Rescue Hope Rises as Security Operatives Identify Oyo Kidnappers’ Network

Pressure is mounting on the abductors of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following a major intelligence breakthrough that has enabled security agencies to identify members of the kidnapping gang and trace some of their associates across the country.

Security sources said the latest development has unsettled the kidnappers, who are now under intense psychological pressure after discovering that operatives have established links to members of their support network. The breakthrough reportedly followed weeks of painstaking intelligence gathering coordinated by the Department of State Services, after which security operatives launched targeted operations to track the gang’s collaborators.

The development comes less than two weeks after security forces tightened the noose around the abductors by sealing off escape routes and intensifying surveillance around their suspected hideout in the Old Oyo National Park forest, where the victims are believed to be held. The coordinated operation involves the military, the DSS and other security agencies.

A security source said the kidnappers had become increasingly apprehensive as the operation progresses, expressing optimism that the sustained pressure could force them to release the captives.

The source added that a joint team of military personnel and DSS operatives was steadily closing in on the kidnappers’ location while efforts remained focused on securing the safe rescue of the hostages.

Also expressing optimism, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, said troops were making steady progress in the ongoing rescue mission and remained committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen launched coordinated attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities. The attacks claimed the life of a teacher and left dozens of pupils and teachers in captivity, raising fresh concerns over the spread of mass school abductions into Nigeria’s South-West.

The abductors had earlier demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related conditions before freeing the captives. However, security sources said recent operational gains had forced the gang to reconsider some of its initial demands as pressure from security agencies continued to mount.

Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier disclosed that intelligence reports indicated the victims were still being held within the Old Oyo National Park, assuring families that security agencies were pursuing every credible lead to secure their release despite the difficult terrain.

Rescue Hope Rises as Security Operatives Identify Oyo Kidnappers’ Network

UPDATED: Gbajabiamila gives Adeniyi 72 hours to retract allegations or face ₦10bn defamation suit

The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, demanding the immediate retraction of what he described as false and defamatory allegations made against him during a press conference held on June 25, 2026, or face both civil and criminal legal proceedings.

The ultimatum was conveyed through Gbajabiamila’s legal counsel, Pinheiro LP, in a cease-and-desist letter dated July 6, 2026, and signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kemi Pinheiro.

According to the letter, the allegations made by Prince Adeniyi were “false, malicious, reckless and entirely without factual foundation,” and have caused serious damage to the reputation of the President’s Chief of Staff.

The legal notice followed a widely circulated press conference in which Prince Adeniyi levelled several allegations against Gbajabiamila, including claims that the Chief of Staff demanded 48 per cent of the take-off grant for the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), received ₦400 million through proxies in connection with appointments, abused his office to intimidate individuals and media organisations, manipulated security agencies, engaged in budget fraud, corruption and abuse of office, and participated in a criminal cover-up, including allegations of murder.

Gbajabiamila’s lawyers rejected the allegations in their entirety, insisting that the Chief of Staff has never met, spoken with or had any personal or official relationship with Prince Adeniyi.

According to the law firm, the allegations amount to grave accusations of criminal conduct made without any credible evidence or lawful justification.

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The solicitors argued that the publication had exposed Gbajabiamila to public ridicule, damaged his reputation both within and outside Nigeria, and undermined public confidence in his office.

“Our client has never at any time met, interacted with, communicated with, or had any form of personal or official dealing whatsoever with you,” the letter stated.

“It is therefore reckless, malicious and entirely baseless to fabricate allegations against someone with whom you have had absolutely no relationship.”

The law firm further argued that the allegations extended beyond legitimate political criticism or fair comment, describing them as deliberate attempts to portray the Chief of Staff as corrupt, dishonest, criminally culpable and unfit for public office.

According to the solicitors, the allegations have generated widespread public attention following their circulation across print, electronic and social media platforms.

The lawyers also drew attention to the ongoing criminal case involving Prince Adeniyi before the Federal High Court, Abuja, identified as Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/652/2026, FRN v. Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew & Ors, in which he is facing charges relating to the alleged forgery of presidential appointment letters and other official documents.

They noted that several issues raised during the June 25 press conference are already the subject of judicial proceedings and criticised Prince Adeniyi for allegedly attempting to litigate the matter through the media instead of allowing the court process to take its course.

“Trial by media remains unknown to Nigerian law and cannot substitute for due process,” the solicitors stated.

As part of the legal demand, Gbajabiamila is requesting that Prince Adeniyi immediately cease making or publishing any further defamatory statements concerning him.

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He is also demanding the removal of all videos, transcripts, publications and other materials relating to the press conference from every platform under Prince Adeniyi’s control.

In addition, the Chief of Staff is insisting on the publication of a full, unequivocal and unreserved apology and retraction in at least five national newspapers, as well as on all digital platforms where the allegations were published.

The lawyers further demanded a written undertaking that Prince Adeniyi would refrain from making any further defamatory statements against their client.

The legal team warned that failure to comply with the demands within 72 hours would result in both civil and criminal proceedings.

According to the letter, the proposed civil action will seek ₦10 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages, with any compensation awarded to be donated to charities chosen by Gbajabiamila.

The suit will also seek a perpetual injunction restraining further publication of the allegations and a mandatory court order compelling Prince Adeniyi to publish a retraction and apology.

In addition, the lawyers disclosed that a criminal complaint alleging criminal defamation under the applicable laws of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would be filed.

The legal notice comes amid growing controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

During his June 25 press conference, Prince Adeniyi called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine issues surrounding the alleged agency following a disclaimer issued by the Office of the Chief of Staff.

He maintained that the controversy raises broader concerns about governance, transparency and accountability.

Among other claims, Prince Adeniyi questioned references to the alleged agency in the 2026 Appropriation Act, queried whether it operated bank accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and asked whether it was allocated office space within the Federal Secretariat.

He argued that these issues deserved an independent investigation and urged any investigative panel to include civil society organisations and international observers to ensure credibility.

Prince Adeniyi also alleged that disagreements between him and Gbajabiamila arose from an alleged demand for a percentage of the agency’s take-off grant and claimed that proxy payments amounting to ₦400 million had been made in connection with the matter.

However, no documentary evidence supporting those allegations was presented during the press conference.

He further called for investigations into the death of an intermediary he identified as Babatunde Tanimola, alleged assassination attempts against him, and a forensic examination of documents he claimed were signed by the Chief of Staff.

The dispute has taken on added significance following the Presidency’s recent directive to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the purported PFIPC, including allegations of forged government documents, impersonation, abuse of official identity and other related offences.

As of the time of filing this report, Prince Adeniyi had not publicly responded to the cease-and-desist letter issued by Gbajabiamila’s legal team.

UPDATED: Gbajabiamila gives Adeniyi 72 hours to retract allegations or face ₦10bn defamation suit

BREAKING: Tinubu orders ICPC to probe alleged PFIPC fraud, submit report in 30 days

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), ordering the anti-graft agency to conclude its probe and submit a report within 30 days.

The directive, announced on Tuesday in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, followed what the Presidency described as the discovery that the PFIPC was never legally established by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to the Presidency, investigations revealed that the organisation has “no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval or any other lawful act of government,” raising serious concerns over alleged impersonation, forgery and abuse of official government identity.

The statement alleged that one Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the organisation and claimed to be a presidential appointee despite lacking any legal authority to hold such a position.

As part of the investigation, President Tinubu directed the ICPC to examine allegations bordering on the forgery of appointment letters and other official government documents allegedly used to portray the organisation as a legitimate federal institution.

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The Commission is also expected to investigate claims that the alleged false presidential appointment was used to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support and visa facilitation from government institutions and foreign missions.

In addition, the anti-corruption agency will probe the opening and operation of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using allegedly forged documents.

According to the Presidency, the investigation will go beyond document forgery to uncover the full scope of the alleged operation.

The ICPC has been mandated to determine the origin and use of the alleged forged official documents, establish how official recognition or diplomatic support may have been obtained, trace the opening and operation of bank accounts linked to the organisation, and investigate the source and movement of any funds connected to the alleged scheme.

The Commission is also expected to identify the roles played by any public officials, private individuals, financial institutions, intermediaries or other entities that may have facilitated, enabled or participated in the alleged activities.

President Tinubu further directed investigators to examine the circumstances that allowed the purported organisation and the alleged false claim of presidential appointment to appear credible to members of the public and government institutions.

The Presidency said the investigation should identify institutional loopholes or procedural weaknesses that may have been exploited and recommend reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

To ensure a thorough investigation, all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government have been instructed to cooperate fully with the ICPC by providing all relevant records, documents and other information whenever lawfully requested.

President Tinubu stressed that protecting the credibility and integrity of the Presidency and other government institutions remains a top priority.

“The integrity of the Presidency and the institutions of the Federal Government must be protected against impersonation, forgery, abuse of official identity and the exploitation of weaknesses in the public service,” the President said.

He also directed that all persons found culpable after the investigation should be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.

The directive comes amid heightened scrutiny over the alleged activities of the purported organisation and signals the administration’s determination to safeguard government institutions from fraudulent representations and abuse of public trust.

The ICPC is expected to submit its findings to the Presidency within the stipulated 30-day period, after which appropriate administrative, civil or criminal actions may be taken against anyone found to have violated the law.

BREAKING: Tinubu orders ICPC to probe alleged PFIPC fraud, submit report in 30 days