Category: PM News

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has described the testimonies of the recently rescued students and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as heartbreaking, revealing that the victims endured severe hardship during more than 50 days in captivity.

The monarch made the remarks after leading a delegation to the Ojoo Military Cantonment, where they met the rescued victims who are receiving care following their release.

The delegation included the Alaajawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji, the Onisapa of Isapa, Oba Bolarinwa Ezekiel Olajide, and Senator Fatai Buhari. They were received by the General Officer Commanding and other senior military officers.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Oba Olaoye said listening to the victims’ experiences was an emotional moment.

‘Listening to their testimonies was deeply emotional. Their account of life in the bush revealed the unimaginable hardship they endured,’ he said.

The monarch disclosed that some of the details narrated by the victims were particularly distressing.

‘Particularly heartbreaking were the revelation that the male teachers were kept chained and blindfolded throughout their captivity and the gruesome killing of one of the teachers. No human being deserves such cruel and inhumane treatment at the hands of evil.’

Despite the painful accounts, the traditional ruler said the safe return of the victims was a cause for thanksgiving.

‘Today, however, we choose gratitude over grief. Their safe return is a powerful reminder that God still answers prayers. We give Him all the glory for preserving their lives and bringing them back to their families and loved ones; all the children and teachers are currently being cared for in the hospital.’

He added that what many had feared would end in tragedy had instead become ‘a testimony of God’s mercy and faithfulness.’

Oba Olaoye also commended the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, other security agencies and everyone who played a role in securing the victims’ freedom.

‘I also express my profound appreciation to the federal and state governments, the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF), all security agencies, and every individual whose unwavering commitment and sacrifice contributed to this successful outcome. Your courage and dedication continue to inspire hope,’ he said.

The monarch urged Nigerians not to forget those who remain in the hands of kidnappers, calling for sustained prayers for their release.

‘As we celebrate this answered prayer, let us continue to remember those who remain in captivity across our nation and pray earnestly for their safe return. May the Almighty comfort every family that has experienced the pain of insecurity and strengthen all those working tirelessly to restore peace.’

He also prayed that Ogbomosoland would be spared similar tragedies in the future.

‘It is my heartfelt prayer that Ogbomosoland will never experience such sorrow. May God continue to preserve our land, protect our people, and establish lasting peace and security throughout our communities.’

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced another breakthrough in the ongoing campaign against insurgents in the North East, saying its fighter aircraft destroyed a terrorist hideout and eliminated several fighters during a precision operation in Borno State.

The operation, carried out on Friday by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, targeted Yaganari in the Gezuwa general area following intelligence reports of renewed terrorist activity.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said extensive surveillance confirmed the presence of terrorists, their facilities and logistics bases before the strikes were authorised.

‘Acting on credible intelligence on renewed terrorist activities and the concentration of fighters in the area, the Air Component conducted intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions which confirmed the presence of terrorist structures and logistics hubs,’ Ejodame said.

He added: ‘The targets were subsequently engaged in a series of precision strikes, leading to the destruction of terrorist infrastructure and the neutralization of several terrorists.’

According to him, the latest operation highlights the increasing pressure being exerted on insurgent groups across the region.

‘The successful operation further underscores the growing pressure being mounted on terrorist elements, whose freedom of movement and ability to regroup continue to be severely degraded by sustained air offensives,’ he said.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, praised the officers and personnel who participated in the mission, commending their professionalism and commitment.

He also reaffirmed the Air Force’s determination to sustain aggressive operations against terrorists and other threats to national security.

‘The Nigerian Air Force will continue to deliver decisive air power in concert with surface forces to hunt down, disrupt and destroy terrorist elements wherever they may seek refuge,’ the air chief said.

‘We remain committed to ensuring that terrorists have no safe haven and no opportunity to recover their capabilities.’

Aneke added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain focused on consolidating the gains already achieved in the country’s counter-terrorism operations and would continue efforts to deny insurgents the ability to regroup or launch fresh attacks.

A 26-year-old man, Mayan Hirani, has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison for killing a food delivery worker in a high-speed hit-and-run crash in east London before fleeing the scene.

Hirani, of Grange Crescent, Chigwell, received the sentence at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday after being convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop following the fatal collision.

The incident occurred on March 16, 2024, in Ilford, where Mohammed Furuk Ahmed had briefly parked his vehicle to deliver food. As he attempted to cross the road, he was struck by a Range Rover travelling at between 64 and 68 miles per hour-more than twice the legal speed limit.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene and fought to save Ahmed’s life, but he sustained catastrophic injuries and died in hospital the following day.

Rather than stop to render assistance, Hirani sped away from the scene.

Police launched an extensive investigation, using closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology and other forensic enquiries to trace the Range Rover to a garage in east London. Hirani was subsequently identified and later admitted he had been behind the wheel at the time of the crash.

Lead investigator, Detective Constable Tristan Hunter, said the conviction marked an important step in securing justice for the victim’s family.

‘Our thoughts remain with Mr Ahmed’s family and loved ones, who continue to live with the devastating consequences of his death,’ Hunter said.

‘While no sentence can undo the pain caused by Mr Ahmed’s passing, I hope this outcome provides some measure of justice for his family and demonstrates our commitment to holding dangerous drivers accountable.’

In addition to the prison sentence, the court disqualified Hirani from driving for five years. He must also pass an extended driving test before he can legally return to the road.

Ogun governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described successful rescue of schoolchildren and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as a vindication of President Bola Tinubu’s assurance that every effort would be made to secure their freedom and ensure those responsible, faced justice.

Abiodun said this while congratulating President Tinubu on the successful rescue of the abductees in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday.

The Governor described the operation that led to the rescue of the abductees as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity.

According to him, the arrest of eight suspects and the neutralisation of others during the operation sent a strong message that kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals would not find safe haven in Nigeria.

He said that the operation demonstrated the Federal Government’s determination to pursue criminal elements relentlessly and deal with them in accordance with the law.

‘This operation has demonstrated that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu there will be no safe haven for criminal elements.

‘It is a clear signal that those who choose the path of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes will be relentlessly pursued, apprehended or neutralised in accordance with the law,’ the governor said.

Abiodun commended the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), local intelligence operatives and other security agencies for their professionalism, courage and coordinated efforts.

He also praised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for collaborating with the Federal Government and security agencies throughout the victims’ captivity, saying the partnership contributed to the successful rescue.

The governor said that the operation reinforced the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s renewed security strategy implemented in collaboration with state governments and security agencies.

Abiodun urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information to prevent criminal activities and enhance public safety.

He reaffirmed Ogun State’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, neighbouring states and security agencies to ensure criminals have no refuge in the South-West.

The 46 abducted teachers and pupils, taken captive on May 15 from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA, regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity.

Reports have it that eight of the suspected kidnappers were arrested by security operative while some others were neutralised.

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, has described the rescue of the Oriire abducted victims as a collective victory for all.

The speaker said this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Oyetunji Oyekunle.

Ogundoyin said the victims’ safe return has brought immense relief, hope and joy to their families, communities and all residents of the state who anxiously prayed for a successful outcome.

According to him, the rescue marks the end of a painful ordeal and demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated security operations involving federal and state security institutions.

‘I warmly welcome the cheering news of the safe rescue of the abducted pupils, teachers and other victims from Oriire Local Government.

‘We are grateful that what began as a painful ordeal has ended with their safe return,’ the speaker said.

Ogundoyin commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary support and praised Gov. Seyi Makinde for his proactive leadership and steadfast commitment to protecting lives and property.

The speaker further applauded all security agencies, local vigilance groups, local hunters, and intelligence operatives whose professionalism, courage and synergy culminated in the successful rescue of the victims.

According to him, the operation has once again shown that effective collaboration among all remains critical to tackling insecurity across the country.

Ogundoyin stressed that Nigeria must continue strengthening its security framework, noting that current realities make a stronger case for the establishment of state police.

According to him, the decentralisation of policing will significantly enhance intelligence gathering, rapid response to security threats and community-based crime prevention.

He, therefore, urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman allegedly transporting a cache of illicit drugs, alcoholic drinks and other banned substances believed to be intended for terrorists operating around the Lake Chad Islands.

The arrest was made on Thursday during a security operation along the Maiduguri-Monguno route as the suspect travelled towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The development was announced by the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, in a statement published on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Friday.

Giving details of the operation, Goni said: ‘The operation was conducted during an intensive search operations along the Maiduguri-Monguno axis, where troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

‘The suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel (48), a Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad, was arrested while conveying the prohibited items.

‘Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered substances were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.’

According to the military, the items recovered included seven compressed bundles of suspected cannabis sativa weighing about 30 kilogrammes, two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, commonly called ‘Suck and Die’, one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages.

Security personnel also recovered a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine cards, cash and other personal belongings from the suspect.

The military estimated the seized items to be worth several millions of naira.

Providing an update on the investigation, the statement said: ‘The suspect is currently in military custody, while all recovered exhibits have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.’

Operation HADIN KAI said the interception was another major step in its campaign to cut off supply channels that sustain terrorist activities across the North-East.

The statement added: ‘Available intelligence has consistently shown that illicit drugs and intoxicants are frequently used by terrorist groups to stimulate fighters, suppress fear and facilitate violent operations.

‘By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network.’

The Theatre Command praised the troops for their alertness and professionalism, reaffirming that military operations against terrorists and their collaborators would continue.

It also appealed to residents to keep supporting security agencies with prompt and reliable intelligence to strengthen efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in the North-East.

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, on Thursday led members of the State Management Team and the National Directorate Headquarters (NDHQ) Monitoring Officer, Mr. Peter Okpanachi, on an inspection tour of Obokun, Ilesa East and Ilesa West Local Government Areas to monitor the low-key passing-out ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members.

The exercise was conducted simultaneously across the 30 local government areas and the Area Office in Osun State as part of the formal completion of the mandatory one-year national service.

Speaking during the monitoring exercise, Kubiangha congratulated the outgoing corps members on the successful completion of their service year, describing the occasion as a significant milestone in their lives. He expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness and protection throughout the service year, noting that the corps members were privileged to have successfully completed the service.

Kubiangha urged them to remain thankful to God and to approach the next phase of their lives with determination, integrity and a commitment to excellence. He reminded them that the Certificate of National Service was only a foundation upon which they must build successful and impactful careers through hard work, innovation, resilience and discipline.

Kubiangha also charged the corps members to remain worthy ambassadors of the NYSC by upholding the values of patriotism, selfless service, honesty and good character wherever they find themselves. He encouraged them to be law-abiding citizens and continue making meaningful contributions to nation-building and community development.

As part of the ceremony, eligible corps members were presented with their Certificates of National Service, while outstanding Corps Liaison Officers received Certificates of Commendation in recognition of their exemplary leadership and meritorious service during the service year.

The State Coordinator prayed for the outgoing corps members, wishing them success in their future endeavours and expressing confidence that they would excel in their chosen careers and positively impact society.

Speaking on the outcome of the service year, Kubiangha disclosed that a total of 1,702 corps members successfully completed the national service and were issued their Certificates of National Service. He added that 18 corps members absconded from service, while 11 had their service extended for various infractions in accordance with the provisions of the NYSC by-laws.

The monitoring exercise reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity, credibility and transparency of its operations while ensuring strict compliance with established guidelines during the passing-out process.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the Federal Government is deliberately keeping former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in detention to weaken the opposition before the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, maintained that the ADC supports the prosecution of anyone facing genuine criminal allegations. However, he argued that the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention had raised serious concerns about political interference.

‘We are not opposed to anybody who has a legitimate case to answer from being prosecuted, but when you are holding someone in custody for bailable offences, and you proceed to continue to arraign that person and continue to set conditions for bail that are almost impossible for this person to meet, it creates room for us to believe that you deliberately intend to hold this person in perpetuity,’ Abdullahi said.

He added, ‘The thinking within the ADC is that the APC government has concluded that they will not release Malam Nasir El-Rufai until after the elections. That’s what we believe.’

Abdullahi further claimed that the ruling party viewed El-Rufai as a major asset to the emerging opposition coalition and wanted to prevent him from participating in preparations for the 2027 polls.

‘They know that with Malam Nasir El-Rufai freed, the opposition is stronger… That is why they want to hold him,’ he alleged.

The ADC spokesman also expressed concern over the former governor’s health, saying his family had disclosed that doctors at the National Hospital recommended continued medical observation after his condition reportedly worsened.

‘If anything happens to Malam Nasir El-Rufai in detention, President Bola Tinubu will be held personally responsible because the buck stops on the table,’ Abdullahi said, describing the former governor as ‘a political prisoner.’

He also accused the APC of relying on legal processes to weaken opposition figures instead of concentrating on governance, insisting that the party was preoccupied with the 2027 elections despite Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic challenges.

Abdullahi said the opposition coalition adopted the ADC as its platform to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative, while dismissing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda as ‘just a slogan.’

El-Rufai is facing charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.

He is also standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja in a separate case instituted by the Department of State Services over allegations of unlawful interception of telephone communications.

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has questioned whether the Federal Government should resort to bombing suspected kidnappers’ hideouts where pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State may be held.

Bwala raised the question while responding to concerns over the continued captivity of victims abducted more than 50 days ago in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims, including over 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted on May 15, 2026, after gunmen attacked three schools in the area.

One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed, heightening fears over the safety of those still in captivity.

Speaking on The Morayo Show, Bwala said the government was aware of the condition of the victims and remained focused on securing their release alive.

‘We know they are alive and they are well. To bring them back, to get them out alive, is much more important than whatever anybody is saying in the news,’ he said.

The presidential aide warned that the use of military force could put the hostages at greater risk, saying rescue operations involving captives require careful decisions.

‘When you have a case of what we call hostage-taking, the number one responsibility of government is to rescue them, and rescue them alive,’ Bwala said.

He added that stronger measures would become necessary if there was evidence that more victims were being killed.

However, when questioned about the fact that one hostage had already been beheaded, Bwala challenged the idea of using immediate force.

‘Should the government now forcefully begin bombing where we believe they are being held, because one person was beheaded and there is a possibility that the rest will be killed?’ he asked.

He urged critics to consider the risks involved in military action against kidnappers holding civilians.

More than 50 days after the attack, the abducted pupils and teachers remain in captivity, while efforts to secure their release through negotiations have yet to produce a breakthrough.

An officer of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) identified as Mohammed Adamu Ndagiyapa has been arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, Abuja, over alleged job racketeering and abuse of office involving N4.31 million.

Ndagiyapa, a Marshal Inspector II with the FRSC was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)

He was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and using his office to confer corrupt advantage upon himself, contrary to the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

ICPC said in the charges that Ndagiyapa allegedly received the sum of N3,260,000 between January 2021 and December 2022 through his Stanbic IBTC Bank and First City Monumental Bank accounts from one Dauda Zira Gambo under the pretext of securing employment for the latter’s relatives into the Federal Road Safety Corps.

The Commission also alleged that the defendant received an additional N1,050,000 from one Munda Babayo for the purpose of procuring employment for her relations, bringing the total amount involved in the alleged job racketeering scheme to N4,310,000.

The offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 10(a)(ii) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

John Odey, the spokesperson for ICPC said in a statement that investigation revealed that Ndagiyapa allegedly portrayed himself as having the capacity to secure employment opportunities in the FRSC by virtue of his relationship with senior officers of the Corps.

When the four-count charge was read to him, Mohammed Ngiyapa pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following his plea, counsel to the ICPC, Leslie Iheduru Esq. prayed the court for a date for the commencement of trial.

The trial judge, Justice F.E Messiri hereafter granted bail to the defendant on the terms of his administrative bail and adjourned the matter to 16th September 2026, for the commencement of trial.