Deploy Ancestral Powers Against Bandits, Ooni Tells Yoruba Monarchs, Ifa Worshippers

Ile-Ife, Nigeria – The Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called for an end to banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities threatening lives and livelihoods across Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

The revered monarch made the call on Sunday at his Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during the grand finale of the 2026 World Ifa Festival. According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni—who also serves as the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN)—expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in parts of the country and urged all stakeholders to join hands with government authorities in restoring peace and safety.

The Ooni specifically called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to strengthen collaboration among themselves and work closely with security agencies to combat criminal elements operating within their domains. He stressed that traditional rulers must take greater responsibility in safeguarding their communities while supporting the efforts of the government and security agencies.

“We must rise collectively against the menace of banditry and kidnapping. Enough is enough. Our people deserve to live in peace and move freely without fear. Traditional rulers must take greater responsibility in safeguarding their communities while supporting the efforts of the government and security agencies,” the Ooni stated.

Oba Ogunwusi further urged Ifa devotees and traditional worshippers across the country to deploy the spiritual and cultural resources embedded in African traditional institutions in the fight against insecurity.

“We must bring together our traditional powers, spiritual heritage, and communal values to chase bandits, kidnappers, and all criminal elements out of Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. Our ancestors stood for justice, peace, and communal harmony, and we must invoke those values at this critical time,” he added.

While acknowledging that insecurity remains a major challenge for the Federal Government, the monarch commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing efforts of his administration in tackling insecurity across the country. He noted that although challenges remain, the government has demonstrated commitment towards addressing security concerns. He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility and national unity.

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“This is a time for unity. Government alone cannot solve the security challenges facing the nation. Traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens must work together in support of ongoing efforts to secure our country,” the Ooni said.

As part of the spiritual activities marking the festival, the Ooni offered special ancestral prayers for the safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states. He described the incidents as painful and unacceptable, praying that divine intervention would secure the immediate freedom of all victims and comfort affected families.

The Ooni’s ancestral prayers followed the abduction of over 40 schoolchildren, including toddlers, and seven teachers during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The affected schools include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School. During the attacks, gunmen reportedly killed one teacher and later beheaded another teacher while in captivity.

According to reports, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has repeatedly assured residents that the government is working “round the clock” to secure the release of the victims, revealing that federal security personnel had been actively involved in the rescue mission for weeks. The governor disclosed that several suspects, including alleged informants and logistics suppliers linked to the attackers, had been arrested, and security operatives continuing rescue efforts reportedly encountered improvised explosive devices planted by the kidnappers.

Similarly, in Mussa, Borno State, gunmen attacked three educational institutions and abducted more than 50 children, most of them between the ages of two and five years. The affected schools were Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School, and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Secondary School.

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for the immediate and safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, warning that the incidents pose a serious threat to education and child protection in the country. “The UN Resident Coordinator is deeply saddened that these school children and their teachers are still being held by armed groups. Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear. Children should never be a target,” Fall said.

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Also reacting to the security situation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has advised South West governments to empower Amotekun and vigilante groups like the Oduduwa Peoples Congress (OPC) and Iru Ekun in order to halt the advance of bandits. In a statement issued on Friday, the Executive Director of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola, noted that the recent incursion of bandits into Oyo State, where they killed a teacher and kidnapped dozens of pupils and teachers, has heightened security concerns in the South West.

Speaking at the World Ifa Festival event, the Araba Awo Agbaye, Chief Awodotun Aworeni, urged Nigerians to embrace their cultural heritage and uphold the moral teachings embedded in Ifa tradition. According to him, Ifa remains a divine source of wisdom, guidance, and moral direction capable of fostering peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

“The message of this year’s World Ifa Festival revolves around peace, unity, good relationships with fellow human beings, respect for elders, and collective responsibility for societal progress. If humanity embraces these values, the world will become a better place,” the Araba Awo Agbaye stated.

Also speaking, a tourist from Brazil, Paulo Silva, expressed admiration for the richness of Yoruba culture and the spiritual significance of the festival. He said his participation in the event deepened his understanding of African traditional heritage and strengthened the cultural connection between Africa and the African diaspora.

“I am deeply impressed by the preservation of Yoruba culture and traditions. The World Ifa Festival has provided an opportunity for people from different parts of the world to reconnect with their roots and appreciate the enduring relevance of African civilization,” he said.

He also commended the Ooni of Ife for his relentless efforts in promoting Yoruba culture, African spirituality, tourism, and cultural diplomacy on the global stage.

The Ooni’s call to action comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in the South-West region. By urging monarchs and Ifa devotees to collectively invoke ancestral powers, Oba Ogunwusi has positioned the traditional institution as a critical partner in restoring peace and safety across Yorubaland, emphasizing that while the government has demonstrated commitment, sustainable peace requires collective effort from all stakeholders.

Deploy Ancestral Powers Against Bandits, Ooni Tells Yoruba Monarchs, Ifa Worshippers

Police Arrest Bandits Caught Displaying AK-47 Rifles in Viral Video

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected bandits who were prominently featured in a viral social media video brandishing AK-47 rifles while dressed in military camouflage. The footage, which spread rapidly across multiple platforms, showed the suspects carrying high-caliber weapons and walkie-talkies, triggering widespread panic and outrage among Abuja residents and security analysts.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, disclosed that the command launched an immediate investigation the moment the video began circulating online. “I ordered a comprehensive forensic analysis to trace the source of the footage and identify all individuals involved,” CP Sanusi told journalists. “I also directed my officers to ensure the arrest of everyone linked to this disturbing display of illegal firepower.”

According to the police commissioner, the operation that led to the arrests took place on May 25, 2026, at approximately 3:22 a.m. in Runji Village, Zuba, along the Abuja-Kaduna corridor. The raid was carried out by operatives of the FCT Police VCRU Sector 5 and personnel from the Zuba Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Ogu Caleb Ikechukwu. The three suspects were arrested at their hideout and have been identified as Umar Babangida, 25 years old; Adamu Yeti, 22 years old; and Yahaya Idris, 24 years old. All three are residents of Rijana, Kaduna State, a known flashpoint for banditry along the busy Abuja-Kaduna highway.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had previously possessed the AK-47 rifles seen in the viral video. They allegedly obtained the weapons from their gang leader, identified only as “Esco” – also a resident of Rijana, Kaduna State. CP Sanusi confirmed that Esco remains at large, and a manhunt is currently underway to apprehend him and other fleeing members of the criminal network. “Further investigations also led to the recovery of additional videos and photographs from the suspects’ mobile phones,” Sanusi added. “These show them dressed in military camouflage while brandishing AK-47 rifles and carrying walkie-talkies.”

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Police exhibited the following items recovered from the three suspects: one AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, eight mobile phones, two jackknives, power banks, and several additional photographs and video clips showing the suspects in military attire displaying weapons and ammunition. The recovery of walkie-talkies in the videos has raised concerns about possible coordination with other bandit cells operating within the FCT and surrounding states.

During the same press briefing, CP Sanusi announced a related breakthrough. He disclosed that the command had arrested a wanted notorious supplier of ammunition and logistics to bandits and kidnappers. The suspect, Yau Sule, from Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, had been wanted by the FCT Police Command since 2023. He was arrested on June 2, 2026, along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway. Items recovered from Yau Sule include 81 rounds of 7.62mm live AK-47 ammunition and 100 rounds of 7.62mm belted ammunition for a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG). Yau Sule reportedly led operatives to the arrest of his sister, Maria Sule, who is also allegedly involved in supplying ammunition to terrorist groups operating in the region.

CP Sanusi assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory that the command remains committed to proactive policing and intelligence-led operations. “We will not relent until every criminal element hiding within the FCT is flushed out,” he said. “Residents should continue to report suspicious activities through our emergency lines.” The three suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged in court upon completion of investigations. Efforts are ongoing to track down gang leader “Esco” and other members of the cell.

The FCT Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities via the following emergency lines: 08061581938, 08032003913, and 08028940883. The command also reiterated that displaying or brandishing illegal firearms in public or on social media is a serious criminal offense punishable under Nigerian law.

Police Arrest Bandits Caught Displaying AK-47 Rifles in Viral Video

How Intelligence Tracking Helped Us Rescue Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons — Police

The Oyo State Police Command has provided fresh details on the dramatic rescue of the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons, following an intelligence-led operation that dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate in Ibadan.

The victims, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, were abducted in the early hours of June 3, 2026, at the Elewura-Challenge area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area while she was taking the children to school.

Their abduction sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond, especially due to Mrs. John-Paul’s relationship with Adelabu, a prominent political figure and former governorship candidate in the state.

However, after days of intensive surveillance, intelligence gathering and technical tracking, operatives of the Oyo State Police Command successfully traced the kidnappers to a secluded hideout in the Ayegun area of Oluyole Local Government Area, where the victims were being held.

Speaking during an inspection of the scene, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Oluwagbemiga Abimbola, said the breakthrough was achieved through a combination of technical intelligence and coordinated field operations.

According to him, security operatives immediately launched investigations after receiving reports of the abduction and were able to track the suspects through intelligence resources.

“After the incident on June 3, we had technical intelligence and based on that, we made a follow-up, which resulted in this operation,” the police commissioner said.

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He explained that the victims were secretly moved from the city to a remote three-bedroom bungalow allegedly used by the kidnappers as a detention centre to avoid detection. The commissioner noted that the location was carefully chosen by the suspects because of its relative isolation, making it difficult for outsiders to notice the presence of the captives.

The rescue operation reached its climax on Saturday night when police operatives stormed the hideout in a carefully planned raid. During the operation, a fierce exchange of gunfire broke out between security personnel and members of the kidnapping gang.

Police said two suspected kidnappers were killed during the gun battle, while four others were arrested at the scene. Several gang members reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds and are currently being tracked by security agencies.

The operation also led to the recovery of weapons and other incriminating items believed to have been used by the suspects during their criminal activities. Among the items recovered was a pump-action shotgun and other materials linked to the gang.

Security sources said the successful raid was carried out after days of monitoring the suspects’ movements and communications, enabling operatives to pinpoint the exact location of the victims.

The police confirmed that Mrs. John-Paul and her children were rescued alive and safely reunited with family members after spending several days in captivity. Authorities said the operation was executed with extreme caution to ensure that the victims were not harmed during the confrontation with the kidnappers.

The rescue has been widely praised by residents and stakeholders, who commended security operatives for acting swiftly and professionally.

While addressing journalists at the hideout, CP Abimbola expressed concern that suspicious activities around the property allegedly went unreported despite being located within a residential environment. According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that some residents had noticed unusual movements around the building but failed to notify security agencies.

He stressed that timely information from members of the public could have helped security operatives uncover the criminal hideout much earlier. The police commissioner therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within their communities.

“If you see something, say something,” he said, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in the fight against crime.

The Oyo State Police Command said investigations are ongoing to uncover the full network behind the kidnapping operation and arrest all fleeing suspects. The command is also probing whether the abduction had any political undertones due to Adelabu’s public profile and political involvement in Oyo State.

However, the commissioner cautioned against speculation, noting that investigators were still examining all possible motives behind the crime. He also dismissed claims that any external group participated in the rescue operation, maintaining that the mission was executed by security operatives based on intelligence gathered during the investigation.

As the manhunt for the remaining suspects continues, authorities have assured residents that every effort is being made to bring all those involved to justice and strengthen security across the state.

How Intelligence Tracking Helped Us Rescue Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons — Police