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Makinde Orders Massive Security Crackdown After Oyo School Abduction

Published

5 months ago

May 18, 2026

ADC accuses Makinde administration of removing Adegoke, Atiku campaign billboard in Oyo

Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde

Makinde Orders Massive Security Crackdown After Oyo School Abduction

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has intensified rescue operations following the abduction of seven teachers during a deadly attack by suspected terrorists and bandits on two schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The attack, which targeted Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, has triggered widespread fear and outrage across Oyo State, with security agencies now carrying out coordinated operations to rescue the victims and track down the attackers.

Speaking during a late-night security briefing in Ibadan after a high-level meeting with security chiefs, Makinde confirmed that one of the abducted teachers had been killed by the gunmen.

“Unfortunately, we received a video this morning indicating that one of the teachers, a Mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” the governor said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected.”

Makinde disclosed that seven teachers were confirmed abducted during the attack, while authorities were still trying to determine the exact number of missing pupils because of the confusion that followed the invasion of the schools.

“We don’t have any accurate number right now because when the incident happened, students, parents and guardians moved in different directions,” he explained.

“Until we reopen the schools and verify the registers, we cannot provide a precise number.”

The governor announced that the state government had launched an expanded joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and intelligence agencies.

According to him, the operation is focused on rescuing the victims, dismantling criminal hideouts and restoring security across vulnerable communities in Oriire and surrounding areas.

Makinde revealed that some security operatives were injured during rescue operations after encountering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the attackers.

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“One of the Amotekun operatives is currently in critical condition, while soldiers, hunters and other operatives sustained injuries during the operation,” he said.

“The government will take full responsibility for their treatment and recovery.”

The governor stressed that the rescue effort remained highly delicate and required strategic coordination to avoid putting the abducted victims at greater risk.

“This is a difficult and painful situation. There are no quick fixes, but we will continue to push ourselves to the limit to ensure that our children are brought back safely,” he added.

Makinde also announced that the Oyo State Government would begin daily press briefings to keep residents informed about developments in the rescue mission and security operations.

In a major breakthrough, the governor disclosed that security agencies had arrested several suspects linked to the attack, including individuals accused of supplying intelligence and logistics to the gunmen.

“About six individuals have been arrested within the locality. Some of them are believed to be informants or persons providing logistical support to the terrorists,” he stated.

“Three other persons of interest have also been arrested by another security outfit within the state.”

Security sources said the suspects were picked up during coordinated raids carried out in nearby communities following intelligence gathering by local vigilantes and security operatives.

Makinde warned that increased military offensives against terrorists and bandits in Nigeria’s North-West and North-East were forcing criminal groups to migrate towards southern states, including parts of the South-West.

“With increased pressure on terrorists and bandits in the North-West and North-East, they will continue to move southwards,” he warned.

“We must be prepared to neutralise or contain that pressure.”

The governor disclosed that Oyo State had already strengthened collaboration with neighbouring states and regional security outfits to improve intelligence sharing and coordinated responses against emerging security threats.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upgrading the state’s security architecture around vulnerable areas such as schools, highways, factories and farming communities.

“We just have to keep pushing and retooling our security architecture to focus on vulnerable points — whether schools, factories, or people travelling from one place to another,” Makinde stated.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reportedly ordered the deployment of additional tactical and intelligence teams to support the ongoing rescue operations in the affected communities.

The governor appealed to residents, community leaders and religious organisations, especially the Baptist Convention, to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.

“One of the affected schools is a Baptist school, and I want to appeal to the Baptist Convention and all residents not to panic,” Makinde said.

“We are doing everything within our power to ensure this situation is resolved quickly and safely.”

He added that while the government would continue to provide regular updates to the public, sensitive operational details capable of compromising rescue efforts would remain confidential.

The latest school attack has renewed concerns about rising insecurity in parts of Oyo State and the South-West, with civil society groups and education stakeholders demanding stronger protection for schools and rural communities.

Makinde Orders Massive Security Crackdown After Oyo School Abduction

Related Topics:oyo school abduction Security Crackdown

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Nigeria Launches 11-Character Digital Postcode System for Every Addressable Building

Published

5 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani

Nigeria Launches 11-Character Digital Postcode System for Every Addressable Building

The Federal Government has launched Nigeria’s National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System, giving addressable buildings across the country unique 11-character digital postcodes linked to their precise geographical locations.

The system was officially launched on October 1, 2026, through the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s addressing infrastructure and make it easier to identify homes, businesses, schools, farms, offices and other locations.

The new digital postcode system uses Geographic Information System technology to provide a precise and verifiable digital reference for buildings. Unlike the traditional postcode system, which generally identifies broader geographical areas, the new system is designed to pinpoint individual addressable buildings.

The 11-character code is organised across five geographical levels: state, local government area, district, area and building. The characters progressively narrow the location down to a specific building.

The Federal Government said the system is designed to address longstanding problems associated with inaccurate or incomplete addresses, including missed deliveries and difficulties faced by emergency responders, businesses and government agencies.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said accurate location information was essential to improving commerce, public services and economic participation.

Tijani urged Nigerians to find, save and use their digital postcodes, saying the system could help businesses reach customers, enable families to provide precise locations during emergencies and support government agencies in delivering services.

The government estimates that Nigeria loses between ₦50 billion and ₦80 billion annually through missed and failed deliveries associated with poor addressing. Officials said the impact extends beyond logistics to emergency response, security operations, financial services, business activities and government planning.

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The NIPOST digital postcode belongs to a building rather than an individual. This means the code remains associated with the property even when residents or businesses occupying it change.

The new system is also designed to complement existing street addresses and mapping services rather than replace them. Users can provide their digital postcode alongside their conventional address when receiving deliveries or accessing services.

Nigerians can search for their postcode through the official Digital Postcode platform or mobile application. Users can search for their building or use location services to identify the building where they are.

Where a building cannot be found, users can submit its location and address details for verification and assignment of a postcode.

The service allows individuals to find, save and share their postcodes with family members, businesses, delivery companies and other service providers that require accurate location information.

Organisations can also integrate the digital postcode into their platforms for functions including address verification, customer and merchant onboarding, logistics, deliveries and location-based services.

The system is expected to have significant applications in e-commerce and last-mile delivery, where inaccurate addresses and dependence on informal landmarks can cause delays and additional costs.

Emergency response agencies are also expected to benefit from the system because responders can use a standard location reference to identify specific buildings during emergencies.

Security agencies, financial institutions, government departments and other organisations can similarly use the location data for planning, verification and service delivery.

The launch followed preparatory work by NIPOST, including a nationwide postcode validation exercise aimed at improving the accuracy and reliability of location data ahead of the national rollout.

The Federal Government has described the initiative as an important part of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, with potential applications in logistics, e-commerce, emergency services, security, financial inclusion, urban planning and digital public services.

NIPOST is encouraging Nigerians to identify their 11-character digital postcode and begin using it whenever precise location information is required.

The rollout is expected to provide Nigeria with a common digital location reference and reduce some of the challenges associated with identifying and reaching specific buildings across the country.

Nigeria Launches 11-Character Digital Postcode System for Every Addressable Building

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Military Personnel Begin Receiving FG-Approved Salary Increase

Published

5 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Military Personnel Begin Receiving FG-Approved Salary Increase

Personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have begun receiving their September salaries with the Federal Government-approved salary increase reflected in their payments, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying the implementation marked the fulfilment of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare and conditions of service of military personnel.

The revised military salary structure followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval in August and took effect from September 1, 2026.

Under the approved arrangement, personnel from the rank of Private to Sergeant are entitled to an 80 per cent salary increase, while those from Warrant Officer to Colonel are to receive a 50 per cent increase.

Officers from the rank of Brigadier-General and above are to receive a 30 per cent increase.

The Federal Government had said the adjustment would raise the annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from about ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion in personnel expenditure.

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The implementation comes as the military continues operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats across the country.

The government has linked the salary review to broader efforts to improve troop welfare and conditions of service, alongside investments in military infrastructure, equipment and manpower.

The Defence Headquarters’ confirmation also comes amid the Federal Government’s wider expansion of the Armed Forces. The Nigerian Army is being expanded from eight to 12 divisions, while additional personnel are being recruited to strengthen the military’s operational capacity.

In a related development, the Federal Government is also implementing infrastructure projects aimed at improving accommodation and living conditions for military personnel and their families.

The revised pay structure is expected to provide increased remuneration for serving personnel according to their ranks, while further implementation details will determine how the new salary package is reflected across the different services and categories of personnel.

The Army, Navy and Air Force remain covered by the revised salary arrangement as the government continues its broader military welfare programme.

Military Personnel Begin Receiving FG-Approved Salary Increase

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2027 Hajj: Nigeria Secures 10,000 Extra Slots, Allocation Hits 60,000

Published

7 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

2027 Hajj: Nigeria Secures 10,000 Extra Slots, Allocation Hits 60,000

Nigeria has secured an additional 10,000 Hajj slots from Saudi Arabia, raising the country’s total allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced the development on Thursday, October 1, 2026, saying the additional allocation followed sustained engagements between the Federal Government and Saudi Arabian authorities.

Of the additional 10,000 slots, 7,500 have been allocated to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, while the remaining 2,500 slots have been assigned to seven lead licensed private tour operator companies.

The additional allocation represents a 20 per cent increase over Nigeria’s previously approved 50,000-slot quota for the 2027 Hajj.

Before the increase, Nigeria’s allocation stood at 50,000 pilgrims, comprising 35,000 slots for government-sponsored pilgrims and 15,000 for licensed private tour operators.

The latest approval followed an earlier decision by Saudi Arabia to reject Nigeria’s request for additional slots. NAHCON had announced in September that the request was turned down due to capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and the Kingdom’s policy of adhering to approved country quotas.

Further engagements between Nigerian officials and the Saudi authorities subsequently resulted in the additional allocation.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and Saudi authorities for the additional slots.

Yusuf also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and Deputy Minister Dr Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, for the Kingdom’s cooperation.

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The NAHCON chairman said the development reflected the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, particularly their cooperation in facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims.

He assured intending pilgrims and other stakeholders that the additional slots would be administered transparently and judiciously, in line with Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations and operational requirements.

NAHCON also reiterated its commitment to making Hajj accessible and affordable to Nigerians, while maintaining standards in service delivery, accountability and operational efficiency.

The commission said it would work with state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and commissions, as well as licensed private tour operators, to implement the expanded allocation.

The increase comes as preparations for the 2027 Hajj are already underway. NAHCON had earlier required the biometric data of intending pilgrims to be uploaded to the designated Nusuk-Masar platform in line with requirements from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The additional allocation means NAHCON and relevant state and private pilgrimage operators will now have to incorporate the extra beneficiaries into the existing operational arrangements.

The precise breakdown of the additional 7,500 state-controlled slots among individual states was not contained in the commission’s announcement.

The new allocation is expected to provide additional places for Nigerian Muslims seeking to undertake the 2027 Hajj, following strong demand from intending pilgrims and requests for increased allocations.

NAHCON said it would continue working with Saudi authorities and other stakeholders to ensure a well-coordinated 2027 Hajj exercise and protect the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

With the latest approval, Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj allocation now stands at 60,000 pilgrims, comprising the original 50,000 slots and the newly approved 10,000 additional places.