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Asari Dokubo leads rescue of kidnapped WASSCE candidates, others

Published

6 months ago

May 27, 2025

Asari Dokubo

Asari Dokubo leads rescue of kidnapped WASSCE candidates, others

Former militant leader Asari Dokubo led a team to rescue nineteen people, including eight students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), after being kidnapped by suspected pirates.

The victims were detained for 21 days in the Bille waterways region in the Degema Local Government region of Rivers State.

They were freed on Monday evening by the Royal Fouchee Security Services, also known as the Amama Soldiers.

Asari-Dokubo, a former militant leader and current traditional king of Degema’s Torusaramapiri village, secured their rescue from their kidnappers.

The victims were seized on May 6, when pirates ambushed two boats bound for Bille.

Everyone in the boats was taken, including the students. Following the attack, there were numerous requests for their release.

The kidnappers later contacted families and demanded N100 million as ransom.

Speaking about the rescue, Asari-Dokubo stated that he and his crew launched the operation on Sunday after being requested to assist by the Department of State Services.

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He further stated that one of the victims had previously paid the kidnappers N10 million but later assisted them in locating the location.

“These people were kept in terrible conditions for 21 days. They were starved and badly treated. One of them, who was released after paying N10 million, helped us find the kidnappers’ camp,” he said.

Asari-Dokubo also expressed concern for Lance Corporal Salihu Ibrahim, who was on one of the boats and has gone missing. Only his uniform and ID card were discovered, and he believes the soldier may have been killed.

Victor Friday, one of the arrested suspects, said he was not involved in the kidnapping. He explained that he only stayed in the camp and was used to running errands.

He named Kentebe, a man from Bayelsa State, as the gang’s commander, who is currently on the run.

Victor Akinloye, a rescued victim and boat driver, reported that they were beaten, stripped naked, and their phones and ATM cards were stolen.

The kidnappers also withdrew funds from their accounts.

Akinloye stated that he recognised the location where they were kept. A few days later, he assisted the rescue squad in reaching the area.

When reached, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the rescue.

“Yes, I can confirm they were rescued on Monday evening through a joint effort by the police and the local security group,” Iringe-Koko said.

Asari Dokubo leads rescue of kidnapped WASSCE candidates, others

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

8 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

8 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.