Police Debunk Viral Claim of 488 Boko Haram Arrests in Abia

The Abia State Police Command has dismissed viral reports claiming that 488 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were arrested in Abia State, describing the information as false, misleading, and capable of causing panic among residents.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, clarified that no such operation or mass arrest took place anywhere in the state, urging the public to disregard the widely circulated claim.

According to the Command, the report was deliberately fabricated to disturb public peace and create unnecessary fear, especially across communities in Abia State. Chinaka explained that the video accompanying the claim is not recent, noting that it is an old broadcast that has been circulating for over 11 years and has no connection to the current security situation in the state.

She stressed that there has been no infiltration or arrest of Boko Haram suspects in Abia, reaffirming that security agencies remain fully alert, proactive, and in control of the state’s security architecture. The Command also reassured residents that there is no imminent threat, encouraging them to go about their normal daily activities without fear.

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The police further emphasized that the spread of such misinformation—particularly on social media—can undermine public confidence and disrupt peace, warning that individuals found sharing false security reports would be dealt with according to the law.

Quoting the statement, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, cautioned against the deliberate dissemination of fake news, stating that anyone found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted under relevant laws, including provisions of the Criminal Code Act and the Cybercrime (Prohibition/Prevention) Act.

The Command also reiterated that while security agencies across Nigeria continue intelligence-led operations to tackle insurgency and other criminal activities, there has been no verified incident linking the activities of Boko Haram to Abia State in the manner reported.

Residents were therefore advised to rely only on credible news sources and official communication channels for accurate information, as authorities intensify efforts to curb misinformation and maintain public order.

The police assured that it remains committed to protecting lives and property, adding that any attempt to incite panic through false reports will attract serious legal consequences.

Police Debunk Viral Claim of 488 Boko Haram Arrests in Abia

2026 NYSC Batch A Stream II: Registration, Swearing-In Dates Announced

The National Youth Service Corps has released the full timetable and key guidelines for the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course, confirming that the nationwide exercise will begin on April 22 across all orientation camps in Nigeria.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, said the three-week programme will be conducted simultaneously in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for eligible prospective corps members (PCMs).

The scheme disclosed that registration of prospective corps members will commence on April 22, 2026, and will run until midnight on April 24, 2026, stressing that the deadline is strict and no late entry into camp will be permitted. According to the NYSC, any PCM who fails to report within this period risks being deferred to another stream, making it crucial for candidates to adhere strictly to the approved timetable.

The NYSC further stated that the swearing-in ceremony will take place on April 24, 2026, marking the official commencement of full orientation activities nationwide. Following this, corps members will participate in a structured three-week programme designed to prepare them for national service, including drills, lectures, and social integration activities.

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The orientation exercise is expected to end on May 12, 2026, after which participants will be deployed to their respective Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) across the country. This phase signals the transition from camp activities to practical service in various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The scheme also reiterated that only graduates who have been properly mobilised and verified will be admitted into the orientation camps. Prospective corps members are therefore advised to ensure that all their records and documentation are complete and accurate before travelling.

In addition, the NYSC outlined mandatory requirements for camp registration, urging all PCMs to report with essential documents such as their call-up letter, original academic credentials or statement of result, a valid means of identification, a medical fitness certificate, and recent passport photographs. Failure to present any of these documents may result in denial of registration at the camp.

Emphasising safety, the NYSC issued a strong advisory against night travel, urging prospective corps members to prioritise their security while travelling to their assigned orientation camps. The scheme specifically advised that journeys should be broken once it is 6:00 p.m., with corps members encouraged to lodge in safe and secure locations such as hotels, police stations, or other approved places before continuing their journey the next day. The agency also recommended the use of reputable transport companies to minimise risks.

With thousands of Nigerian graduates expected to participate, the NYSC 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation is set to be a major nationwide exercise, reinforcing the scheme’s role in national integration and youth development. All prospective corps members are therefore urged to stay informed, comply with official guidelines, and make adequate preparations ahead of the programme.

2026 NYSC Batch A Stream II: Registration, Swearing-In Dates Announced

Bandits Kill Businessman, Daughter Despite ₦12 Million Ransom Payment

A harrowing case of kidnapping and bandit violence has claimed the lives of Abuja businessman Muhammad Shuaibu and his 19‑year‑old daughter, Fatima Muhammad, even after the family paid a ₦12 million ransom, highlighting the deepening insecurity facing Nigerians. On October 3, 2025, armed bandits stormed the family home in Zhidu community, Tafa Local Government Area, Niger State, invading the compound and abducting Shuaibu along with his two daughters. Fatima, then a student of the University of Abuja, and her sister were taken by the attackers into nearby bushes. A family member said the kidnappers originally rounded up all members of the household before separating the captives and issuing ransom demands.

The kidnappers requested ransom in multiple tranches, which the family paid in hopes of securing their loved ones’ release. The first payment was ₦6 million, followed by ₦4 million, and a final payment of ₦2 million, bringing the total to ₦12 million. The family had to raise funds by selling Shuaibu’s Dei‑Dei Modern Market shop, his private car, and a sachet water production machine, while attempts to sell their house were unsuccessful.

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Tragically, Fatima was killed three months into captivity, with the kidnappers accusing her of being “stubborn,” even as negotiations continued. After the final payment, the ransom bearer was instructed to return home, being told that Shuaibu had died in captivity after falling seriously ill. The family’s ordeal — from abduction, ransom payments, loss of property, to the heartbreaking deaths of father and daughter — illustrates the desperation and human toll of Nigeria’s banditry problem.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Niger State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun did not respond to multiple messages sent by reporters by the time of filing this report.

Security analysts warn that this case reflects a worsening kidnapping crisis in Nigeria, particularly in the north, central, and border regions, where armed groups abduct residents, demand ransoms, and sometimes kill captives regardless of payments. Recent incidents in states such as Kaduna, Sokoto, and Niger have fuelled fear among travellers, traders, and rural communities. The killings have sparked renewed calls from civil society organisations and residents for more effective anti‑kidnapping operations, enhanced intelligence sharing, and proactive military and police engagement to protect civilians and curb rising banditry.

Bandits Kill Businessman, Daughter Despite ₦12 Million Ransom Payment