metro
How Kebbi gov secured safe release of 24 Maga schoolgirls without paying ransom
How Kebbi gov secured safe release of 24 Maga schoolgirls without paying ransom
The Kebbi State Government has detailed how Governor Nasir Idris played a decisive role in securing the safe release of the 24 abducted schoolgirls from Government Girls Community Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu LGA, just eight days after their kidnapping on November 17, 2025.
The abduction, which triggered painful memories of the Chibok girls kidnapping, initially sparked fears of another prolonged national tragedy. But unlike previous incidents that dragged on for years, the Maga schoolgirls were freed unharmed without ransom, a development the government has described as a product of “leadership, courage, and swift action.”
Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Yakubu, said the attack sent shockwaves across Nigeria, reopening old emotional wounds. He noted that many Nigerians feared the girls might face the same fate as the Chibok victims, who were forced into marriages, pregnancies, and long-term separation from their families.
Yakubu said those fears were erased when all 24 girls returned safely — a success he attributed directly to the governor’s urgent and coordinated response. According to him, Governor Idris immediately contacted security agencies, federal authorities, and key stakeholders, insisting on a rapid rescue mission.
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The commissioner praised the governor’s “exceptional composure and decisiveness,” noting that the nationwide support for Kebbi during the incident was driven by Idris’s transparent, hands-on leadership. One of the most significant gestures, he added, was the governor’s decision to leave an important Abuja engagement and travel straight to Maga to comfort affected families, spending the night with them to boost morale.
Yakubu also raised concerns about the withdrawal of soldiers previously assigned to protect the school despite intelligence warnings of an imminent attack. The lapse, he said, contributed to the death of two individuals and highlighted persistent weaknesses in school security across the country.
He emphasized that the successful rescue was the result of collective efforts — including the prayers of Kebbi residents and support from President Bola Tinubu — and demonstrated the strength of collaboration during crises.
The commissioner said the episode renewed national unity, with individuals and organizations across Nigeria expressing solidarity with Kebbi State. He added that the incident underscored the need for stronger security protocols, proactive governance, and improved community engagement.
Yakubu declared that Governor Idris’s swift actions have “set a new standard for crisis management,” serving as a model for how leaders should respond to child abductions and school attacks.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening security partnerships to prevent future attacks and urged citizens to continue supporting the administration’s development and safety initiatives.
“As a state, we remain grateful for the safe return of the Maga girls,” Yakubu said. “In unity and resilience, we can build a safer future for our children.”
How Kebbi gov secured safe release of 24 Maga schoolgirls without paying ransom
metro
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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