Crime
Lakurawa: FG plans more troops as sect spreads in North
As part of efforts to combat the Lakurawa sect, the Federal Government will deploy more military personnel and formations in the states where the terrorists operate.
Reports say that the sect, which operates in North West states Sokoto and Kebbi, has moved into Niger State in North Central Nigeria, as well as Kaduna State.
The Sokoto State Government asserted that it was concerned about the lives and property of its people, noting that security topped its nine-point agenda.
The Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ahmad Aliyu, Col Ahmed Usman (retd.), said the Federal Government promised to deploy more security operatives in the state to tackle the sect that attacked Mera village, Kebbi State, leaving 17 residents dead November 8.
The terrorist group also rustled dozens of cattle in the community as the village vigilante fought back killing two members of the group during an exchange of fire.
Usman said, “If you can remember, the Minister of State for Defence during his working visit to Sokoto had disclosed the kind of pressure mounted on the Federal Government by the state government on the need to come to their aid.
“And the Federal Government has promised to establish more military formations and deploy more personnel and equipment to Sokoto State.
“On our part, the state government has provided the facility for the air component of operation ‘Fansan Yamma.’ Now, we don’t need to wait for fighter jets from Katsina in case of any emergency or air support.”
He added, “So, there has been investment in security infrastructure, including establishing more security outposts (Forward Operation Bases) and upgrading surveillance systems in key locations.
“The Sokoto State government has strengthened partnerships with federal security agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to tackling security challenges.
“Similarly, the government has launched public awareness campaigns with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and other local NGOs to educate citizens on security issues and encourage them to report suspicious activities.”
Speaking further, the governor’s aide explained that the current administration had been providing logistics support to the security agencies, assuring that Lakurawa “will soon be a thing of the past.”
Usman stated, “We provided tens of operational vehicles, including motorcycles, to security agencies and restored their allowances. In addition to other measures, we created the state-owned security outfit, which we called Sokoto State Community Guards, and they were equipped.
“Their role is to support the conventional security agencies in intelligence gathering, among others. The state government has inaugurated a security community under the leadership of the Deputy Governor of the state.
“The committee comprises security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, among other stakeholders in security. In fact, even the latest news about the Lakurawa was broken by the deputy governor while receiving members of the National Defence College in the state.”
The special adviser further explained that the state government also set up programmes to empower youths to discourage their involvement in crime and violence or being recruited by the Lakurawa.
He added, “The government has set up a conflict resolution mechanism to address disputes before they escalate into violence, promoting peace in communities just as it has been mediating between farmers and herdsmen to reduce conflicts over lands and resources, which can lead to insecurity.
“There has been massive investment in social welfare aimed at alleviating poverty, which is often the root cause of insecurity. And we hold regular security meetings with stakeholders to assess the security situation and develop strategies for improvement.”
The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Abubakar, assured citizens and residents of Sokoto and Kebbi states of the readiness of the armed forces to crush Lakurawa and other terrorist groups.
The minister gave the assurance in Sokoto as the Lakurawa sect reportedly extended its tentacles to Niger and Kaduna from its former hideouts in Kebbi and Sokoto States.
Following the November 8 attack on Mera, the Defence Headquarters deployed more troops in the area to dislodge the terror group which was said to have occupied the area for over six years.
A report said the group was dislodged from its hideout and several cattle recovered.
Speaking while inspecting the facilities of the air component of Operation ‘Fansan Yamma’ in Sokoto, the defence minister disclosed that the military had taken a decisive decision against Lakurawa.
He noted, “You heard it from the chairman of the Local Government Area attacked by the Lakurawa in Kebbi State, testifying to the heavy presence of troops in the area.
“The Lakurawa was sent away from the area. This is a result of the resilience and dedication of our security operatives. You are aware of the successes recorded by our air force, they bombarded some of the hideouts of the bandits and the bandits are now on the run.”
However, the Senate a few weeks ago raised the alarm that the militants had moved into Niger, Kaduna and other North-Central states, sparking fear among the people.
Worried by the activities of the terrorist group, the northern states have decided to unite against the Lakurawa in a clear move to contain its spread and operations.
The Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, Mohammed Bello, said the affected states were working together with the Federal Government to eliminate the terrorist cell.
“You know how we do in Nigeria. Sometimes, we neglect things until they become real problems, they can become complicated. For the first time, more than two or three states are putting resources together to see that things are being done to eradicate the problem.
The Enugu State Police Command says it has recorded major operational successes in its ongoing border security operations under the Inspector-General of Police’s “Handshake Patrol” initiative.
The operations, carried out at different border locations across the state, led to the foiling of an attempted armed robbery, the neutralisation of one suspected armed robber, the arrest of four other suspects, and the recovery of two firearms, suspected illicit drugs and other incriminating exhibits.
According to the Command, operatives attached to the Amechi-Idodo Division, working with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Enugu–Abakaliki Road at about 6:15 a.m. on June 28, 2026.
The police said the gang had blocked a section of the highway to rob commuters but was confronted by security operatives in a gun battle. The gang, which was already on the Command’s watchlist for a series of armed robberies along the border route, was forced to flee.
Its alleged leader, Ifesinachi Kenneth, sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire and was arrested. Information obtained from him reportedly led to the arrest of another suspect, Izuchukwu Nwanga, who allegedly kept the gang’s proceeds of crime. Kenneth was taken to hospital but was later confirmed dead.
In a separate operation at about 5:30 p.m. the same day, operatives from the Umumba Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Umumba Ndiagu in Ezeagu Local Government Area, near the Anambra State border.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, identified as Uwah Ifesinachi Sunday, 23, and Chinonso Okafor Paul, 25. Police recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a knife, a pair of scissors and quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
Also on June 28, at about 10:00 a.m., operatives of the Command’s Distress Response Squad (DRS), during a stop-and-search operation along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway at Ugwuoba in Oji River Local Government Area, intercepted a commercial tricycle carrying passengers.
A search led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun allegedly belonging to 21-year-old Ifediri Nwobu. Police said the suspect attempted to escape by jumping into a nearby river but was successfully apprehended.
The Command said investigations are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects, while all those arrested will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the professionalism and bravery of the operatives and members of the Neighbourhood Watch, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to strengthening border security and combating violent crime through intelligence-led policing. He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has explained the circumstances surrounding the public arrest of former Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, saying the action followed his repeated failure to honour invitations and a valid court order.
The explanation appears to validate earlier media reports that Nnaji was arrested at the airport, following initial denials from some quarters.
In a statement issued on Thursday, ICPC spokesperson John Odey said the commission obtained a court warrant authorising Nnaji’s arrest after he allegedly ignored several invitations for questioning over allegations of certificate forgery.
According to the commission, Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, upon his arrival at the Abuja airport with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and was subsequently taken to the ICPC headquarters for interrogation.
The anti-graft agency also disclosed that it had secured a 14-day remand order to keep the former minister in custody while investigations continue, adding that the detention could be extended if necessary.
Odey said the commission had earlier sent formal invitations to Nnaji through a letter dated May 15, 2026, referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOL.V16, which were delivered to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu as well as via email. However, he allegedly failed to appear for the scheduled investigative interviews.
Following his refusal to honour the invitations, the ICPC approached the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, where it obtained an order on June 11, 2026, authorising his arrest to facilitate investigation.
The commission said the investigation centres on allegations that Nnaji submitted forged academic credentials, including a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate during his 2023 ministerial screening.
“The Commission assures the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
A student of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), identified simply as Ademola, has alleged that she was assaulted when soldiers from the Army Depot in Osogbo reportedly invaded student hostels.
Speaking in a video shared by OsunDefenderNG, Ademola recounted that the incident occurred while she was alone in her room preparing a meal.
According to her, she initially noticed soldiers around the hostel but assumed the situation had calmed down before they allegedly returned.
The development follows Monday night’s reported invasion of student hostels by soldiers from the Army Depot, Osogbo. During the incident, several students were allegedly assaulted, while more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic devices were reportedly taken away.
There were also allegations that some female students were stripped naked and forced to dance unclothed by some of the soldiers, who were said to have participated in the Army Depot’s passing-out parade held last Saturday.
Recounting her experience, Ademola said she was cooking in her room when the soldiers returned to the area.
“They started shining their torch into my room and asked who was inside. They told me to open the door, and I did. One of them asked how many people were in the room, and I told him there were two, explaining that my roommate was not around,” she said.
Fighting back tears, the student alleged that one of the soldiers became physically aggressive.
“He pinned me against my bathroom door, told me I would like it and warned me not to shout. I begged him and struggled to free myself. I managed to get to the door and told him to leave, but he asked if I really wanted him to go,” she alleged.
Ademola further claimed that another soldier entered the room and attempted to calm her while encouraging her not to resist.
“His colleague came in and told me to calm down, saying I would enjoy it and shouldn’t shout. When they started moving towards me, I screamed loudly. After I shouted, they both left, and I quickly forced the door shut,” she said.
She added that shortly afterward, a fellow hostel resident knocked on her door to check on her after hearing the commotion.
In response to the allegations, the Army Depot, Osogbo, on Tuesday announced that it had launched an investigation into the alleged misconduct following a complaint by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D.
The Army said the investigation is aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the incident and assured the public that any personnel found culpable would be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The incident was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Executive Committee of the Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church.
According to the church, the victims were abducted in the early hours of Tuesday from the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State.
“It is with a heavy heart, yet with unwavering confidence in the sovereignty of Almighty God, that we announce the unfortunate abduction of our cleric, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, along with two members of his congregation, in the early hours of today, 30 June 2026.
“They were abducted from the pastor’s residence at NKST Church, Andyar, in Ishan Classis, Benue State,” the statement read.
The church called on its clergy, members, congregations and friends to pray for the safe and unconditional release of the abducted persons.
The statement also said, “The leadership of the NKST calls upon all clergy, members, congregations and friends of the Church to unite in earnest prayer during this difficult time for the safe and unconditional release of Rev. Dr. Gbinde and the two church members.
The church also appealed to security agencies and the Benue State and Federal Governments to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We further call on the relevant security agencies, as well as the Governments of Benue State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to act swiftly and decisively to secure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and ensure that those responsible for this criminal act are apprehended and brought to justice,” it said.
It urged both governments to adopt more proactive and sustained measures to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges.
“Furthermore, the Church urges both the Benue State and Federal Governments to adopt more proactive and sustained measures in addressing kidnapping and other forms of insecurity. It is imperative to take the fight to the perpetrators rather than merely responding after these heinous crimes have been committed,” the statement read.
The church expressed confidence that the victims would return safely and prayed for peace and security across the country.
The Benue State Police Command has yet to issue a statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report. Efforts are ongoing to obtain the command’s reaction.
The attackers stormed the school at about 9 a.m. on Monday, shooting sporadically before abducting students and women selling food items within the school premises.
Confirming the deployment to PUN, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, said security operatives confronted the attackers, preventing a larger-scale abduction.
“Around 9 a.m. in the morning, ISWAP attacked Lassa Day Secondary School. They shot sporadically. An unspecified number of students have been abducted.
“Security forces confronted them. For now, we have an unspecified number of students who were abducted. The CP deployed the Area Commander in Askira/Uba. They are currently combing the bush,” Daso said.
The Special Adviser to Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, on Media and Strategy, Mr Solomon Kwamagar, a resident of Lassa, also confirmed the incident Monday morning.
He disclosed that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and invaded the school.
“Today is Lassa market day. I was informed that they came through the market on motorcycles and went to Government Day Secondary School, Lassa. They shot and killed one teacher and took away all the students who were in their classrooms,” he said.
Kwamagar added, “Lassa in Borno State is predominantly inhabited by my people, the Margi. We are in both Adamawa and Borno states. I am from Lassa, but I chose to reside in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.”
He further said, “I’m still making contacts to ascertain the total number of students and teachers who were kidnapped from the school.”
Earlier, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, said that the attackers wore military and forest guard uniforms.
Kaigama said one teacher was killed while another sustained gunshot injuries.
“They killed one teacher from Chibok. They shot another, but not dead yet. They also kidnapped some students and women selling on the school premises. The numbers are not yet out,” he said.
When contacted, the Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Mada Saidu, declined to comment.
“I am very busy now. We are in a situation,” he said.
Efforts to obtain comments from the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, were unsuccessful as he neither answered calls nor responded to messages.
However, residents claimed that two teachers and one student were killed during the attack.
“They killed two teachers and one female student. The student was shot in her mouth,” a resident who requested anonymity said.
On May 16, 42 students and pupils were abducted after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.
The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, had said the abductees comprised four students of Government Day Secondary School, 28 primary school pupils and 10 children abducted from their homes.
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