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Kebbi School Abduction: Police, Govt Confirm 25 Girls Kidnapped by Armed Terrorists

By
Ola Akinola
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Raid Highlights Security Lapses Despite Checkpoints; Rescue Efforts Underway

The Kebbi State Police Command and state government have verified the early-morning raid on Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area, where armed terrorists abducted 25 female students from their dormitory, killing one staff member in the process.

In a statement on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer Nafiu Kotarkoshi, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), detailed the assault, noting that the attackers—armed with sophisticated weaponry—breached the school perimeter around 4 a.m. A police tactical unit engaged the assailants in a firefight, but the bandits scaled the fence and fled with the victims to an undisclosed location.

“Unfortunately, the suspected bandits had already… abducted twenty-five students… to an unknown destination,” Kotarkoshi said, confirming the death of a school staffer during the chaos. He clarified that a local guard identified as Ali was injured, not killed, contradicting initial reports that listed two fatalities: teacher Hassan Makuku and Ali.

The Kebbi State Government echoed the confirmation, with Chief Press Secretary Ahmed Idris stating that Deputy Governor Umar Tafida had dispatched a delegation of officials and security forces to the site for on-ground assessment and support.

Raid Amid Security Gaps

The brazen incursion has stunned residents, particularly given the presence of military checkpoints in the vicinity. One is located in Damarke, under Bukkuyum LGA in neighboring Zamfara State, approximately seven kilometers away, while another sits less than a kilometer from the school.

Community sources expressed bewilderment at the lapse, alleging the attack might have been thwarted had soldiers followed Governor Nasir Idris’s directive. After receiving prior intelligence on a potential threat, the governor reportedly ordered reinforcements from the nearby outpost. However, the troops allegedly withdrew, leaving outnumbered police to respond alone.

“The terrorists overpowered the police officers who confronted them,” one local intelligence operative with the State Security Service (SSS) told PREMIUM TIMES under anonymity. Queries to Nigerian Army spokesperson Appolonia Anele remain unanswered as of press time.

Kotarkoshi assured that reinforced police units, military detachments, and local vigilantes are actively pursuing the kidnappers. “They are currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students and possibly arresting the perpetrators,” he added.

Suspects: Dogo Gide or Falando?

The identity of the perpetrators remains unconfirmed, but security sources point to notorious bandit leaders operating in the region. Dogo Gide’s faction, known for cross-border raids, could have exploited the terrain, one SSS contact suggested. Alternatively, the attack bears hallmarks of Falando’s group, which bases in the nearby Gando forest.

“It may be the group of Falando operating from Gando forest,” a Maga-area resident speculated.

Echoes of Chibok: A Pattern of School Raids

This incident revives traumatic memories of the 2014 Chibok kidnapping by Boko Haram, which spurred a wave of student abductions across Nigeria’s Northwest and North-Central zones. Kidnappers often demand ransoms, enforce forced marriages, or enslave victims.

Kebbi’s history includes the June 2021 seizure of about 80 students and five teachers from Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri by Dogo Gide’s men. Releases occurred in phases through 2023, though some girls returned pregnant; the state now funds scholarships for survivors resuming education.

Similar horrors unfolded in May 2021 with nearly 200 abductions from an Islamic school in Tegina, Niger State, shortly after 14 Greenfield University students in Kaduna were freed. February 2021 saw 300 girls taken from Jangebe, Zamfara, most later released. In 2024, over 100 Kuriga elementary pupils in Kaduna were snatched and subsequently rescued, with authorities denying any ransom payment.

As search operations intensify, the Maga abductions underscore persistent vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s education sector, where schools remain soft targets despite federal vows to fortify security. Families and officials alike await swift resolution, with the girls’ safe return a top priority.

ASUU Issues Four-Week Ultimatum to Federal Government, Warns of Nationwide Strike

By
Ola Akinola
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0

CALABAR — The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has delivered a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent resolution of longstanding grievances in the public university system or face an indefinite nationwide strike.

The warning came from Ikechukwu Igwenyi, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU’s Calabar Zone, during a media briefing in Calabar on Monday, November 17, 2025. Igwenyi decried the government’s persistent delays in honoring key agreements, which he said have exacerbated challenges like inadequate funding and staff welfare.

Central to ASUU’s demands is the full renegotiation and implementation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, complete with enforceable timelines. The union seeks enhanced remuneration and working conditions to curb the brain drain of academic talent from Nigerian universities.

Additional priorities include the release of three-and-a-half months’ withheld salaries, payment of all outstanding dues, refunds for unauthorized third-party deductions, and settlement of promotion arrears. ASUU also pressed for the disbursement of the pending 25–35% wage increase, including consequential adjustments, alongside higher budgetary allocations to education and sustainable funding models for public institutions.

Igwenyi accused the government of eroding university autonomy through unilateral policy directives, urging strict compliance with existing legal frameworks.

The ultimatum was formalized in a statement co-signed by Igwenyi and representatives from institutions across the Calabar Zone, including the University of Calabar (UNICAL), University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Abia State University (ABSU), Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Federal University, Otuoke (FUNAI), University of Education, Ekiadolor (UEE), and University of Uyo (UNIUYO).

“We shall remain unbowed, unbroken, and unwavering in this just struggle, with profound faith in the certainty of victory,” the statement declared, framing the standoff as a defense of education as a fundamental right rather than a privilege. The union attributed Nigeria’s educational woes not to fiscal constraints but to a lack of political commitment, vowing to “rebuild the Nigerian university system of our dream with the ashes of the struggle.”

As the deadline approaches, the impasse risks further disrupting academic calendars, echoing ASUU’s history of strikes that have paralyzed higher education in Nigeria. The Federal Government has yet to respond publicly to the latest demands.

UK Tightens Immigration Policy

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The UK government announced a major overhaul of its asylum system on November 16, 2025, described as the largest in modern times, aimed at tightening controls amid record-high application numbers—around 111,000 claims in the year to June 2025, up from previous periods. Key elements include reviewing human rights laws under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to expedite deportations of migrants arriving illegally, such as by small boats across the English Channel. This involves revoking the statutory duty to provide housing and financial support to certain asylum seekers, shifting toward more temporary protections rather than indefinite refugee status for some groups.

The changes reflect public and political pressure, with immigration consistently ranking as a top concern in recent polls. 11 Officials cited the need to deter unsafe crossings and prioritize border security, while maintaining commitments to genuine refugees. Broader immigration rules were also updated on November 11, 2025, extending the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (permanent settlement) from five to ten years in many cases, and tightening visa sponsorship requirements for employers.

These measures build on earlier enforcement actions, including increased illegal working raids and returns, with over 1,700 operations in October 2025 alone. Critics argue the reforms could strain international obligations, while supporters view them as essential for managing inflows and reducing reliance on hotels for asylum accommodation. Implementation details are ongoing, with further consultations expected.

United Nigeria Airlines Deplanes VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof After On-Board Altercation

By
Ola Akinola
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0

LAGOS — United Nigeria Airlines on Monday removed two prominent Nigerian social media personalities, Martins Vincent Otse (popularly known as VeryDarkMan) and Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi (known as Mr Jollof), from a scheduled Asaba-to-Lagos flight following a physical altercation during boarding. The passengers were subsequently handed over to airport security authorities.

The incident occurred at Asaba International Airport ahead of Flight UN0523 on the morning of 17 November 2025.

In a statement posted on its official X account and signed by the airline’s management, United Nigeria Airlines confirmed the disruption and outlined the crew’s response:

“An altercation occurred between two passengers identified as Martins Vincent Otse ‘VeryDarkMan’ and Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi ‘Mr Jollof’ during boarding. In full compliance with global aviation safety protocols, our crew responded immediately and professionally to de-escalate the situation. Both passengers were deboarded without delay to ensure the safety, comfort, and security of all other passengers and crew members. They were subsequently handed over to airport security for further investigation.”

The airline emphasised its strict safety policy, stating it maintains “a zero-tolerance approach to any conduct that threatens the security or well-being of passengers or crew.” After standard procedures were completed, the flight departed Asaba without further incident.

The confrontation marks the latest escalation in a weeks-long public feud between the two internet figures, who have repeatedly clashed on social media over various socio-political issues. Their online exchanges have attracted considerable attention and polarised followers.

As of publication, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had not issued an official comment on the matter. Attempts to reach NCAA spokespersons for reaction were unsuccessful.

United Nigeria Airlines reiterated its commitment to “providing a safe, respectful, and secure travel experience” for all passengers across its network.

Police Debunk Assassination Attempt Claims on Naval Officer After Wike Clash

By
Ola Akinola
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0

FCT Command Urges Public to Ignore Unverified Reports Amid Speculation

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has refuted circulating reports of an assassination attempt on Lt. Ahmed Yerima, a Nigerian Navy officer, labeling the allegations baseless and unrecorded.

The claims, amplified by several news outlets (excluding PUNCH) and social media, alleged that Yerima was pursued by unidentified men in black attire aboard two unmarked Hilux vans without license plates. The supposed chase began around 6:30 p.m. at the NIPCO filling station on Kubwa Expressway, extending to Gado Nasco Way, with Yerima escaping via evasive maneuvers.

Speculation tied the incident to Yerima’s recent standoff with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on November 11 over a contested plot in Gaduwa District, purportedly owned by retired Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo, former Chief of Naval Staff.

In a Sunday night statement, Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh emphasized: “No such incident has been reported or recorded within the FCT.” She advised the public to dismiss the misinformation, avoid disseminating unverified details that could incite panic, and report suspicions to local stations.

Viral footage from the clash depicted Yerima, on security assignment, obstructing Wike’s entourage from accessing the site. Wike accused Gambo of unauthorized construction and reprimanded Yerima for purportedly assaulting Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) staff attempting to intervene, at one point calling the officer a “fool” and challenging his jurisdiction.

The episode sparked polarized reactions: Proponents of Wike viewed it as enforcement of regulatory duties, while military veterans defended Yerima, opposing disciplinary measures and seeking an apology from the minister.

Defence Minister Mohammed Abubakar reinforced support for personnel in lawful roles, stating during a briefing on the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day: “We will always protect officers on lawful duty,” ruling out sanctions against compliant service members.

Anyanwu Faction Urges Halt to PDP Convention, Citing Court Injunctions and BoT Report

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Leaders Insist on Reconciliation, Legal Compliance Before Proceeding

A faction aligned with PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu has called on the Ambassador Ilyas Damagum-led leadership to honor the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Reconciliation Committee findings and suspend plans for the national convention scheduled for November 15–16, deeming it legally unsustainable amid multiple court restrictions.

As of Friday, three Federal High Courts in Abuja had issued injunctions barring the PDP from convening, while an Oyo State High Court adjourned related proceedings to December 8.

At a Friday press conference in Abuja, South-South Zonal Secretary Bar. George Turna, joined by Abia State PDP Chairman Hon. Amah Abraham and Imo State Chairman Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, urged adherence to the court rulings, full implementation of the BoT report, and strict legal observance.

The group advocated restoring constitutional governance, resolving internal rifts, and convening a legitimate convention only after these steps. They referenced Justice Omotosho’s ruling, now under appeal, noting that appellate proceedings mandate preserving the status quo. “Proceeding with the convention would defy the law,” they asserted, also citing Justice Lifu’s recent decision on exclusions.

They maintained that no valid PDP convention can occur, as declarations from the Acting National Chairman and National Secretary—the sole authorities for notices—have precluded any such event nationwide.

“The BoT report, as the party’s moral compass, must be actioned promptly to address grievances and stabilize operations,” the spokespersons said, highlighting widespread frustration over disarray.

Formed on November 5, 2025, the BoT Reconciliation Committee aimed to settle disputes and facilitate a peaceful convention, recommending delays until court clearances and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) endorsements are obtained amid legal hurdles.

The faction pushed for an inclusive Caretaker Committee, warning that a flawed convention risks nullifying PDP candidacies across the country. They implored the National Working Committee (NWC) to suspend actions, revoke bans, and pursue authentic unity.

Emphasizing the BoT’s mediating role and constitutional fidelity, they opposed pending amendments—like elevating the Governors’ Forum to organ status—until harmony is restored. The group appealed to the BoT, NWC, Governors’ Forum, and stakeholders to iron out differences for a transparent, lawful process, cautioning that inaction could exacerbate fractures and undermine the party’s viability.

FG Eyes N160bn Output from 2025/2026 Dry Season Wheat Drive

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Initiative Aims to Bolster Food Security, Cut Import Reliance

The Federal Government is projecting N160 billion in output value from the 2025/2026 dry season wheat production, a key step toward achieving food sovereignty and minimizing import dependency, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Minister Abubakar Kyari announced the target during the launch of the Subsidised Agricultural Inputs Distribution program in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State, under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) initiative.

Kyari disclosed that NAGS-AP has designated 40,000 hectares for cultivation, registering 80,000 farmers nationwide. Borno State receives 3,000 hectares and support for 6,000 farmers, leveraging irrigation in the region.

He highlighted past achievements: In the 2023/2024 season, 107,429 farmers were aided, yielding N474.628 billion; the 2024/2025 cycle supported 279,297 farmers for N893.75 billion. “For 2025/2026, we’re focusing on 80,000 farmers to hit N160 billion,” Kyari said.

The program deploys extension agents for modern farming techniques and quality control officers to verify seeds and fertilizers, ensuring optimal yields. It spans 16 states—Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Cross River, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara—with Cross River’s inclusion marking southern expansion.

Kyari stressed inclusivity: “NAGS-AP leaves no one behind, prioritizing women and youth in training and opportunities.” He underscored input quality: “Certified seeds, precise fertilizers, and timely crop protection are non-negotiable for national productivity.”

Borno Governor Babagana Zulum commended the federal push, noting the state’s vast irrigable lands in the Lake Chad Basin. “This is a celebration of hope and resilience amid challenges like insecurity and climate shocks,” he said, reaffirming commitments to infrastructure, machinery, and inputs for all-season farming. Zulum touted successes in aiding smallholders, resettled families, women, and youth.

Haruna Umaru, speaking for smallholder farmers, vowed to maximize productivity in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The event culminated in distributing subsidized inputs to beneficiaries, signaling a robust start to the season.

MDGIF Partners Chinese Firm for 500 CNG Stations Nationwide in Three Years

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) has finalized talks with China’s Endurance Group to deploy 500 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling stations across Nigeria over the next three years, marking a significant boost to the nation’s clean energy transition.

In a briefing following the Abuja meeting, MDGIF Executive Director Oluwole Adama outlined the formation of a government-backed Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)—the Compressed Natural Gas Auto Mobility Infrastructure Company (CAM InfraCo)—involving MDGIF, the Bank of Industry (BOI), Endurance Group, and Séquor Investment Partners.

“This partnership reflects our shared resolve to bridge infrastructure deficits in Nigeria’s CNG ecosystem,” Adama said. “Through CAM InfraCo, we’ll roll out 500 fully integrated CNG stations, develop liquefied CNG (LCNG) supply networks, and supply CNG/LNG transport trucks equipped with cascades, creating a virtual pipeline to reach every state.”

Adama emphasized that the expansion will alleviate persistent queues at current CNG outlets by enhancing refuelling access and streamlining supply chains via advanced logistics.

Oluwatoyin Subair, Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Special Duties and Domestic Affairs, hailed the project as a cornerstone of the administration’s energy security agenda. “It advances the President’s blueprint for greater CNG adoption in transport, curbing reliance on premium motor spirit (PMS) and automotive gas oil (AGO),” Subair noted. The initiative also aligns with economic reforms to deliver affordable, eco-friendly energy while generating jobs in the gas sector.

Endurance Group’s CEO, Eric Lin, detailed the SPV’s blueprint: a comprehensive network for CNG refuelling, maintenance, and logistics, centered on leasing equipment to vetted operators and guaranteeing steady gas delivery via a cutting-edge virtual pipeline. “Our approach prioritizes underserved northern regions and booming southern markets, building on existing and upcoming hubs for broad, sustainable coverage,” Lin explained.

The leasing model aims to foster a financially robust CNG infrastructure, promoting nationwide market penetration and resilience against supply disruptions. This collaboration positions Nigeria to accelerate its shift toward greener fuels, potentially transforming transportation affordability and environmental sustainability.

Oluyole LG Chairman Felicitates Arapaja on PDP National Secretary Role

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Engr. Akeem Olatunji, Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, has extended warm congratulations to Ambassador Taofeeq Arapaja on his election as National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a press statement released to journalists in Ibadan on Sunday, Olatunji praised Arapaja’s extensive political trajectory, describing it as rich with the expertise the party desperately requires for reconstruction. He noted that Arapaja has long been admired across generational lines in political circles.

Labeling the appointment “a round peg in a round hole,” Olatunji highlighted Arapaja’s hallmark qualities: steady guidance, composed leadership, and a proven ability to fortify any institution he joins.

The election took place on Saturday during the PDP National Convention in Ibadan, which assembled the party’s prominent figures from nationwide. Arapaja, who previously held the position of National Deputy Chairman (South), now advances to a key spot on the National Working Committee (NWC).

“His distinguished public service remains integral to his legacy,” Olatunji remarked. “As a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Jordan, he is widely regarded as one of the PDP’s key institutional anchors.”

The chairman emphasized that Arapaja’s elevation underscores the party’s reliance on seasoned leaders. He added that residents of Oyo State, particularly in Oluyole, feel immense pride in one of their own assuming such a pivotal national role.

Olatunji expressed strong confidence in Arapaja’s ability to leverage his deep experience and grasp of national dynamics to revitalize the PDP, ensuring it is strategically poised for electoral success in upcoming cycles.

Judge Rejects Recusal Bid in N300m Gold Jewelry Theft Trial

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Wuse has declined to step down from presiding over a high-profile case involving the alleged conspiracy and theft of gold jewelry worth N300 million, ruling that the defendants failed to substantiate claims of judicial bias.

In her ruling, Justice Nwosu-Iheme dismissed the recusal application, affirming her impartiality and directing that the trial proceed without delay. The defendants—Rukhayat Abbeyson, Lauretu Ahmed, and Sagir Ahmed—had sought her withdrawal, but the judge held that no credible evidence of prejudice was presented.

The case stems from an incident on March 23, 2024, when the trio allegedly conspired to steal the jewelry from the residence of complainant Hajia Halima Suleiman at No. 26A Etang Obuli Crescent, Jabi, Abuja. The charge, filed by the Commissioner of Police, accuses Abbeyson, Suleiman’s former personal assistant, of masterminding the theft. As the only individual besides Suleiman with access to the safe’s combination, Abbeyson is alleged to have exploited her position to facilitate the crime.

During the latest court session, C.G. Okafor, standing in for lead prosecutor Adama Musa, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to present its first witness but sought an adjournment due to counsel’s sudden illness. The request, unopposed by the defense, was granted, with Okafor emphasizing the need for all proceedings to be accurately recorded.

The defense team, led by Ishaka Dikko (SAN), maintains the defendants’ innocence, describing the accusations as fabricated. In their statements to investigators, the accused have denied involvement, insisting they are victims of a wrongful setup.

Prosecution evidence, already front-loaded, includes witness and defendant statements, a compact disc with voice notes and call recordings, bank statements, purchase receipts, photographs of the stolen items and the safe, and printed chat message excerpts—painting a detailed picture of the alleged plot.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme has scheduled the matter for a definitive hearing on January 19 and 20, 2026, urging all parties to arrive fully prepared to avoid further postponements. The ruling underscores the court’s commitment to expeditious justice in a case that has drawn attention for its financial stakes and implications for trust in domestic employment.

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