Crime
Abductions surge: Northern govs demand mining suspension, unveil N228bn security fund
Northern governors and traditional rulers on Monday called for a six-month suspension of mining activities across the region, blaming illegal mining for the worsening insecurity in many states.
The northern leaders also announced plans to mobilise N228bn to fight bandits terrorising communities across the region.
Under the arrangement, each state and its local governments will contribute N1bn monthly, to be deducted at source under an agreed framework.
This means that the 19 northern states will raise N228bn annually.
They said the fund would provide sustainable financing for joint operations, intelligence-driven interventions and coordinated security responses across the North.
These were contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
In recent weeks, multiple school raids have rocked the region, leaving families traumatised and several communities deserted.
No fewer than 500 students and residents have been kidnapped by criminal gangs from schools and communities, forcing authorities to shut down schools in several states.
On November 17, 2025, armed men attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting 24 schoolgirls. The school’s vice-principal was killed during the attack. The students were freed a few days later.
Four days later, on November 21, gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community, Agwara LGA of Niger State, abducting hundreds of pupils and staff.
Church and local officials later confirmed that 303 students and 12 teachers were taken away.
The escalating attacks prompted several states to order the temporary closure of schools in Kebbi, Bauchi, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, Niger, Katsina and Kwara states. The Federal Government also ordered the closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide.
In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu last Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency, directing immediate recruitment by the army, police and intelligence agencies.
He also urged the National Assembly to begin the process of legalising state police to curb kidnappings and terrorist attacks.
At Monday’s meeting, the northern leaders endorsed the state policing initiative, reversing decades of political opposition to multi-level policing.
The meeting, chaired by the Governor of Gombe State and NSGF Chairman, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, had in attendance the 19 northern governors and chairmen of the 19 states’ traditional councils.
The high-level meeting was attended by Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Inuwa Yahaya( Gombe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), and Usman Ododo (Kogi), while others were represented by their deputies.
The participants insisted that decentralised policing had become inevitable.
“The Forum reaffirms its wholehearted support and commitment to the establishment of state police,” the communiqué stated, urging federal and state lawmakers from the region to “expedite action for its actualisation.”
On illegal mining, the forum asserted that criminal mining networks were fuelling violence and providing resources for armed groups.
As a corrective measure, they asked President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend mining activities to allow for a full audit and revalidation of licences.
“The Forum observed that illegal mining has become a major contributory factor to the security crises in Northern Nigeria,” it said. “We strongly recommend a suspension of mining exploration for six months to allow proper audit and to arrest the menace of artisanal illegal mining.”
To strengthen the fight against insecurity, the governors also announced the creation of a regional Security Trust Fund.
“Each of the 19 Northern states and their local governments will contribute N1bn monthly, to be deducted at source, into a dedicated security fund. The framework for the fund will be finalised soon,” the communiqué added.
The forum commended the President for securing the release of recently abducted schoolchildren and praised the sacrifices of the armed forces.
They pledged their “renewed and total support” for military action to eliminate insurgent enclaves.
They also extended sympathies to the governments and people of Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Borno and Yobe states over recent killings, abductions and Boko Haram attacks.
Speaking at the opening session, Governor Yahaya warned that insecurity had reached a point where “the future of the northern region is being mortgaged.”
He emphasised that the crisis was multi-layered, driven by years of underdevelopment, weak policing and economic hardship. “The targeting of our schools is a direct assault on our collective future,” he said.
He also warned that failure to address the rising population of out-of-school children and the persistence of the Almajiri system would continue to fuel radicalisation.
The NSGF chairman praised Tinubu for “leaving no stone unturned” in efforts to secure the release of abducted students.
He reiterated that only massive investments in infrastructure — roads, rail lines, power and digital connectivity — would unlock the region’s economic growth.
Yahaya also stressed the governors’ long-standing support for state policing, citing its inclusion in their May 2025 communiqué.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged the governors to double their efforts and work with absolute unity to rescue the North from its mounting challenges.
He dismissed speculations that the meeting was an emergency intervention triggered by recent attacks, saying it had been long scheduled for review and assessment.
“This meeting was supposed to be held in September but was put off a couple of times for various reasons. It is not an emergency meeting,” he explained.
The Sultan expressed the full support of the traditional institution for the governors, pledging collaboration in the fight against insecurity, poverty and social dislocation.
“As leaders, we need to tell ourselves the truth. But I want to assure you — just listen to the governors — we are 100 per cent with you in this drive to make the North a better place because we don’t have any other place to be,” he said.
He urged political leaders to resist divisive tendencies and remain open to constructive criticism, saying that “listen to critics. Listen to criticisms. Make amendments whenever they arise.”
Abubakar said traditional rulers would continue offering counsel and support when needed. “You have our confidence, you have our trust. You can reach out to us any time of the day,” he told the governors.
He also renewed his call for continuous prayers for national leaders.“Please pray for our leaders. When you pray for them, and they do good things, we all enjoy it.”
NSA visits Niger school
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday visited the Proprietor of St. Mary Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Agwara LGA, Bishop Bulus Yohanna of the Kontagora Diocese.
The NSA was at the school to commiserate with the authorities over the abduction of more than 265 students and teachers.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Bernard Doro, the Director General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Northern Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab.
Ribadu told parents and school officials that the abducted children were safe and would return soon, assuring them that security had been strengthened in the area.
“This is a very solemn and difficult moment for us… Mr President is in pain. He suspended his journey to focus on this,” Ribadu said.
He urged unity in the face of the attack, saying, “Let us not allow bad people to divide us.”
Ribadu praised Bishop Yohanna for his resilience, adding that international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom and France, were offering support.
“The children will come back safely. Evil will not win,” he assured.
Earlier, Bishop Yohanna thanked the NSA and President Tinubu for their visit and presented a report before proceeding into a closed-door meeting.
FCT police foil attack, arrest suspect
In another development, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has foiled a planned attack on an unnamed community following a targeted operation by its Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
The operation followed a surge in kidnappings in the ACO community in Gwagwalada and in Bwari, prompting the Commissioner of Police to order intensified efforts to dismantle the network behind the attacks.
FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said intelligence later revealed that the gang had fixed another raid for December 1, with plans to abduct residents for ransom.
Acting on the tip-off, operatives on November 30 arrested a wanted kidnapper and armed robbery suspect, Sani Mohammed Umar, also known as Boko. His mobile phone, allegedly used to coordinate gang activities, was recovered.
Investigations linked Umar to earlier attacks in ACO, Dupa and Gwagwalada, as well as multiple robberies in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. He reportedly admitted that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, ahead of the planned assault.
Adeh said the Anti-Kidnapping Unit moved into the forest around 11:01 p.m., laid an ambush and came under fire from the heavily armed gang. A 30-minute gun duel followed, during which three bandits were killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
Recovered items included three AK-47 rifles, three magazines and 33 rounds of live ammunition.
She added that police and troops of the Army’s 176 Battalion had launched a joint operation to comb the forest and block escape routes, while medical centres were directed to report persons with gunshot injuries.
Bandits levy Sokoto villages
Residents of Bakale village in Kilgori district, Yabo LGA of Sokoto State, are panicking after suspected bandits demanded a ₦20m levy from the community.
An audio message circulating on social media captured the gang leader directing the village head to mobilise payment, warning that refusal would trigger attacks and mass abductions.
A community leader said Bakale was not the only settlement under pressure, listing affected villages across Kilgori and Torankawa districts, including Bazar, Alkalije, Gari, Dagel, Adarawa, Kwaidaza, Runji, Tudu, Tile, Kibiyare and Barmadu. Levies reportedly range from ₦3m to ₦20m.
He added that recent attacks left six people dead in Alkalije and four in Tile.
The spokesperson of the Sokoto Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, did not respond to calls seeking comment.
Ekiti urges calm, says borders fortified
The Ekiti State Government has urged residents to remain calm despite reports of bandit activity in neighbouring Kogi and Kwara states.
Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), told journalists after a quarterly security meeting that Ekiti remained “one of the safest states,” citing increased military and police presence along border towns and improved intelligence networks.
He said traditional rulers and local government chairmen had been briefed to reassure residents and escalate credible information promptly.
“We want our people to be vigilant and report anything unusual. We have the resources to verify every piece of information,” he said.
Ogundana added that the state was working to prevent the spill-over of attacks affecting farmers, herders and rural communities in neighbouring states.
Ondo boosts Amotekun operations
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing security, pledging continued support for the Amotekun Corps.
Speaking at the inauguration of the corps’ Command and Control Centre and Training Auditorium in Akure, Aiyedatiwa said the facility would strengthen intelligence coordination, tactical readiness and rapid response.
He praised Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, for his leadership and promised more logistics, welfare and training support. He also lauded the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, for championing Amotekun’s establishment.
Adeleye said the corps’ evolution since 2020 showed that local security structures—with strong political backing—could tackle emerging threats. The governor recently approved the recruitment of 500 new officers.
Enugu deploys drones
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, on Monday, unveiled two long-range security drones, 10 patrol vans, 40 motorbikes and 400 bullet-proof helmets and vests to boost operations.
Speaking at the Command and Control Centre, Mbah said despite an 80 per cent drop in violent crimes, more equipment was needed to fight rising kidnapping incidents, especially in Udenu and border communities with Benue and Kogi.
The drones, equipped with day and night-vision cameras, will support surveillance in high-risk areas.
Security operatives are expected to begin expanded patrols and aerial monitoring immediately.
Kebbi steps up NYSC camp security
The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, has strengthened security at the NYSC orientation camp in Basaura, Jega LGA.
During a visit to the camp, he warned security personnel against complacency and emphasised inter-agency collaboration for a safe orientation exercise. A closed-door review of the camp’s security architecture was held with military and government officials.
Police spokesperson Nafi’u Kotarkoshi said discussions focused on early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms.
The controversy surrounding the alleged N1.3 billion Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council scandal deepened on Monday following the reported arrest of the father of the council’s embattled promoter, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, is currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on conspiracy, forgery and impersonation. The Federal Government has listed the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and 10 others as prosecution witnesses.
The arrest of Adeyemi’s father reportedly took place at the family’s residence in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday. According to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, police officers stormed the residence and took the elderly man into custody.
“The father has been arrested. There is no legal basis for substituted arrests. The young man has promised to appear in court, so why arrest his father?” Falana said.
Eyewitnesses alleged that police officers arrived in four vehicles, prevented neighbours from intervening, and took the elderly man to a police station. A family friend who was visiting the residence was also reportedly arrested, while Adeyemi’s aged mother was left in a state of shock.
The development has sparked concerns among legal practitioners and human rights advocates over the legality of the arrest.
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, cautioned against drawing conclusions without knowing the reasons behind the arrest.
“If a person is arrested solely to pressure a suspect to surrender, such an arrest is unlawful,” Osigwe said. “However, if the father is himself a suspect or a person of interest in the investigation, then the law permits his arrest.”
Similarly, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sam Erugo, maintained that arresting a parent for an offence allegedly committed by a child is unlawful.
According to Erugo, Section 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, expressly prohibits arrest by proxy or in lieu of another person.
He, however, urged the Nigeria Police Force to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest, stressing that the public deserves a clear explanation from the authorities.
The Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement on the reported arrest as of the time of filing this report.
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Nigeria’s foreign ministry said on Sunday one man was killed in front of his shop in the northeastern city of eMalahleni by unidentified criminals.
It gave no more details on the incident, which it said took place on Sunday, June 28 — on a weekend when tensions were building up ahead of nationwide anti-migrant rallies last week.
Vigilantes have attacked foreign nationals and looted foreign-owned shops on numerous occasions in the last few months, as South Africans blame immigrants for problems such as crime and unemployment. Migrant rights groups say foreigners are being used as scapegoats for deep-rooted problems.
Ghana said last week one of its citizens was fatally wounded in a shooting during the anti-immigrant demonstrations. South Africa said his killing was not related to the protests and accused Ghana of spreading misinformation.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks against migrants. Police said they arrested 900 people during last week’s protests.
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Nigeria’s foreign ministry said on Sunday: “We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table, some of which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance… against foreigners is not addressed.”
Crime
Enugu Forest Guard Rescues Kidnap Victim, Arrests Native Doctor, Others in Intelligence-Led Operation
A coordinated operation by the Enugu State Forest Guard has led to the rescue of a kidnapped man and the arrest of four suspected criminals, including a man allegedly linked to ritual activities connected to the abduction.
The intelligence-driven operation was carried out in the Ette axis of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area following credible information that a young man, identified as Samson Eleje Abah, had been lured into a forest and abducted by suspected criminals.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Forest Guard stormed the location, rescued the victim unharmed, and arrested three suspects identified as Reuben Okwudili, Reuben Gebechukwu Chinoso, and Reuben Emeka.
The suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Forest Guard said further intelligence gathered during the operation led to the arrest of John Agbo, a resident of Ofante Egberi in Kogi State, who allegedly travelled to the community to perform ritual activities believed to be connected to the kidnapping. He has also been transferred to the police to assist with ongoing investigations.
According to the agency, preliminary findings, supported by consultations with community leaders, revealed that residents had previously raised concerns about the alleged criminal activities of some of the suspects and had consistently provided intelligence to security agencies.
Community leaders condemned the incident and reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to combat crime. They also announced the imposition of traditional sanctions on the family of the principal suspects in accordance with local customs, stressing that criminality would not be tolerated in the community.
Describing the operation as another major breakthrough in its intelligence-led security campaign, the Forest Guard reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping, violent crime, and other security threats across Enugu State.
The Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo O. Olasoji, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage, and swift response.
“We commend our operatives for their professionalism and prompt action in rescuing the victim and apprehending the suspects,” Olasoji said.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, emphasizing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime.
“The Forest Guard will sustain aggressive patrols and deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure criminal elements have no safe haven in Enugu State,” he added.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed how suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, stole more than ₦7.2 million from the bank account of a serving judge in a midnight cyberattack.
Olukoyede made the revelation during the public presentation of two books authored by retired High Court judge, Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye.
According to the EFCC chairman, the judge contacted him around 1 a.m. after receiving multiple debit alerts from her bank account. She told him that about ₦7.2 million—money she had saved over six years for her child’s education—had been fraudulently withdrawn.
He said the commission immediately swung into action and, despite legal restrictions limiting certain investigative activities in the state where the incident occurred, successfully recovered the entire sum before the close of business that same day.
Olukoyede said the incident underscores the increasing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria and warned that many people only appreciate its devastating impact after becoming victims.
He called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, the judiciary and the public to combat internet-related crimes more effectively.
The EFCC boss also urged the National Assembly and legal experts to review existing laws to accommodate the use of artificial intelligence in criminal investigations, noting that current legal provisions make it difficult for AI-generated evidence to be admitted in court.
Also speaking at the event, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), urged anti-corruption agencies to intensify efforts to recover stolen public funds traced to foreign countries.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) has cleared former Minister of Labor and Employment Senator Chris Ngige of allegations of ground to the tune of N80 Million.
Ngige was charged on 5 counts of conferring UNDUE advantage to 5 companies said to belong to his Associates and 3 counts of receiving monetary gifts of N38m ,and N42m through his Sen Chris Ngige Foundation Scholarship scheme and Sen Chris Ngige Campaign Organisation respectively.
Recall that on the strength of this matter the former Anambra state Governor was last year remanded at kuje Correction Center for three days and later granted bail.
Sen Ngige pleaded not guilty to the charges and pleads his innocence. Political observers believes the Minister is being witch hunted.
The EFCC prosecution witness at a Federal capital territory Court presided by Justice Marian Hassan again told the court that there was no undue influence,nor interference by the former Minister of Labour & Employment, Senator Dr Chris Ngige during the 12 months period that the NSITF Procurement was domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment between 2021and 2022.
The Procurement activities in the Parastatal’s Tenders board PTB and the Ministerial Tenders Board MTB performed their activities with due process and no hindrance.
The witness; Dr Maduka Onwusoro,now a Permanent Secretary said he served as Director of Procurement in the Labour Ministry 2019 up to 2023,with his Deputy Ms Joyce Akponor who was later deployed to NSITF on their request to man the needs of the various Departments ,collate bids and forward for PTB and MTB awards between 2021 and 2022.
Under Cross Examination by Lead defence Counsel PIN Ikwueto SAN the witness took a look at an Exhibit tendered by the Prosecution, he then affirmed that the approval annotation made on the document were his and affirmed that all the companies recommended and approval by the MTB in the document were done on merit and that there was no UNDUE interference or influence by anyone.
The Ex -Minister was being accused of conferring undue advantage Messrs Zitacom Ltd,Shale Atlantic ,and Olde English Consolidated ltd were on the list with many other companies.
The witness said as overall supervisor of Procurement activities no pressure was brought on him in connection with the 3 companies.
Earlier during his appearance last Thursday the same witness was emphatic that two other Companies Messrs Cezimo Ltd and Jeff & Xris Ltd also passed through due process and got their contracts on merit because there were pre- qualified and gave lowest bids.
Thereafter the defence sought to tender through the Bar some documents which were approvals and directives given to the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation( SGF )and the former Minister, Ngige by the former President Muhammadu Buhari but the Prosecution opposed and pointed out that the certification of the documents by the Federal Ministry of Labour Human Resources Department were not properly done in accordance with a past Supreme Court ruling on certification of documents.
This prompted the defence team to withdraw the application to tender them ,to enable them do the needful.
Thereafter the Judge adjourned the matter to October 14 2026 for further hearing.
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