No ransom paid for Kebbi, Niger kidnappings -Senate spokesperson
The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, has maintained that the Federal Government did not pay any ransom to secure the release of victims recently kidnapped in Kebbi and Niger states.
Adaramodu made the statement on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, responding to concerns over the lack of visible evidence of confrontations between security forces and kidnappers during recent rescue operations.
The rising frequency of school kidnappings has also intensified debates over the Federal Government’s alleged use of ransom payments, despite repeated denials from officials.
Human rights organisations and community leaders have long argued that opaque rescue operations create room for speculation, especially when victims are released without clear explanations of how they were recovered.
But the senator representing Ekiti South senatorial district believes that negotiations or contact with abductors can take multiple forms, and the public should not expect security agencies to reveal operational details.
“From our side at the National Assembly, we believe the Federal Government did not pay any ransom to anybody.
“If there is any contact with the bandits, there are several types, negative or positive. It can be through force or persuasion,” he said.
However, the Senate spokesman warned against assuming that military engagement did not occur simply because no bodies or images of arrest were presented.
“If you have not seen the corpses of abductors or them being handcuffed from the forest, that does not mean there was no serious exchange of battle.
“When abductors realise that superior power is coming, they can abandon their victims and flee,” he stated.
Responding to questions on the security lapses that preceded the abduction of students from a girls’ secondary school in Kebbi State last week, Adaramodu confirmed that the Senate has established an ad-hoc committee to probe the incident.
He revealed that briefings from the state government and security agencies indicated that soldiers assigned to guard the school reportedly left their duty post shortly before the attackers struck.
“We were made to understand, especially from the government of the state, that the soldiers guarding that place left, and minutes later, those people struck and kidnapped our children,” he said.
"All of us must commend President (Tinubu) for what he has been doing. If you see his face on television, you know that the President is not sleeping."
Former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s security challenges.
"All of us must commend President (Tinubu) for what he has been doing. If you see his face on television, you know that the President is not sleeping."
Former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s security challenges.
"All of us must commend President (Tinubu) for what he has been doing. If you see his face on television, you know that the President is not sleeping."
The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as “unfortunate” and a serious setback to democratic governance in West Africa.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigeria was deeply dismayed by the development, stressing that the military takeover undermines constitutional order, stability, and democratic progress, not only in Guinea-Bissau but across the sub-region.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region,” the statement read.
The ministry noted that the coup violates the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which rejects any unconstitutional change of government.
Nigeria expressed solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, respect for democratic institutions, and the safety of all detainees.
It further urged all parties to exercise restraint, embrace peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people following the recent elections in the country.
“We warn that those behind this act will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy,” the ministry stated.
Nigeria also pledged to collaborate with regional and international partners to ensure a swift return to normalcy and democratic governance in Guinea-Bissau.
The coup unfolded on Wednesday, when military officers announced they had taken “total control” of the country, suspended the electoral process, and shut the borders, just three days after legislative and presidential elections.
General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, announced that a joint command of the armed forces had assumed control “until further notice.” President Umaro Embalo, who was expected to win Sunday’s election, was reportedly arrested.
“Our region has consistently advocated for a policing system that is closer to the people, more responsive to local realities, and better equipped to address the rapidly evolving threats we face,” he said.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has renewed the call for the establishment of a joint regional security outfit and the creation of state police, stressing that Nigeria’s current security architecture is inadequate to address the evolving threats.
Abiodun made the call on Wednesday while hosting a meeting of southern governors in Abeokuta, where discussions were dominated by rising insecurity across the region.
Chairing the meeting, the governor underscored the urgent need for intelligence-driven security systems, digital surveillance, and a region-wide Safe School Programme to protect vulnerable communities and educational institutions.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for what he described as transformative leadership, Abiodun reiterated the governors’ longstanding demand for state police, saying the growing security challenges have outgrown centrally controlled structures.
“Our region has consistently advocated for a policing system that is closer to the people, more responsive to local realities, and better equipped to address the rapidly evolving threats we face,” he said.
He added that decentralising policing would empower states to take direct responsibility for safeguarding their citizens, stressing that state police is a “non-negotiable component of true federalism and grassroots security.”
According to Abiodun, a unified Southern position on state police would enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen early-warning systems, and improve protection for schools, farmlands, border communities, and critical infrastructure.
He further proposed a real-time digital intelligence-sharing platform among the 17 southern states, strengthened community policing, corridor surveillance for major highways and rail lines, and the establishment of a Regional Rapid Response Fund to respond to emergencies swiftly.
Beyond security, the governor also advocated for a coordinated southern Nigeria development agenda. He highlighted opportunities in digital innovation, agriculture, regional connectivity, and the region’s abundant mineral and energy resources.
He emphasised that the southern region must leverage its human capital and natural assets to drive industrialisation and sustainable economic development.
The meeting is expected to issue a communique outlining resolutions on security, governance, and regional collaboration.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has renewed the call for the establishment of a joint regional security outfit and the creation of state police, stressing that Nigeria’s current security architecture is inadequate to address the evolving threats.
Abiodun made the call on Wednesday while hosting a meeting of southern governors in Abeokuta, where discussions were dominated by rising insecurity across the region.
Chairing the meeting, the governor underscored the urgent need for intelligence-driven security systems, digital surveillance, and a region-wide Safe School Programme to protect vulnerable communities and educational institutions.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for what he described as transformative leadership, Abiodun reiterated the governors’ longstanding demand for state police, saying the growing security challenges have outgrown centrally controlled structures.
“Our region has consistently advocated for a policing system that is closer to the people, more responsive to local realities, and better equipped to address the rapidly evolving threats we face,” he said.
He added that decentralising policing would empower states to take direct responsibility for safeguarding their citizens, stressing that state police is a “non-negotiable component of true federalism and grassroots security.”
According to Abiodun, a unified Southern position on state police would enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen early-warning systems, and improve protection for schools, farmlands, border communities, and critical infrastructure.
He further proposed a real-time digital intelligence-sharing platform among the 17 southern states, strengthened community policing, corridor surveillance for major highways and rail lines, and the establishment of a Regional Rapid Response Fund to respond to emergencies swiftly.
Beyond security, the governor also advocated for a coordinated southern Nigeria development agenda. He highlighted opportunities in digital innovation, agriculture, regional connectivity, and the region’s abundant mineral and energy resources.
He emphasised that the southern region must leverage its human capital and natural assets to drive industrialisation and sustainable economic development.
The meeting is expected to issue a communique outlining resolutions on security, governance, and regional collaboration.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has renewed the call for the establishment of a joint regional security outfit and the creation of state police, stressing that Nigeria’s current security architecture is inadequate to address the evolving threats.
Abiodun made the call on Wednesday while hosting a meeting of southern governors in Abeokuta, where discussions were dominated by rising insecurity across the region.
Chairing the meeting, the governor underscored the urgent need for intelligence-driven security systems, digital surveillance, and a region-wide Safe School Programme to protect vulnerable communities and educational institutions.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for what he described as transformative leadership, Abiodun reiterated the governors’ longstanding demand for state police, saying the growing security challenges have outgrown centrally controlled structures.
“Our region has consistently advocated for a policing system that is closer to the people, more responsive to local realities, and better equipped to address the rapidly evolving threats we face,” he said.
He added that decentralising policing would empower states to take direct responsibility for safeguarding their citizens, stressing that state police is a “non-negotiable component of true federalism and grassroots security.”
According to Abiodun, a unified Southern position on state police would enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen early-warning systems, and improve protection for schools, farmlands, border communities, and critical infrastructure.
He further proposed a real-time digital intelligence-sharing platform among the 17 southern states, strengthened community policing, corridor surveillance for major highways and rail lines, and the establishment of a Regional Rapid Response Fund to respond to emergencies swiftly.
Beyond security, the governor also advocated for a coordinated southern Nigeria development agenda. He highlighted opportunities in digital innovation, agriculture, regional connectivity, and the region’s abundant mineral and energy resources.
He emphasised that the southern region must leverage its human capital and natural assets to drive industrialisation and sustainable economic development.
The meeting is expected to issue a communique outlining resolutions on security, governance, and regional collaboration.
“Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win,” he said.
The President ended his address with a prayer for the nation and its armed forces.
Giftimoni: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, directing the Armed Forces, police and intelligence agencies to immediately embark on expanded recruitment, intensified operations and strategic deployments aimed at combating terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
In a national broadcast from the State House on Tuesday, President Tinubu authorised the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising its current recruitment figure to 50,000. He also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training facilities to fast-track the process.
He further ordered the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP protection duties, directing that they be subjected to crash training ahead of redeployment to security-challenged regions.
“The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation,” the President said. “This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas.”
President Tinubu also gave the Department of State Services (DSS) immediate authority to deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests nationwide. He further directed the DSS to recruit additional personnel to fortify security around Nigeria’s borders and forested regions.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he declared.
Commending the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, the President acknowledged the sacrifices of security agencies and paid tribute to fallen military officers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
He charged military commanders and field units to remain resolute, warning against compromise and negligence. “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” he said.
President Tinubu also called on the National Assembly to expedite legislative reviews to support states wishing to establish their own police formations. He pledged federal support to state-backed security outfits battling local threats.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency, directing the Armed Forces, police and intelligence agencies to immediately embark on expanded recruitment, intensified operations and strategic deployments aimed at combating terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
In a national broadcast from the State House on Tuesday, President Tinubu authorised the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 officers, raising its current recruitment figure to 50,000. He also approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training facilities to fast-track the process.
He further ordered the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP protection duties, directing that they be subjected to crash training ahead of redeployment to security-challenged regions.
“The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation,” the President said. “This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas.”
President Tinubu also gave the Department of State Services (DSS) immediate authority to deploy trained forest guards to flush out terrorists and bandits hiding in forests nationwide. He further directed the DSS to recruit additional personnel to fortify security around Nigeria’s borders and forested regions.
“There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” he declared.
Commending the recent rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and 38 worshippers in Kwara State, the President acknowledged the sacrifices of security agencies and paid tribute to fallen military officers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
He charged military commanders and field units to remain resolute, warning against compromise and negligence. “There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence. The Nigerian people are counting on you,” he said.
President Tinubu also called on the National Assembly to expedite legislative reviews to support states wishing to establish their own police formations. He pledged federal support to state-backed security outfits battling local threats.
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has invited Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other members of the Senate to a dinner scheduled for Friday.
The invitation letter, read by Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, stated that the event will hold at 6 p.m. at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Asokoro.
According to the First Lady, the dinner is intended to serve as an interactive session to foster meaningful discussions on national progress.
The letter read: “I cordially request the presence of His Excellency, the President of the Senate, and distinguished members of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to a dinner which I will be hosting on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Asokoro.
“This dinner is an interactive session aimed at fostering insightful discussions on national progress.
“I look forward to receiving you and all distinguished senators at the event.”
Torh, “The idea of governance and social contract is that we’re giving up our rights so that you can provide certain services and protect lives and services. And if the government is failing to meet up with their side of the contract, then people must start to take matters into their own hands.
The 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), has urged the government to consider licensing firearms for citizens if it cannot guarantee their safety.
He made the remark while reacting to recent abductions and the growing insecurity across the country.
“This is not just about the north. We have seen abductions in Kwara and Ogun States over the weekend. Destruction of institutions and the loss of public trust make people lose hope in government.
“If people do not believe the judiciary will deliver justice, or that the police will protect lives, they must act. If the military leaves and terrorists immediately kidnap and kill, people will have to defend themselves. At some point, the people will have to take a stand.
“The idea of governance and social contract is that we’re giving up our rights so that you can provide certain services and protect lives and services. And if the government is failing to meet up with their side of the contract, then people must start to take matters into their own hands.
“People did not wait for the government to buy generators when they did not provide electricity. They didn’t wait to start drilling boreholes when the government didn’t provide water.”
The 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), has urged the government to consider licensing firearms for citizens if it cannot guarantee their safety.
He made the remark while reacting to recent abductions and the growing insecurity across the country.
“This is not just about the north. We have seen abductions in Kwara and Ogun States over the weekend. Destruction of institutions and the loss of public trust make people lose hope in government.
“If people do not believe the judiciary will deliver justice, or that the police will protect lives, they must act. If the military leaves and terrorists immediately kidnap and kill, people will have to defend themselves. At some point, the people will have to take a stand.
“The idea of governance and social contract is that we’re giving up our rights so that you can provide certain services and protect lives and services. And if the government is failing to meet up with their side of the contract, then people must start to take matters into their own hands.
“People did not wait for the government to buy generators when they did not provide electricity. They didn’t wait to start drilling boreholes when the government didn’t provide water.”
Reverend Ezekiel Dochomo speaking at Dunamis church said, “Pastor Paul Eneche has stood by us all along and sent us money for both the church and myself. We need to continue in prayers”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has launched a blistering criticism of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing both men as lacking the qualities needed to drive any credible political movement in the country.
The former APC national chairman dismissed the prospects of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and those he described as its “new champions.”
The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has renewed a 15-year warning about rising insecurity in Nigeria, following recent attacks on churches that left several worshippers dead and others abducted. Speaking at the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service, Oyedepo expressed deep concern over the state of the nation.
The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has renewed a 15-year warning about rising insecurity in Nigeria, following recent attacks on churches that left several worshippers dead and others abducted. Speaking at the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service, Oyedepo expressed deep concern over the state of the nation.
The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has renewed a 15-year warning about rising insecurity in Nigeria, following recent attacks on churches that left several worshippers dead and others abducted. Speaking at the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service, Oyedepo expressed deep concern over the state of the nation.
"Today the Nigerian Government is not ready to protect anybody, I feel that the AREWA should go a bit further to negotiate with other Nigerians to come together, to address what is currently happening in the country"
~Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi remarks during AREWA Consultative Forum
I address you today not just as your Governor, but as a fellow citizen, with a profound sense of patriotism and with every confidence, who shares in your anxieties, hopes, and desire for a peaceful and prosperous Borno, that the future of our dear state is brighter than ever.
fergie001: Babagana Umara Zulum Governor, Borno State
“The public is strongly advised to rely strictly on verified information issued through the following official channels: The Federal Government, The Federal Ministry of Education, State Governments and State Ministries of Education, and recognised security agencies,” it said.