How joint security forces rescued abducted Oyo schoolchildren, killed kidnappers, arrested eight suspects - Newstrends
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How joint security forces rescued abducted Oyo schoolchildren, killed kidnappers, arrested eight suspects

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How joint security forces rescued abducted Oyo schoolchildren, killed kidnappers, arrested eight suspects

How joint security forces rescued abducted Oyo schoolchildren, killed kidnappers, arrested eight suspects

After enduring 56 days in captivity, dozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have finally regained their freedom following a coordinated military-led rescue operation involving multiple Nigerian security agencies.

The rescue, carried out on Friday, brought an end to one of the most traumatic school kidnapping incidents in the South-West in recent years. According to the Presidency, the operation was driven by intelligence gathered over several weeks and involved the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies working in close coordination.

During the operation, security forces arrested eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised during gun battles. The arrested suspects are currently in the custody of the DSS and are expected to face prosecution after investigations.

President Bola Tinubu described the operation as a major victory against terrorism and kidnapping, saying the successful rescue demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-led security operations. He praised members of the armed forces, DSS and the police for working tirelessly for nearly two months to secure the victims’ freedom without causing collateral damage. (Reuters)

The President also pledged that justice would be served for the murdered teacher, Michael Oyedokun, and every other victim affected by the attack.

How security forces rescued abducted kidnapped Oyo pupils teachers “I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists and led to the arrest of eight others,” Tinubu said.

He directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other relevant agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care, trauma counselling and humanitarian support for the rescued children and teachers.

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The President further urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools and vulnerable communities to prevent similar attacks.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen riding motorcycles simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area.

The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, forcing them into the forests around the Old Oyo National Park.

The attack claimed the life of Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, who was shot while attempting to shield pupils during the invasion. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by the kidnappers while in captivity, sparking nationwide outrage.

The abduction paralysed academic activities across parts of Oyo State and triggered widespread protests by parents, labour unions, teachers and civil society organisations demanding the immediate rescue of the victims.

In response, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed public school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike beginning June 1. The industrial action lasted for one month before it was suspended on July 1 after government assurances that rescue efforts had intensified and additional security measures would be implemented.

The prolonged closure of schools also disrupted the state’s Common Entrance Examination, forcing authorities to postpone the exercise until August.

Throughout the 56-day ordeal, security agencies maintained that an intelligence-driven strategy offered the best chance of rescuing the victims alive. The military, DSS, police, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, forest guards and other security outfits sustained coordinated surveillance, aerial reconnaissance and ground operations across forests and difficult terrain believed to be used by the kidnappers.

Just days before the rescue, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed that troops were making “significant progress” and expressed confidence that the abducted children and teachers would soon regain their freedom. (The Guardian Nigeria)

During their captivity, the abductors released several videos showing the victims pleading for government intervention. The emotional appeals by the principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs Rachael Alamu, drew national attention and intensified calls for urgent action. She appealed to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and well-meaning Nigerians to help secure their release.

She also dismissed claims circulating online that the kidnappers had demanded ₦1 billion ransom, weapons or the imposition of Sharia law, warning that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.

The Federal Government responded by dispatching a high-powered delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, senior military officers, police leadership and ministers to reassure the affected communities that every available resource was being deployed to rescue the victims.

President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security across Oyo State and improve surveillance in forested areas vulnerable to criminal activities.

Governor Seyi Makinde repeatedly assured residents that the state government was working closely with federal authorities and security agencies to secure the victims’ release. He visited affected communities, held regular security meetings and appealed to residents to support ongoing operations by providing credible intelligence.

Following their rescue, the pupils and teachers expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and members of the security agencies for securing their freedom.

In a video released by the Presidency, one of the rescued victims thanked the President and security personnel for their commitment and courage.

“We are grateful, Mr President. We appreciate your commitment to our safety. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are alive today. Thank you very much,” the victim said.

Security experts say the successful rescue represents one of the most significant hostage recovery operations in Nigeria this year and demonstrates the growing use of intelligence-driven tactics in tackling mass kidnappings. Authorities have vowed to continue operations to apprehend other members of the criminal network and prevent future attacks on schools and communities.

How joint security forces rescued abducted Oyo schoolchildren, killed kidnappers, arrested eight suspects

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EFCC Wins ₦132m Money Laundering Case as Court Orders Forfeiture of Lagos Properties

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October 10, 2026

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EFCC Wins ₦132m Money Laundering Case as Court Orders Forfeiture of Lagos Properties
Lagos-based businessman Onatayo Pelumi
EFCC Wins ₦132m Money Laundering Case as Court Orders Forfeiture of Lagos Properties

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of Lagos-based businessman Onatayo Pelumi over alleged money laundering involving approximately ₦132 million, with the Federal High Court in Lagos ordering the forfeiture of two properties and ₦8 million to the Federal Government.

Justice Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Lagos, convicted Pelumi on five counts relating to the retention of proceeds of unlawful activities in bank accounts maintained with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Zenith Bank.

According to the EFCC, the charges covered various sums allegedly retained in the accounts between January 2023 and June 2026, despite the defendant’s knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.

The commission did not provide further details about the specific unlawful activities from which the money was allegedly derived.

In his judgment, Justice Osiagor sentenced Pelumi to three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦300,000 fine, on the first count.

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For each of the remaining four counts, the court imposed five years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦300,000 fine per count.

However, the judge directed that all the prison terms run concurrently, meaning they are served at the same time rather than consecutively.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of two half-plots of land in Lagos and ₦8 million held in Pelumi’s Zenith Bank account to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The properties covered by the forfeiture order are a half-plot of land at No. 23 Michael Ayorinde Street, Abule-Egba, and another half-plot at No. 1 Yisa Street, Meiran, both in Lagos State.

In addition to the prison sentences and forfeiture orders, Pelumi was directed to undertake seven days of community service.

The conviction followed prosecution by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 as part of its efforts to investigate and prosecute financial crimes involving the retention of funds linked to unlawful activities.

The case also highlights the commission’s use of asset-forfeiture proceedings to recover money and property connected to financial crime cases.

The EFCC did not disclose additional details about the source of the funds beyond the allegations contained in the five-count charge.

 

EFCC Wins ₦132m Money Laundering Case as Court Orders Forfeiture of Lagos Properties

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Hardship: ACF Gives Tinubu Three Months to Deliver Relief, Demands Clear Timelines

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October 10, 2026

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Hardship: ACF Gives Tinubu Three Months to Deliver Relief, Demands Clear Timelines
ACF’s Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba
Hardship: ACF Gives Tinubu Three Months to Deliver Relief, Demands Clear Timelines

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to introduce measures to ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians within three months, while demanding clear timelines and measurable targets for improving living conditions.

The forum said the Federal Government should move beyond repeated assurances that economic conditions would improve and provide specific commitments showing when Nigerians could begin to experience meaningful relief.

The ACF’s Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba, made the call during an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, October 8, 2026, according to media reports.

Mohammed-Baba said the administration needed to be more transparent about the effects of its economic reforms and acknowledge areas where the outcomes had fallen short of expectations.

He argued that government policies should be assessed not only by their stated objectives but also by their effects on households, businesses and the wider population.

The ACF spokesman cited the rising cost of living, declining purchasing power, increasing rents, higher transportation expenses and electricity bills as some of the pressures confronting Nigerians. He also identified poor road infrastructure and persistent insecurity as challenges affecting citizens’ welfare.

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According to him, the government should explain how it intends to address these problems and establish clear benchmarks against which its performance can be measured.

Mohammed-Baba called on the Tinubu administration to outline what it expects to achieve within one, two and three years, arguing that measurable targets would enable Nigerians to assess progress rather than rely solely on official assurances.

He also urged the government to acknowledge the difficulties associated with its economic policies and communicate more openly with citizens about the challenges and expected outcomes.

The ACF spokesman maintained that the government should not expect Nigerians to endure prolonged hardship without a clear indication of when relief measures would take effect.

He said three months should be enough for the administration to introduce measures capable of reducing some of the immediate pressures on households, even if broader economic recovery would require more time.

The forum also called for greater accountability from political leaders, arguing that the sacrifices demanded of citizens should be matched by a commitment from public officials to responsible governance and improved service delivery.

Mohammed-Baba’s comments add to the ongoing debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, particularly the pressure that higher living costs have placed on households and small businesses.

The government has defended its reforms as necessary to address longstanding economic challenges. However, the ACF’s position underscores the need for clear communication about the expected benefits of the policies and practical measures to cushion their immediate effects.

On the 2027 general elections, Mohammed-Baba said the ACF would assess political parties and candidates based on their commitment to good governance, accountability, anti-corruption, equity and fairness.

He said the forum’s position would be guided by the quality of leadership and the ability of political actors to promote responsible governance rather than automatic support for any particular political party.

The ACF’s central demand is for the Federal Government to establish clear deadlines, measurable objectives and practical steps for reducing hardship, enabling Nigerians to judge progress by tangible improvements in their daily lives.

 

Hardship: ACF Gives Tinubu Three Months to Deliver Relief, Demands Clear Timelines

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Adamawa Mourns as Fufore Loses Second Council Chairman in 18 Months

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October 10, 2026

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Adamawa Mourns as Fufore Loses Second Council Chairman in 18 Months
Late Chairman of Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Dr Yahaya Sa’idu

Adamawa Mourns as Fufore Loses Second Council Chairman in 18 Months

The Chairman of Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Dr Yahaya Sa’idu, has died less than three months after assuming office, in a development that has plunged the council and its residents into mourning.

Sa’idu reportedly died at a hospital in Kaduna following a brief illness. According to Ahmed B. Yusha’u, the council’s Information Officer, the chairman died at about 1 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

His death came approximately 18 months after his predecessor, Shuaibu Babas, also died while serving as chairman of the council, making the latest development another significant loss for the Fufore community.

The news of Sa’idu’s death was confirmed in a condolence message by Aliyu Boya Wakili, the member of the House of Representatives representing Fufore/Song Federal Constituency.

Wakili expressed sadness over the death, describing it as a major loss to the people of Fufore and Adamawa State. He prayed for Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

He also extended condolences to the late chairman’s family, associates and constituents, urging them to find strength and comfort during the difficult period.

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The Adamawa State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) also mourned Sa’idu’s death. The association’s state chairman, Titus Obadiah, described him as a committed leader who served his community.

Obadiah sympathised with the bereaved family, friends, political associates and residents of Fufore, praying for comfort and strength for everyone affected by the loss.

The Adamawa State Police Command also expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, the Fufore community and the state government. The condolence message was signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje.

Other political figures who reportedly mourned Sa’idu included Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District, and Ahmad Lawan, a senior special assistant on security to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Sa’idu was sworn in as Fufore local government chairman on July 15, 2026, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His death occurred less than three months after he began his tenure.

His predecessor, Shuaibu Babas, died on April 23, 2025, while in office. Babas’s death was followed by a succession process that eventually led to his deputy, Peace Samson Audu, being sworn in as substantive chairman in May 2025.

The successive deaths have prompted fresh expressions of grief among political stakeholders and residents of Fufore, who are mourning the loss of two council leaders within approximately 18 months.

As tributes continue to emerge, details of Sa’idu’s funeral arrangements were yet to be formally confirmed in the reports available at the time of publication.

The circumstances surrounding his reported brief illness have not been publicly detailed beyond the information provided by the council’s Information Officer.

Adamawa Mourns as Fufore Loses Second Council Chairman in 18 Months

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