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.
A Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered the remand of Nigerian-American car dealer Oluwatobi Adegoke at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Correctional Centre over an alleged $680,000 vehicle-import fraud.
Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe issued the order on Friday following Adegoke’s arraignment by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge of stealing.
According to the EFCC, Adegoke was arrested in July 2026 over an alleged cross-border scheme involving the purported purchase and importation of luxury vehicles from the United States to Nigeria.
Investigators reportedly linked him to a US-based syndicate allegedly targeting Nigerians seeking to purchase vehicles abroad.
The commission alleged that Adegoke, while residing in the United States, circulated photographs of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to prospective buyers, claiming he could procure and ship the vehicle to Nigeria.
The EFCC further alleged that two victims paid more than $320,000, equivalent to approximately ₦434.88 million, in connection with the transaction.
However, the charge before the court cited an alleged theft of $680,000 belonging to Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike.
According to the charge, the money was transferred to the bank account of Adegoke’s company, Omosco Auto Sales LLC, for the purchase of a 2022 G-Wagon from an individual identified as Mr Robinson.
The alleged offence is punishable under Sections 278(1)(b) and 285(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Adegoke pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following the plea, EFCC counsel Arazeem Adebayo urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant.
Defence counsel Olalekan Abiodun, whose earlier objection to the arraignment was overruled, subsequently asked the court to keep his client in EFCC custody pending the filing of a bail application.
The judge rejected the request and ordered that Adegoke be remanded at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Correctional Centre.
The court adjourned the case until January 13, 2027, for the commencement of trial.
The allegations against Adegoke remain subject to judicial determination.
The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State have reportedly been given the opportunity to choose any of the six South-West states for their national service.
According to Saturday PUNCH, the graduates were kidnapped on October 1 along the Owerri–Onitsha Road, near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, while travelling in two commercial buses belonging to Uko Akwa Ibom Motors. They were reportedly heading to Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Families of the victims disclosed that they paid ₦6 million per captive to secure their release, after the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million per person. One victim’s mother said the demand was later reduced to ₦15 million before the kidnappers agreed to accept ₦6 million following appeals from the family.
Relatives and well-wishers reportedly contributed money towards the ransom. Some family members also described the emotional and physical toll of the incident, with one mother revealing that she and her daughter had been hospitalised following the ordeal.
The Imo State Police Command, however, maintained that the graduates were rescued through sustained security operations and denied knowledge of any ransom payment. The police had announced their rescue on Wednesday, after which the victims were taken to a Department of State Services hospital in Owerri for medical evaluation.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, also visited the released graduates alongside senior security officials.
However, the NYSC had yet to officially confirm the reported offer allowing the graduates to choose their preferred South-West states as of the time of publication.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of corps members travelling long distances for national service. Similar kidnappings in other parts of the country have intensified calls for improved security measures and, in some quarters, the scrapping of the 53-year-old scheme.
Although the Federal Executive Council approved NYSC reforms in June 2026, including risk-sensitive deployment and a technology-driven mobilisation process, questions remain about how effectively the measures will protect young graduates from security threats.
ENUGU — The Enugu State Police Command says it has arrested five male suspects in separate operations across the state and recovered three firearms, six rounds of live ammunition and other exhibits.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe.
According to the statement, police operatives attached to Inyi Division responded to a distress call about an armed robbery at Umuaor, Umukabia Isiama Awlaw Community, Oji-River Local Government Area, at about 5:10 a.m. on October 7.
One suspect, identified as 26-year-old Arinze Osita Onwuaso, was arrested while other suspects reportedly fled the scene. Police said they recovered a locally made cut-to-size single-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a pry-bar, hammer, scissors and chisel from him.
In a separate operation on October 5, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested two suspected cultists, 24-year-old Jonas Adejo, also known as J-Money, and 25-year-old Okoro Innocent, also known as Virus, at Umudioka Community in Nsukka.
Three live rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered from the suspects. Police said the two men confessed during interrogation to membership of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.
Meanwhile, on September 25, operatives of Aninri Division, working with members of the Neighborhood Watch Group, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Amagu Mpu Community in Aninri LGA.
The operation led to the arrest of 25-year-old Anichebe Ogbonna, from whom police said one locally made pistol was recovered.
Similarly, on September 18 at about 11:00 p.m., operatives of 9th Mile Division, acting on information and in collaboration with Neighborhood Watch members, arrested 38-year-old Chukwujekwu Chukwuemeka at Ameke-Ngwo, Udi LGA.
He was arrested over alleged involvement in armed robberies in the area. Police said one cut-to-size pump-action gun and one live cartridge were recovered from him.
The Command said investigations into the cases are ongoing and that the suspects would be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended members of the public for providing information and praised the police operatives for their response to credible intelligence.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations against armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes, while urging residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding and supportive of security agencies.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Awka High Court, on Tuesday, denied bail to the General Overseer of Day Spring Assembly, Mr Harrison Anazodo, who is standing trial over alleged offences relating to his activities as a pastor.
Anazodo had applied for bail on health grounds, but the presiding judge, Justice Jude Obiora, rejected the application, citing concerns over possible interference with witnesses.
The development came as seven persons, believed to be members of the congregation, are expected to testify in the case.
The court adjourned the matter until October 16 for further proceedings.
Speaking shortly after the hearing, State Counsel, Victoria Ekwerekwu, commended the Anambra State Government for its efforts to tackle alleged fraudulent activities by some religious figures.
She said, “We thank Governor Charles Soludo for trying to sanitise our society from pastors who make the younger generation believe that making money without hard work is possible.”
According to her, the prosecution has established a prima facie case against Anazodo, although the state would still be required to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
“Today, there is a prima facie case against the accused, Mr Harrison Anazodo, though it is left for us to prove it beyond reasonable doubt.
“The court ruled on the bail application and denied him bail because of the witnesses, to ensure that they are not interfered with. The matter was subsequently adjourned until October 16,” she said.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, expressed optimism that the case would be concluded expeditiously, stressing that the ultimate decision rests with the court.
“We have been here since 9am. The court considered the bail application filed by his counsel and, after weighing its merits, the judge ruled that bail should be denied.
“We are looking forward to the quick dispensation of the matter and we assure you that justice will be done and will be seen to have been done,” Mefor said.
By Our Correspondent
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the search-and-rescue operation for 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
The victims were reportedly abducted on Thursday, October 1, 2026, around Umunoha in Imo State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, Nadada arrived in the state alongside two Commissioners of Police and immediately conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and the ongoing rescue operation.
He also reviewed the operational strategies, deployment of personnel and available assets, while issuing additional directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated response.
The assessment was conducted alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; other service commanders and members of the management team of the Imo State Police Command.
Iniedu said the search-and-rescue operation had been intensified, with additional tactical teams and operational assets deployed to identified areas.
He added that the operation was being supported by intelligence-led tracking of the abductors and coordinated efforts with other security agencies.
Nadada assured members of the public that the police remained committed to securing the safe release of the abducted persons.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to securing the safe rescue of the 20 abducted persons and will sustain the operation until the mission is successfully concluded,” Iniedu quoted Nadada as saying.
The police boss urged members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, while appealing to anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the police or the nearest security formation.
He assured the public that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The police said further updates would be provided as the rescue operation progresses.
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