Oyo school abduction: Bandits threaten to kill abducted pupils if troops advance

Fresh concerns have emerged over the fate of the 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers kidnapped from schools in Oyo State, following a chilling revelation by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, that the bandits have threatened to kill the hostages if security forces attempt a rescue operation.

The minister disclosed that the kidnappers are using the schoolchildren as bargaining chips to demand the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody, placing security agencies in a delicate position as they work to rescue the victims safely.

Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central, Badaru said the Federal Government is under pressure from the terrorists but remains determined to secure the victims’ release without surrendering to criminal demands.

“For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander.

“Now they’re threatening that if we move any closer to take action against them, they’re going to kill all the kids,” the minister said.

The latest disclosure sheds more light on the difficult choices confronting the military and other security agencies as they continue intelligence-driven operations to free the abductees while avoiding actions that could endanger their lives.

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The Oyo school abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed bandits invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, along with two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers in one of the most disturbing attacks on educational institutions in the South-West.

Nearly two months after the incident, the victims remain in captivity, with families anxiously awaiting their safe return and public concern growing over the prolonged ordeal.

Security sources have indicated that rescue operations are being complicated by the difficult terrain of the Old Oyo National Park, where the kidnappers are believed to be hiding. The vast forest, coupled with the terrorists’ frequent movement between locations, has made precision military operations more challenging.

The Federal Government has, however, maintained its stance against negotiating with terrorists by exchanging detained commanders for the abducted children, warning that such concessions could encourage more kidnappings and embolden criminal groups across the country.

To strengthen rescue efforts, the Nigerian Air Force has sustained aerial surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions over suspected hideouts, while ground troops and other security agencies continue coordinated operations aimed at locating the victims and securing their freedom.

The prolonged captivity has already taken a tragic turn. Reports indicate that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the kidnappers, while another hostage appeared in a distress video appealing to the government to intensify efforts to rescue those still being held.

Security agencies have also arrested several suspected collaborators believed to have provided logistical support and information to the kidnappers, as investigations into the criminal network continue.

Beyond the ongoing rescue efforts, the Defence Minister renewed his call for tougher punishment for those involved in kidnapping and terrorism, throwing his weight behind the death penalty for convicted offenders.

According to him, stronger sanctions are necessary to discourage criminality and restore public confidence in the country’s justice system.

“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” Badaru stated.

His position echoes recent calls by former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, as well as Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, both of whom have advocated capital punishment for convicted kidnappers and bandits.

The continued captivity of the abducted Oyo pupils has reignited national debate over school security, particularly in rural communities where educational institutions remain vulnerable to attacks by armed groups. Parents, education advocates, religious organisations and civil society groups have urged the Federal Government to intensify rescue efforts while strengthening security around schools to prevent similar incidents.

Although security authorities insist that operations to rescue the victims are ongoing, the latest threat by the kidnappers underscores the urgency of the mission and the high stakes involved. Nigerians continue to hope for the safe return of the children and their teachers as security agencies pursue every available option to end the crisis without further loss of life.

Oyo school abduction: Bandits threaten to kill abducted pupils if troops advance

US Names 124 Nigerians for Deportation in “Worst of the Worst” Criminal Crackdown

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially published the names and photographs of 124 Nigerian nationals who are currently facing deportation. The list, unveiled on the DHS website, is part of a high-profile register of foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes, designated by the administration as the “worst-of-the-worst.” This action forms part of ongoing immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration, which has prioritized the removal of non-citizens with criminal records as part of a broader mass deportation policy.

Details of the Crackdown and Publication

This publication is a direct result of executive orders signed by President Trump on his first day back in office on January 20, 2025, which declared illegal immigration a national emergency and directed federal agencies to strengthen border security and accelerate deportations. The DHS defended the move, stating that the hard-working men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling the President’s promise by carrying out mass deportations starting with the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders. While US authorities have made the list and photographs public, they have not provided a specific timeline for when these deportations will occur, nor have they disclosed detailed information about the specific offences committed by each individual. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended the crackdown, stating the administration remains committed to enforcing US immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records in line with the President’s immigration agenda.

Scope and Broader Context of the Crackdown

The latest action is part of sweeping immigration enforcement measures that have seen the United States expand deportation flights to countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Official US immigration data show that Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed campaign began, followed by Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador. Nigeria has also faced increased scrutiny under the administration. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates, and security screening. The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has also reminded citizens that Presidential Proclamation 10998 remains in effect, partially suspending visa issuance for B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas to nationals of Nigeria and 18 other countries as of January 1, 2026. The 124 Nigerians named are part of a broader West African deportation list that includes 374 people from 16 countries, with Nigeria having the highest number, followed by Liberia with 94 individuals and Ghana with 32.

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Complete List of Nigerian Nationals Named for Deportation

https://www.dhs.gov/wow?combine=&field_country_of_origin_target_id=12290&field_state_value=All&page=8

The published list includes the following individuals, who have been identified by DHS as foreign nationals with criminal convictions subject to removal proceedings:

Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, and Oriyomi Aloba.

Also named are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi, and Omotayo Akinto.

The list further includes Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru, Henry Idiagbonya, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba, and Akeem Adeleke.

Completing the list are Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer, and Chibuzo Nwaonu.

Current Status and What Happens Next

As of now, US authorities have not indicated when the affected Nigerians would be deported, and no timeline for their removal has been announced. The DHS has instructed officers of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to intensify operations nationwide against non-citizens convicted of serious crimes. While the publication of names and photographs marks a significant step in the enforcement process, the actual deportation of these individuals will depend on various factors, including legal proceedings, diplomatic coordination with Nigeria, and the availability of deportation flights. The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official response to the publication of this list, but the development is expected to spark discussions between Abuja and Washington regarding the treatment and rights of Nigerian nationals in the United States.

US Names 124 Nigerians for Deportation in “Worst of the Worst” Criminal Crackdown

Defence minister orders troops to shoot terrorists without waiting for orders

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has directed military personnel and other security operatives to take immediate action against terrorists and armed bandits, warning that officers who hesitate to engage criminals while waiting for directives from superior officers risk being treated as collaborators.

The minister issued the warning on Wednesday during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.

Addressing troops and other security personnel at the event, Musa said every officer deployed to combat zones has a responsibility to protect lives and eliminate threats without unnecessary delays.

“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist. Anybody who refuses to shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit,” the minister said.

The directive comes as Nigeria intensifies military operations against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping in parts of the North-West, North-East and North-Central regions, where armed groups continue to attack communities, security personnel and critical infrastructure.

The minister said the Federal Government has continued to invest heavily in military hardware and operational logistics to ensure security agencies are adequately equipped to confront criminal groups.

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According to him, troops must make effective use of the newly acquired assets to improve mobility, intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid response during security operations.

He noted that improved operational capability would significantly enhance efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts, rescue kidnapped victims and restore peace to affected communities.

While urging security personnel to be decisive in the field, Musa also warned against misconduct, stressing that officers must respect the rights of law-abiding citizens while carrying out their duties.

He cautioned against extortion, harassment or intimidation of residents, reminding security personnel that they were deployed to protect communities and build public confidence.

“This equipment costs billions of naira. We don’t want to hand them over and then you throw them away or mishandle them. They must serve the purpose for which they were procured. You are not to go there and extort or harass the people. You are there to protect them and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within your area,” he added.

The minister commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his administration’s continued investment in security, describing the procurement of operational vehicles and tactical equipment as a demonstration of responsible leadership and commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

He said Sokoto State has remained relatively stable because of the cooperation between the state government, security agencies and local communities, adding that sustained collaboration remains essential to defeating insecurity across the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Aliyu disclosed that the state government procured bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and ballistic vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal imaging devices and other tactical equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion.

The governor said the latest investment forms part of broader efforts by his administration to strengthen security institutions and improve their operational effectiveness.

According to him, Sokoto State has spent more than ₦36 billion on security interventions since he assumed office, including the construction of military and police barracks, support for the Nigerian Air Force Base, procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles, and the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.

Aliyu also revealed that a bill establishing a State Security Trust Fund is currently before the Sokoto State House of Assembly and would be signed into law immediately after its passage to ensure sustainable funding for security operations.

He further announced the approval of a Command and Control Centre, which will enhance surveillance, intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies across the state.

The governor appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, stressing that defeating banditry and terrorism requires collective action from both government and citizens.

The newly commissioned operational vehicles and equipment were subsequently distributed to the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and security personnel assigned to the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway project to strengthen ongoing operations across the state.

Although the minister’s remarks underscored the government’s determination to intensify the fight against insecurity, no changes to the military’s rules of engagement or operational procedures were announced during the event.

Defence minister orders troops to shoot terrorists without waiting for order