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

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

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

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.

Bandit Attacks Empty Kogi Community, Turn Okunran Into Ghost Town

Residents of Okunran in Yagba West LGA, Kogi State, have abandoned their homes following rising insecurity, leaving the community deserted. A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows empty streets, abandoned houses and no signs of daily life, with locals describing the area as a ghost town. The development follows recent bandit attacks in the region, including the abduction of over 30 worshippers from an ECWA church in nearby Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu. Although some victims were later released after negotiations and ransom payments, fear has driven residents of Okunran to flee their homes.

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

Suspected terrorists, believed to be bandits, have released 17 additional worshippers abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu, Kogi State, following sustained negotiations and the payment of ransom.

Naija News reports that the latest release came after weeks of engagement between the abductors, affected families and the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, which has been coordinating community efforts to secure the victims’ freedom.

According to Sahara Reporters, the Kogi State Government was not involved in the negotiations or the releases recorded so far.

The worshippers were abducted on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when armed men stormed the ECWA church during a church activity and whisked away more than 30 parishioners to an unknown location.

The incident sparked panic and outrage within the community and neighbouring areas.

Since the abduction, families of the victims, working with community leaders, have been engaged in prolonged and often difficult negotiations with the kidnappers in a bid to secure the release of their loved ones.

The first breakthrough came on January 1, 2026, when seven abducted worshippers were released after negotiations and the payment of a ransom reportedly put at ₦15 million.

However, the release was marred by tragedy as only four victims were freed alive, while three were confirmed dead – two reportedly died while in captivity, and one died after being rushed to the hospital following release.

Despite the tragic outcome, negotiations continued.

A local platform, Egbe Mekun, reported that three more victims were released on Monday, January 12.

This was followed by the release of 14 additional abductees on Tuesday, bringing the total number of worshippers freed so far to 24.

Community sources said 13 worshippers are still believed to be in the custody of the terrorists.

Oyo Police Rescue 60-Year-Old Kidnap Victim, Arrest Four Suspects

The Oyo State Police Command successfully rescued Isiaku Saidu, a 60-year-old man abducted in Iseyin, and Hussinat Abubakar, another kidnap victim in Itesiwaju LGA, without ransom payments.

Four suspected kidnappers, including Kari Ibrahim (22), Dure Jimoh (25), and Abubakar Sidi (55), were arrested, with one suspect neutralized during a gun duel. The police recovered six expended cartridges and urged the public to report anyone with gunshot injuries.

Police said the operations underscore the command’s determination to rescue victims promptly and discourage ransom payments, while investigations continue to apprehend other syndicate members.

BREAKING: Terrorists Release 17 More ECWA Worshippers in Kogi, 13 Still Held

Suspected bandits in Kogi State have released 17 additional worshippers abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu after ransom negotiations. The abductions occurred on December 14, 2025, when armed men stormed the church, taking over 30 parishioners. Earlier releases included seven worshippers on January 1, though tragically, three of them died—two in captivity and one after hospitalisation. Subsequent releases on January 12 and 13 have brought the total freed to 24, while 13 remain in captivity. The Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association continues negotiations and appeals to the public for prayers and support to secure the safe release of the remaining victims. Residents urge urgent government intervention to end the ordeal and ensure the safety of their community.

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 Abuja Oo! Police Arrest ‘One-Chance’ Gang Over Brutal Killing Of Lawyer Princess Chigbo

Wahala don sup for Abuja oo! The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has finally arrested three notorious “one-chance” armed robbery suspects linked to the gruesome killing of legal practitioner Barrister Chigbo Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix, a tragedy that shook the entire nation.

The suspects—described by police as members of a violent criminal syndicate—were picked up in Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Dan-Tata communities in Kubwa, Abuja, following an intensive manhunt ordered by the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye.

According to a statement released on Sunday, January 11, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the arrests were carried out as part of a renewed crackdown on “one-chance” operations that have returned to terrorise residents of the nation’s capital.

Who Are The Suspects?

Police identified the suspects as:

Saifullahi Yusuf (22) – from Kaduna State

Ishau Yusuf (24) – also from Kaduna State and biological brother to Saifullahi

Minka’ilu Jibril (a.k.a Dan-Hajia) – also from Kaduna State


Investigations revealed that the trio are members of a well-known “one-chance” robbery network that has reportedly operated in the FCT for years, especially during festive periods when unsuspecting commuters are most vulnerable.

How The Lawyer Was Killed

SP Adeh explained that the tragic incident occurred on January 5, 2026, at about 5:50 p.m., when Barrister Chigbo boarded a black Volkswagen Golf 3 along the Kubwa Expressway, believing it to be a normal commercial vehicle.

“Upon entry into the vehicle, the suspects wound up the tinted windows and threatened the victim with weapons in an attempt to force her to pay ransom for her own release,” the police said.

When the lawyer allegedly resisted, she was physically assaulted and pushed out of the moving vehicle, leading to her death.

Na so life just end like that oo.

The suspects also reportedly stole her Android phone and later sold it in Dei-Dei for ₦120,000. According to police:

Minka’ilu Jibril received ₦30,000,

Saifullahi Yusuf got ₦15,000,

While Ishau Yusuf shared the balance with another accomplice who is still on the run.


Dangerous Weapons Recovered

During the arrests, police recovered several weapons allegedly used by the gang, including:

Five pairs of scissors

Two sharp dagger knives

Two other knives

A long chain used to restrain victims

A plier


Police said investigations are ongoing and efforts are being intensified to arrest the remaining suspect and dismantle other criminal networks linked to the syndicate.

NBA Reacts: “Abuja Is No Longer Safe”

The killing of Princess Chigbo sparked outrage across the country, with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) raising alarm over what it described as the dangerous return of “one-chance” crimes in Abuja.

In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA lamented that the capital city had once again been plunged into fear and mourning.

According to the association, Princess Chigbo was not the only victim. Another professional, Ms. Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, a nurse, was also killed in a similar “one-chance” attack.

“What appears to be the disturbing return of ‘one-chance’ criminal operations in the Federal Capital Territory has once again plunged Abuja into grief,” the NBA said.

Family’s Painful Account

The late lawyer’s family revealed heartbreaking details of her final moments. Before her abduction, Princess Chigbo was reportedly on a phone call with her sister, Anthonia, when she suddenly cried out in distress and the call cut off.

The family later received a ransom demand of ₦3 million, but before any arrangement could be concluded, subsequent calls captured her screaming in pain.

On January 6, the family was informed that a badly injured woman had been taken to a specialist hospital. When her sister arrived, she found Princess Chigbo’s lifeless body in the mortuary, bearing signs of severe torture, including swollen eyes, bruises, and a cracked skull.

Police Issue Warning To Residents

Commending his officers, CP Miller Dantawaye reassured residents that the FCT Police Command remains committed to flushing out criminal elements from Abuja.

SP Adeh urged members of the public to:

Avoid boarding unregistered or suspicious vehicles

Remain vigilant at all times

Report suspicious activity using police emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653



Wahala don really burst for Abuja oo!
From lawyer to nurse, innocent lives are being cut short by “one-chance” criminals. Nigerians are now asking: how many more must die before this menace finally ends?

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.

Ahhhh wahala don set oo! Northern Nigeria don scatter. bandits don turn wahala full ground, from cattle rustling to kidnapping, village burnings, even sex slavery. Samuel Aruwan don break am down say this one no be small small grievance matter again—na full-blown criminal enterprise wey dey make money, control land, weapons, and even terror networks cross borders.

E don reach point wey dialogue dey soft for some, but bandits dey exploit am for cash. North-West dey record over 400 kidnapping cases, ransom don reach trillions, people dey die by hundreds of thousands.

E get two sides of the story:
1️⃣ Low-risk actors wey na just defend themselves, maybe small dialogue fit work.
2️⃣ High-risk, AK-47 carrying bandit networks wey dey profit from terror—these ones na target-only matter, force plus intelligence, no time for political drama.

If state no sharp, these criminal networks fit turn full-scale terrorist groups, like Boko Haram round two. Nigeria must classify the threat, cut their cash flow, enforce law, and no dey play emotional card.

TL;DR: Banditry don change level! Na criminal economy, not ethnic fight. Dialogue dey place, but only for those wey no dey kidnap, kill, or enslave people. For serious bandits, force + intelligence + law dey mandatory.

Wahala Don Burst: Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom for Ex-Borno LG Vice Chairman!

Naija, wahala don show again for Borno State! A fresh video has emerged showing Hon. Hassan Biu Miringa, former Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, and another unidentified man, kidnapped by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. In the chilling footage, the abductees pleaded for urgent help, saying their captors demand a whopping $300,000 (about N428 million) for their release.

The victims were reportedly abducted on December 17, 2025, while travelling from Miringa to Maiduguri. One of them said, “Alhamdulillah, we are alive. We are calling on the government and individuals to come to our rescue.”

The video captures their direct appeal to Borno State Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur and other prominent figures including Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, Hon. Sule Ali Rimi, Hon. Yakubu Gambo Kimba, and Alhaji Musa Dogo Biu, urging immediate intervention.

According to reports, Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction continue to terrorize communities in Borno, carrying out abductions, ransom demands, and attacks despite ongoing military operations in the northeast.

The abductees’ families and the people of Borno are now anxiously hoping for a swift rescue as this latest act of terrorism underscores the persistent insecurity in the region.

Wahala don burst oo, Nigerians dey pray say these men go return safely to their families.

How Were an Elderly Woman and Her Granddaughter Freed by Bandits in Southern Kaduna After a Ransom Payment?

In a dramatic turn of events in Southern Kaduna, an elderly woman, Mrs. Averik Arak, and her granddaughter were released by bandits after their family paid an undisclosed ransom. The victims had been abducted earlier this week in Arak village, Sanga Local Government Area, following a violent attack in which Mrs. Arak’s son, Kefas Habila Averik, and another resident were killed.

The release occurred on Wednesday night, after negotiations between the family and the abductors. The victims were immediately taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical examinations, and they are reportedly in stable condition.

A family member, Racheal Averik, confirmed the ordeal on social media, expressing deep gratitude for the prayers and support received during the challenging period. She revealed that the abduction occurred just 48 hours after her mother’s son was killed, and that the elderly woman, already in mourning, was particularly vulnerable when the bandits struck.

This incident highlights the growing security challenges in Southern Kaduna, where banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks have become increasingly frequent. Local authorities and security agencies continue to face pressure to protect vulnerable communities and prevent similar tragedies.

The Kaduna kidnapping saga underscores the human cost of insecurity, showing how families are forced to pay ransoms while mourning lost loved ones, and raises urgent questions about government measures to tackle banditry and protect civilians in Nigeria’s most affected regions.

Ondo Nursing Mother and Infant Abducted: Police Launch Manhunt for Suspected Kidnappers”

A nursing mother and her infant were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ondo State, prompting a full-scale manhunt by police authorities. The incident occurred on Saturday night along the Supare/Ajegunle route in Akoko South West Local Government Area, according to the Ondo State Police Command.
SaharaReporters gathered that the woman, who is married to a well-known local furniture maker, was taken from her residence alongside her young child under circumstances that have left the community shocked and fearful.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the abduction and stated that intensive operations are underway to locate and safely rescue the victims. Security operatives have been strategically deployed throughout the area, ensuring continuous monitoring and rapid response to any leads.
As of now, no ransom demands have been officially confirmed. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities promising to keep the public informed and urging residents to report any suspicious activity. The police emphasized their commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State.
This case underscores the persistent threat of kidnappings in parts of Nigeria and highlights the proactive measures by law enforcement to respond swiftly to abduction incidents.

Edo Family Refutes Police Rescue Claim, Confirms Payment of Ransom for Abducted Twin Teenagers After Father’s Murder

The family of twin teenagers abducted in Edo State after the killing of their father, Andrew Ilabeshi, has disputed police claims that the victims were rescued unharmed. According to the family, the twins, Emmanuel and Emmanuella, both 16, were only released after a ransom was paid to their kidnappers.
Gunmen reportedly attacked the Ilabeshi family on December 11 at Kalabar Quarters, Afokpella, Etsako East LGA, leaving the father dead and abducting the twins. The Edo State Police Command previously stated that the twins were rescued by security operatives, but the family insists the release was negotiated through ransom payments.
The victims were reportedly traumatized by their ordeal, and the family criticized local security efforts, urging both state and federal governments to intensify measures against kidnappings. Community vigilance, according to the family, has proven insufficient in addressing the rise in violent abductions in the area.