that working as okada riders, despite risks of accidents and harassment, offers more immediate safety and mobility than staying on farms. Implications: The crisis is threatening food security and livelihoods in rural Kwara. Insecurity is altering occupational choices, forcing many to abandon traditional farming.

Lagos Police Arrest Five Suspects Over Staged Kidnapping Scam as Schoolboy, Friends Extort ₦1.7 Million Ransom From Mother The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects for orchestrating a fake kidnapping involving a schoolboy who collaborated with his friends to extort ₦1.7 million from his mother. Investigations revealed the distress video was staged in a suspect’s room, with the ransom traced through a POS transaction, leading to the syndicate’s arrest and ongoing prosecution.

EXCLUSIVE: Names of Over 37 Worshippers, Including Children and Elderly, Kidnapped in Kogi’s Aiyetoro Kiri Church Attack SaharaReporters has obtained the names of worshippers abducted during a violent bandit attack on the First ECWA Church and Apostolic Church in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba/Bunu LGA, Kogi State, on December 14, 2025. The attack left one seminary graduate, Pastor Jimoh Adeyemi (JJ), dead, while at least 37 worshippers—including over 12 children aged 3–8 and more than 10 elderly individuals—were kidnapped. Bandits operated freely for hours, reportedly forcing some captives to fetch ransom money. They have demanded ₦600 million from the community, seeking direct negotiation with the government. The assault is the third major attack in the area this year, leaving residents in fear and prompting mass relocation.

BREAKING: Kidnappers Demand ₦500 Million Ransom For Seven Abducted Construction Workers, Including Kwara Works Ministry Staff, In Oba Community Attack Suspected terrorists who abducted seven construction workers from a construction site in Oba community, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, have demanded a ransom of ₦500 million for their release. Family sources confirmed that the kidnappers contacted them, insisting on full payment before freeing the victims, two of whom are staff members of the Kwara State Ministry of Works. The workers were seized during a sudden armed attack on the site and marched into the bush, sparking fear among residents. Families have appealed to the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their safe release amid growing concerns over worsening insecurity in the state.

Six Kidnapped On Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road As Four Regain Freedom Amid Allegations Of Police Silence And Renewed Bandit Attacks In Kaduna State Six travellers were abducted by armed bandits along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road after returning from a wedding, sparking concern as the Kaduna State Police Command allegedly withheld details of the incident. Four of the victims have since been freed under unclear circumstances, with conflicting accounts suggesting either escape or ransom payment, while two remain in captivity. Families and residents say police have been evasive, heightening fears amid reports that bandits have resumed attacks on Birnin Gwari communities, destroying farms and deepening insecurity in the area.

Terrorists Storm Kwara Construction Site, Abduct Seven Workers Including Two State Ministry Officials Amid Rising Insecurity Suspected terrorists have abducted seven construction workers, including two officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Works, after attacking a construction site in Oba community, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State. Sources said the attackers overpowered the workers and forced them into the bush, with no immediate resistance. As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the state government or security agencies, while details of ransom demands remain unclear. The incident adds to growing concerns over worsening insecurity in Kwara State following recent arrests of suspected bandits allegedly operating under the guise of local patrols.

Delta Police Arrest 627 Suspects, Recover 144 Firearms, ₦36M Ransom In 2025 Operations – CP Olufemi The Delta State Police Command has reported the arrest of 627 suspects and the recovery of 144 firearms, 6,930 rounds of ammunition, and ₦36 million ransom in operations conducted from January to December 2025. Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda S. Olufemi highlighted that the arrests spanned armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, cultism, and rape. The Command also rescued 18 kidnapped victims, recovered 28 stolen vehicles, and cracked down on drug trafficking, seizing substances like Canadian Loud, codeine syrup, and tramadol. CP Olufemi attributed the successes to intelligence-driven, community-based policing, urging residents to stay vigilant and provide information to security agencies.

Breaking: Armed Bandits Kidnap Man in Okunran as Insecurity Surges Across Kogi State Communities Residents of Okunran in Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi State, were thrown into panic on December 13, 2025, when armed bandits stormed the community and abducted a Hausa man. This incident highlights a rising trend of kidnappings and attacks in Yagba East and West, including recent abductions from farms and religious institutions, where victims faced ransom demands. Locals are appealing for urgent security reinforcement as repeated raids continue to threaten safety and heighten tension in the region.

Harrison Gwamnishu Scandal Exposes the Dangers of Celebrity Activism in Nigeria The controversy surrounding Harrison Gwamnishu and a disputed ₦20 million ransom payment has sparked a deeper debate about Nigeria’s growing culture of celebrity activism. In this opinion piece, Damian Ugwu argues that the scandal highlights the risks of substituting visibility and social media fame for professional competence, especially in life-and-death situations like kidnapping negotiations. The article calls for greater accountability, oversight, and a shift away from personality-driven activism toward transparent, professional, and community-based advocacy. #CelebrityActivism #KidnappingCrisis #NigeriaOpinion

Terrorists Demand ₦30m Ransom for Three Brothers Kidnapped After Mother’s Burial in Kwara Three relatives returning from their mother’s burial in Agboro, Kwara State, have been abducted by terrorists who are now demanding ₦10 million each, totalling ₦30 million. The victims — Isanlu Bidemi (33), Olumide (30), and their 17-year-old cousin Moses — were kidnapped on December 7 along the Odo-Ogbe axis in Yagba East. A fourth traveler was also seized. The grieving family’s attempt to negotiate with ₦3 million was rejected as the abductors intensified threats and beatings. The incident adds to growing insecurity in the Yagba area, where kidnappings and daylight ambushes have surged, prompting renewed calls for urgent government intervention. #KogiInsecurity #KidnappingCrisis #YagbaEast

Kidnappers Demand N100 Million for Abducted Vine Crest College Employee in Ogun Magaji Adebanjo, an employee of Vine Crest College, has been kidnapped along Kabba Road in Kogi State while traveling from Iperu to Abuja. In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Adebanjo is seen tied up with a gun pointed at his head, pleading for help. His abductors are demanding a ransom of N100 million for his release. Adebanjo, who has a pregnant wife, a young son, and an elderly father depending on him, called on Nigerians for urgent assistance. The incident highlights the growing wave of kidnappings along highways in Kogi and neighboring states. #KidnappingNigeria #KogiState #VineCrestCollege