metro

Military troops kill 26 terrorists, destroy 22 illegal refining sites

Published

3 years ago

July 21, 2023

Nigerian military Troops

Military troops kill 26 terrorists, destroy 22 illegal refining sites

1. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is engaged in 9 different operations across the length and breath of the country. Accordingly, there are operational theatres within the 6 geopolitical zones aimed at addressing various security challenges.

2. This brief will cover significant operational activities across the 6 geopolitical zones for the period 13 – 20 July 2023. The brief will begin with the North East and North Central zones. Then, the North West, South South and South East zones.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)
3. During the period under review troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized some terrorists in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops also arrested high profile terrorist collaborators in Kukawa and Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Owing to troops onslaught, some active terrorists fighters also surrendered to troops. They claimed that they have lost interest in the terrorist ideology. This is not unconnected with media operation of the military
a. Troops Neutralized terrorist. On 13 Jul 23, Troops conducted fighting patrol to Awada in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State and made contact with Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and captured 2 others as well as rescued one victim.

b. Arrest Terrorist collaborator. On 11 Jul 23, troops arrested a high-profile terrorist collaborator identified as Bulama Suri. He is a terrorist spy and collaborator residing at Gaulawa and Gwazari villages in Kukawa and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State. Items recovered from the terrorists were generally food item and 2 cows.

c. Surrendered of BH/ISWAP Terrorist. On 12 Jul 23, following troops onslaught, 9 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre operations. The surrendered terrorists claimed to have lost interest in the terrorist ideology arising from troops operations. Items recovered from the terrorists include; 7 AK 47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, one 36 hand grenade, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 2 mobile phones.

READ ALSO:

4. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted several air operations against terrorist enclaves and their logistics bases in order to degrade them. Notably, the air component conducted air reconnaissance and intelligence at terrorist’ hideouts in Hyawa in Borno State. The location was active with terrorists activities, acquired and subsequently attacked with bombs. After action review revealed that many of the terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

5. Summary. In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered 7 AK 47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, one 36 hand grenade, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 2 mobile phones, 2 Cow, food stuffs, condiment, one cart and the sum of Two Million One Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (N2,104,000.00) only. Troops equally neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 8 suspected terrorists collaborators. Troops rescued10 kidnapped civilians during these operations.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
6. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN raided criminal hideouts and recovered weapons. Troops also got ambushed along Road Mangu – Pushit while responding to distress call about assailants attacking citizens in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. Troops charged though and overcame the ambush. Troops also neutralized 3 of the assailants in the process, while others fled.
a. Troops Raid Criminal Hideout and Recover Weapon. On 10 July 23, following a tip off, troops raided students rented accommodation at Haske village in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected criminals and recovered a fabricated pistol, cartridge, machete and axe.
b. Troops Ambushed in Mangu
(1). On 12 July 23, troops while responding to a distress call on criminals attack at Mangu village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State were ambushed along Rd Mangu – Pushit by suspected criminals. During the ambush, troops neutralized 3 of the criminals while others fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 3 AK 47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one Motorcycle and a fake NP officer ID Card. Investigation on going.
(2). On 11 July 23, troops of 176 Guards Bn arrested one suspected criminal at Gbau Village in Gwagwalada Area Council of Federal Capital Territory with one locally made pistol, one mobile phone and one Pump action ammo. Suspect was handed over to NP Gwagwalada Div for further action.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
7. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE raided kidnappers’ hideouts at Duduguru village in Obi Local Government of Nasarawa State. In a separate operation, troops rescued kidnapped victims at Chinkai Forest in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
a. Troops Raid Kidnapper Hideout. On 11 Jul 23, troops deployed at Giza raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Duduguru village in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Following the raid, troops arrested one suspected kidnapper and recovered one mobile phone and the sum of Thirty-Five Thousand Naira (₦35,000.00). Investigation ongoing.

b. Rescue of Kidnapped Victim. On 11 July 23, troops deployed at Sondi and Kente responded to information on suspected kidnapping activities at Chinkai Forest axis in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State but the criminals fled before troops arrival. Troops however exploited the general area and rescued one victim with injuries. The rescued victim was evacuation to a nearby Hospital for medical attention.

8. Summary. In the course of the operations, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 1 fabricated pistol, 1 locally made pistol, 1 Pump action ammo, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 motorcycle, cartridge, 1 mobile phone, machete, axe, fake Nigerian Police ID card and the sum of N35,000.00 only. Troops also neutralized 9 bandits and arrested 10 suspects while rescuing 9 kidnapped civilians.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
9. Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI raided bandit hideouts in 5 separate operations conducted during the period. Troops fighting patrol conducted operations around villages, towns and mountains at Batsari, Tangaza and Maru Local Government Areas of Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara State respectively

READ ALSO:

a. On 10 July 23, troops responded to information on terrorist attack at Nahuta village in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State and made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered 2 motorcycles and one Dane gun as well as destroyed the terrorist camp and storage facilities.

b. On 11 July 23, troops at FOB GWADABAWA responded to info from the Commander Niger Republic Border patrol team on terrorists’ hideout at Tapkin Taramna general area in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State and arrested 6 suspected terrorists. Preliminary investigation revealed that all suspects are Nigeriens.

c. Similarly, On 13 July 23, troops at FOB TANGAZA responded to information at Chekeihi village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State that terrorist placed levy of One Million Naira (N1,000,0000) on the village or risk being attack. On arrival, troops apprehended 2 suspected terrorists.

d. On 13 July 23, following a tip off, troops at FOB DANJIBGA arrested one suspected terrorist collaborator tasked by a notorious terrorist kingpin Nagala Jabbi to move livestock from Magami general area to Danjibga Cattle Market in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Troops recovered the sum of One million One Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (N1,104,000) only. Suspect and recovered items are in troops’ custody for further action.

e. On 14 July 23, troops at FOB FANGALTAMA responded to info of terrorists rustling animals in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State enroute Sububu Forest. On arrival, the terrorists fled abandoning 33 cattle and 188 sheep. Recovered livestock is being handed over to the Committee on Recovered Rustled Animals in Zamfara State.

10. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted several air operations to degrade terrorist groups and their logistics bases, pursuant to denying them freedom of action. Notably, on 10 July 23, following INTEL and confirmatory ISR a terrorists enclave was uncovered. Thereafter, air interdiction was conducted at Babban Gida in Kankara and Sola in Jibia Local Government Areas. The targets were acquired and successfully engaged with rockets dislodging the terrorists.

OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

11. During the period under review, troops ambushed and neutralized terrorists in Igabi Local Government Area. In a separate operation, troops fighting patrol made contact and neutralize some terrorists in Birni Gwari and Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
a. Ambush. On 11 July 23, troops ambush for suspected terrorists moving with rustled cattle made contact at Foundation Diversion in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle loaded with 3 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 2 mobile phones. Recovered items are in troops’ custody for further action.

b. Troops Fighting Patrol Neutralize Terrorist. Between 10 and 12 July 2023, troops fighting patrol at Damari, Saulawa and Mai Jakana general area in Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists, recovered 3 Motorcycles, 72 cows and 29 sheep.

12. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted several air interdictions to degrade terrorist groups and their logistics bases, pursuant to denying them freedom of action. Notably, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdictions at Shalupe, a newly uncovered Boko Haram Terrorist location in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The targets were acquired and successfully attack with rocket which destroyed some of their huts, damaging buildings and dislodging the terrorists.

13. Summary. In the course of operation, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 9 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1 dane gun, 5 motorcycles, 2 phones and 322 livestock. Troops also arrested 15 suspected criminals and rescued 20 kidnapped civilians.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
14. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intercepted and destroyed a vessel involved in crude oil theft. Troops also destroyed several illegal refining sites. While the air component conducted air interdiction to destroy active illegal refining sites.

READ ALSO:

a. Interception and Destruction of Vessel
(1). On 7 July 23, troops and Operators of Tantita Surveillance contractors intercepted a vessel loaded with suspected stolen crude oil and arrested 12 suspects (a Ghanian and 11 Nigerians). The vessel was arrested between the boundaries of Delta and Ondo State. The vessel, MT TURA II reportedly owned by Holab Maritime Services Limited has a tank capacity of 800,000 litres. The vessel was previously named ALI RITA BEY.

(2). Close inspection on the vessel revealed that only two compartments were partially filled with about 150 metric tonnes which is approximately 178,000 litres. This quantity is less than a quarter of the vessel. The vessel upon arrest was moved to Oporoza in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

(3). The voyage of the vessel revealed that it originated from Lagos and was heading to Republic of Cameroon as its destination. The vessel captain admitted to having been engaged in same illegal activities for over four years. On 11 July 23, the vessel was destroyed in accordance with extant operating procedure that stipulates instant destruction of any vehicle, vessel or equipment linked with crude oil theft.

b. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites
(1) Troops discovered and destroyed 23 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits. Troops equally recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 220 assorted rounds of ammunitions, 6 calibers of weapons, 3 vehicles and 10 motorcycles. Troops also arrested 25 suspected economic saboteurs.

(2). On 10 Jul 23, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE with Pilgrims Security Service personnel responded to criminal activities around Chinese Camp in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. Troops pursued the criminals and arrested 5 suspects as well as recovered 4 motorcycles, stolen cables and casted steel conveyor bearing balls.

15. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted several air interdictions to degrade and restrict the activities of oil theft. Notably, on 10 and 11 July 23, the air component Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction missions at Samkri and Elem Kalabari, respectively. Overhead the locations, the active illegal refining sites were engaged with rockets and some eqpt were destroyed.

16. Summary. In the course of operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 550 assorted rounds of ammunition, 12 calibers of weapons, 7 empty magazines, 17 cutlasses, 3 vehicles, 19 motorcycles and 1 dagger. Troops equally destroyed 22 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits. While a total of 60 suspected criminals were apprehended within the period. it is noteworthy to state that an estimated sum of Two Hundred and Two Million Seven Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Naira (N202,788,300.00) was denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
17. During the period under review, troops neutralized Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen. Troops also raided hideouts of Eastern Security Network criminals located in Ohaozara, Aninri, Calabar South and Ikwo Local Government Areas of Ebonyi, Enugu and Cross River States respectively.

READ ALSO:

a. Troops Neutralize IPOB/ESN Criminals. On 10 July 23, troops of Operation UDO KA responded to info of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals firing indiscriminately at Okposi Junction in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State but the criminals on sighting troops fled. Troops pursuit and made contact with the criminals at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Uburu in same Local Government Area. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one of the criminals and recovered one Pump action gun, 11 live cartridges as well as one vehicle.

b. Troops Arrest criminals
(1). On 11 July 23, troops of OPERATION UDO KA raided a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals’ hideout at Udoma Community in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State. Following the raid, troops arrested 2 suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals.
(2). On 13 July 23, troops raided a suspected criminals’ hideout within Umoh Orok Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State and arrested 10 suspected criminals.
(3). On 14 July 23, troops with DSS operators raided suspected high profile ESN criminals’ hideout/shrine at Nsukka in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. Suspects on sighting troops fled while troops searched the hideout and recovered 3 Pump action rifles, one Dane gun and 75 live cartridges.
(4). On 14 July 23, following a tip off, troops raided Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network hideout at Ikwo in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State but the criminals fled on sighting troops. Troops searched the general area and recovered one AK47 rifle.
18. Summary. In the conduct of the operation, troops of Operation UDO KA recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 4 pump action gun, 1 dane gun, 86 live cartridges. Troops also neutralized 1 criminals and apprehended 12 suspects. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued abducted civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION AWATSE (SOUTH WEST)
19. Troops of Operation AWATSE intercepted a lorry with 2 occupants conveying concealed ammunition cartridges that originated from Mali and were to be delivered to Onitsha. Troops also arrest an impostor with fake military ID cards.

Troops Arrest Truck Conveying Ammo Cartridges. On 15 July 23, troops of Operation AWATSE during stop and search op along Rd Ajilete – Owode in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State intercepted and arrested a truck with 2 occupants (a Ghanian and a Nigerian). A search on the truck led to the discovery of 720 cartons of 12 caliber Red Star Cartridges. Each carton contains containing 25 cartridges. Also, arrested were 250 packets containing 10 cartridges of black pellets. All the items were concealed underneath the truck. Troops also recovered 2 mobile phones, one ECOWAS ID Card belonging to one Mr Eric as well as the sum of Two Hundred and Forty Five Thousand One Hundred Naira (₦245,100.00), 125,000 CFA, and 60 GHA Cedis only. The arrested suspects Eric Seworvor a Ghanaian and Lukman Sani (Driver) from Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State claimed the exhibit was conveyed from Mali via Idiroko and were heading to Onitsha in Anambra State to deliver the items to the owner.

Arrest of Impostor. On 11 July 23, troops at Owo check point in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State arrested an impostor with one round of 7.62 mm special ammo, one vehicle, 2 cam vest, 2 cam shorts, one jungle hat, one cam bag, one Nigerian Army emblem, 3 Military ID cards and the sum of Thirty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira (₦37,800) only.

20. Summary. In the conduct of the operations, troops of Operation AWATSE intercepted a truck with 720 cartons of Red Star Cartridge of 12 caliber containing 25 cartridges each and 250 packets of live cartridge of Black Pellets containing 10 Cartridge each. These items were concealed underneath the truck. Troops also recovered 2 mobile phones, one ECOWAS ID Card. Troops also apprehended 2 arms trafficker and 1 impostor.

CONCLUSION
21. During the cause of the brief, I repeatedly mentioned offensive action of the military in the ongoing operations that cut across various theatres. These actions range from rescuing of civilians held hostage by terrorists, gunmen or criminals to other actions namely: terrorists neutralized, gunmen neutralized and bandits neutralized. Others include, raid on hideouts belonging to kidnappers, bandits and gunmen. It also includes destination destroyed of illegal refining sites and arrested of terrorists collaborators.

22. These actions buttress the war mode of the military to crush these threats decisively. The offensive posture indicated by ongoing operations would surely cause the perpetrators of this challenges to reconsider the position.

23. The military received support such as tip off, intelligence, cooperation and synergy amongst others. Base on these which many of the operations were conducted. This is indicative of the fact that the security challenges confronting us require a collective effort and therefore a collective responsibility.

EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations

Military troops kill 26 terrorists, destroy 22 illegal refining sites

Related Topics:illegal refining Military troops Terrorists

Up Next

JAMB saga: Soludo sends Mmesoma on three-month psychotherapy

Don't Miss

Endurance is our best option for now, MURIC begs Nigerians

metro

Hit-and-run driver kills 500-level FUHSA student in Bauchi

Published

48 minutes ago

July 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Rebecca Kambai

Hit-and-run driver kills 500-level FUHSA student in Bauchi

A tragic hit-and-run accident has claimed the life of Rebecca Kambai, a 19-year-old 500-level student of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), along the Bauchi-Jos Road in Bauchi State.

Rebecca, who had returned home from school for the holidays, died on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, after a Sharon minibus allegedly rammed into the motorcycle she was riding with her brother before fleeing the scene.

The incident has thrown her family, friends, colleagues and the university community into mourning, with many describing her as a brilliant student whose promising future was cut short just months before graduation.

According to family sources, Rebecca had forgotten some of her personal belongings at school after travelling home for the holidays. She later arranged for friends in Azare to send the items to Bauchi through a commercial driver.

When the driver arrived at the Bauchi Motor Park near Awala Hotel, he contacted Rebecca to collect the package. She subsequently travelled to the park with one of her brothers on a motorcycle.

After retrieving the belongings, the siblings began their journey back home. Family members said Rebecca opted to ride the motorcycle while her brother rode as a passenger.

However, tragedy struck when they reached the Police Officers’ Mess along the Bauchi-Jos Road, close to the entrance leading into the New GRA.

Eyewitnesses said a speeding Sharon minibus crashed into the motorcycle and immediately fled the scene without stopping to assist the victims.

The collision threw Rebecca onto the road, causing severe head injuries.

She reportedly suffered a fractured skull and died instantly, while her brother sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

READ ALSO:

A First Information Report (FIR) issued by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS12.1 Bauchi Sector Command, confirmed that the accident occurred at about 5:15 p.m. on July 14, 2026.

According to the report, the incident was reported to the FRSC five minutes later, while emergency responders arrived at the crash scene within 10 minutes.

The report identified the motorcycle involved as a Jincheng motorcycle with registration number TFB-38-QB, which was being used for private purposes.

The FRSC disclosed that two people—an adult male and an adult female—were involved in the crash. While the male sustained injuries, the female victim was confirmed dead at the scene.

Officials recovered several personal belongings from the accident site, including the damaged motorcycle, a women’s hair stretcher and a pair of shoes.

The injured victim was evacuated to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for treatment, while Rebecca’s remains were deposited in the hospital’s mortuary.

The rescue operation was led by MI III CT Galadima of the Bauchi Sector Command.

Security agencies have since launched investigations to identify and arrest the driver responsible for the fatal crash.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has urged motorists to drive responsibly, obey speed limits and remain at accident scenes to assist victims rather than fleeing, noting that timely medical intervention can often save lives.

Rebecca’s death has generated an outpouring of grief across the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, where fellow students and lecturers described her as intelligent, hardworking and dedicated to her studies.

Her grieving mother, Mrs Doris Kambai, paid an emotional tribute to her daughter, describing her as the family’s last child and a source of joy.

“I am the mother of Rebecca, whom we just lost yesterday. It is truly a time of grief for the whole family. My daughter, my last baby, will be greatly missed,” she said.

She described Rebecca as exceptionally brilliant and revealed that her daughter brought immense happiness into her life.

“She was actually my favourite, and the siblings even know that. She took after me in so many ways, and I have been so proud of her. She was such an intelligent and brilliant girl. Her coming into my life was truly a blessing.”

Despite the painful loss, Mrs Kambai expressed gratitude to relatives, friends and sympathisers who have stood by the family during the difficult period.

“I want to appreciate everyone who has rallied around me throughout this period of grief. I lack words to express my gratitude. It is my prayer that the Lord will reward each one of them.”

The heartbreaking incident has once again drawn attention to the growing menace of hit-and-run accidents on Nigerian roads.

Road safety advocates say many fatalities could be prevented if motorists involved in crashes remained at accident scenes, rendered first aid where possible and promptly alerted emergency responders instead of fleeing.

As investigations continue, authorities have appealed to members of the public with useful information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the fleeing driver to report to the nearest security agency.

The case has also renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improved road surveillance and tougher penalties for drivers who abandon accident victims.

Hit-and-run driver kills 500-level FUHSA student in Bauchi

metro

Orire Kidnap: I Assured Principal’s Husband His Wife Would Return Alive — Senator Buhari

Published

2 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Abdulfatai Buhari

Orire Kidnap: I Assured Principal’s Husband His Wife Would Return Alive — Senator Buhari

The Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Abdulfatai Buhari, has revealed how he encouraged the husband of the abducted principal of the Government Technical College, Orita Aperin, Orire, Oyo State, during the period the victims were held captive by kidnappers.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Buhari recounted that Professor Alamo, whose wife, Mrs. Rachel Alamo, was among those abducted, repeatedly contacted him for updates and support throughout the ordeal.

Mrs. Alamo was one of the victims kidnapped alongside students in the attack that shocked Oyo State and drew nationwide concern.

According to the senator, about three weeks before the victims regained their freedom, Professor Alamo became visibly overwhelmed by fear, anxiety and uncertainty over his wife’s fate.

Buhari said he decided to visit him personally to offer words of encouragement and reassure him that his wife and the other abductees would return safely.

READ ALSO:

“I went to him, I talked to him and I explained to him that, ‘Look, your wife will not forgive you, even in the grave if she comes back and you’re not there,'” Buhari recalled.

“I assured him that nothing bad had happened to them and that they would come back safely.”

The lawmaker said he urged Professor Alamo to remain strong despite the emotional burden, stressing that losing hope would only deepen the trauma for the family.

Buhari further disclosed that on the day the victims were eventually released, Professor Alamo visited his residence in Ogbomoso, where they discussed the situation once again.

According to him, the meeting ended at about 3:30 p.m., after which Professor Alamo left.

Later that evening, Buhari said he began receiving messages claiming that the abducted students and other victims had been freed. However, he was initially reluctant to believe the reports because of the widespread circulation of unverified information during the period of the abduction.

He said his doubts were only dispelled after he came across a social media post by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirming the successful rescue of the victims.

The release of the abductees brought relief to their families, the Oyo State Government and residents, ending weeks of anxiety following the kidnapping incident that raised fresh concerns over insecurity and the safety of schools in the country.

The rescue operation has continued to attract commendation from various stakeholders, including security agencies, community leaders and civil society organisations, while renewed calls have been made for stronger measures to protect educational institutions from criminal attacks.

Orire Kidnap: I Assured Principal’s Husband His Wife Would Return Alive — Senator Buhari

metro

Gunmen Invade Kogi School During NECO Exam, Abduct Principal, Four Students

Published

2 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat

Gunmen Invade Kogi School During NECO Exam, Abduct Principal, Four Students

Armed gunmen on Tuesday invaded a secondary school in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination, abducting the school principal, four students and a NECO ad hoc official.

The attack, which occurred at Government Secondary School, Odo-Ekina, also known as GSS Olowa, at about 5:25 p.m., threw the examination centre into panic as candidates and teachers scampered for safety.

Eyewitnesses said the heavily armed assailants stormed the school premises while the examination was in progress and whisked away the victims to an unknown destination before fleeing the scene.

Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said security operatives had launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the police, military and other security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, disclosed that one of the abducted students had already been rescued, while efforts were ongoing to free the remaining captives and apprehend the perpetrators.

She said the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, alongside the Brigade Commander and the State Security Adviser, visited the school shortly after the incident to assess the situation and coordinate security operations.

READ ALSO:

According to the police spokesperson, additional security personnel have been deployed to the area as investigations continue.

“The Kogi State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has commenced an intensive operation to rescue the remaining victims unhurt and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.

The latest abduction has heightened concerns over the security of schools across Nigeria, particularly during national examinations, as students continue to face threats from criminal elements.

The incident comes amid renewed efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country. Education stakeholders and residents have called on the Federal Government and the Kogi State Government to strengthen security around schools to safeguard students, teachers and examination officials.

As of the time of filing this report, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack, while authorities assured the public that every effort was being made to secure the release of the remaining abductees.

The attack adds to the growing list of security challenges confronting the nation’s education sector, where schools have increasingly become targets for kidnappers seeking ransom. Parents and community leaders have urged the government to adopt more proactive measures to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the safety of educational institutions.