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NANS Declares Monday Protest Over Abducted Oyo Students

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NANS Declares Monday Protest Over Abducted Oyo Students

NANS Declares Monday Protest Over Abducted Oyo Students

IBADAN, Nigeria – The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to stage a solidarity protest in Oyo State following the abduction of dozens of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, as the victims mark 14 days in captivity without rescue. NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying the association had begun mobilising its members and allied groups across the country for what he described as a major advocacy movement against insecurity and the continued captivity of the victims. The protest is expected to hold on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Akinteye said the action became necessary after the victims spent two weeks in captivity without rescue efforts yielding results. He described the situation as painful and unacceptable, insisting that Nigerian students would no longer remain silent while pupils and teachers remained in the hands of kidnappers. According to him, the rally will involve visits to schools affected by the attack, including Community High School/Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. The NANS leadership also plans to visit the Oyo State Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services during the protest. After the visits, students and activists are expected to embark on a peaceful walk within Ibadan to demand stronger security measures and immediate rescue operations.

“I write at this critical and defining juncture to invite all NANS structures, sister unions, stakeholders, and leaders to a solidarity movement in Oyo State. This solidarity movement is premised on the continuous hostage situation involving our students and teachers following the gruesome and inhumane attack in Oriire Local Government Area. It has been two weeks since this cruel act was perpetrated, and it is appalling that, till this day, the abducted students and teachers are yet to be rescued. At this critical crossroads, silence is no longer golden; we must act decisively and forthwith,” Akinteye stated.

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The abduction occurred after heavily armed gunmen invaded Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. During the attack, seven teachers and 39 students were reportedly kidnapped by the assailants. A teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun was said to have been killed during the invasion, while a two-year-old child, Christianah Akanbi, was also abducted alongside the victims. Further reports indicate that an assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan (also identified as Adesiyan Adegboye) , and a commercial motorcyclist were also killed during the attacks. Governor Makinde later confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 children and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School. The Oyo State Government subsequently ordered the closure of schools in four local government areas as security agencies intensified rescue operations.

Following the attack, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, visited the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area on May 16, 2026. During the visit, the IGP expressed deep concern over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He met with the Commissioner of Police of the Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, alongside other security stakeholders, where he received detailed operational briefings on ongoing rescue efforts and security deployments across the affected communities. The IGP assured residents, parents, and guardians that the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified a well-coordinated search-and-rescue operation, intelligence gathering, and tactical deployments aimed at securing the safe return of all abducted victims. He further directed the deployment of additional tactical and intelligence assets to reinforce ongoing operations within the area and adjoining forests. Accompanying the IGP were the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Ojo Adekimi, due to the strategic proximity of the Oriire axis to border communities in Kwara State, as well as the Commissioner of Police, Schools Protection Squad, Abayomi Shogunle.

Governor Seyi Makinde, while addressing journalists at his Kolapo Ishola residence in Ibadan on May 18, 2026, confirmed the government’s readiness to listen to the demands of the abductors to secure the safe release of the victims. He, however, maintained that while the government would not capitulate to criminal elements, it remained open to dialogue to save the victims. “To the group, all I can say is that as a government, we will not give in to terror. We will do everything to ensure that our children and their teachers are returned safely. Whatever it is they demand, we are ready to listen to them and address the ones that we can address as a state government. But the children and their teachers must be released,” Makinde stated. The governor disclosed that the government had established an operational centre at the state Police Headquarters to coordinate information relating to the rescue mission. He described the security situation as “fluid and difficult” and appealed to journalists and the public to avoid sensationalising the incident, noting that lives were at stake. In a later message marking the dual celebration of Eid-el-Kabir and National Children’s Day on May 27, 2026, Makinde expressed solidarity with the affected families. “As we mark this year’s Eid and Children’s Day, our thoughts are with every family awaiting the return of their loved ones, and with security agencies working to keep our communities safe. We are working to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped in Oriire LGA. May this holy season fill our State with peace,” the governor wrote on his official X handle.

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Reports indicate that the suspected terrorists who abducted the schoolchildren and teachers have opened communication channels with the state government. However, it remains unclear whether any engagement is being conducted directly by the governor or through intermediaries acting on behalf of the administration. Authorities have not officially confirmed the structure or status of any negotiations.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that the abducted students, pupils, and teachers are yet to be released, dismissing reports circulating on social media claiming that the victims have been rescued. In a statement issued on May 22, 2026, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, described such reports as false and misleading. “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the abducted students, pupils, and teachers in Orire Local Government Area are yet to be released, as intensive efforts by security agencies continue to ensure their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the criminal act. The Command hereby debunks the rumour currently circulating that the victims have been rescued,” the statement read. The police urged members of the public to remain calm, support the ongoing efforts of the joint security team, and verify every piece of information before sharing it, warning that the spread of fake news and misinformation creates unnecessary panic, heightens tension, and diverts limited security resources critically needed for ongoing operations.

In a tragic development, it was confirmed that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded while in captivity. The family of the late teacher described his death as a devastating and irreplaceable loss, lamenting that he died childless after more than 10 years of marriage. The attack also claimed the lives of assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist.

In a separate development, the leadership of NANS, South-West Zone D, on Friday called on Nigerian First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to use her state visit to Ekiti to influence the immediate release of the kidnapped teachers and students. In a statement issued by the Coordinator of NANS South-West Zone D, Kayode Adeyemo, in Ibadan, the association lamented that the incident had left families of abductees devastated, communities traumatized, and many Nigerians anxiously awaiting the safe return of the victims. The statement read in part: “NANS South-West remains deeply concerned about the continued captivity of abducted students and teachers following the tragic attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident has left families devastated, communities traumatised, and many Nigerians anxiously awaiting the safe return of the victims. We acknowledge the efforts already being undertaken by security agencies and relevant authorities. Nevertheless, the gravity of the situation demands sustained attention and intensified action until every victim is safely reunited with their families.” NANS urged the Federal Government to continue prioritising the security of students nationwide, insisting that the safety of Nigerian students must remain a national priority. The student body also called on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice. NANS appealed to civil society organisations, student leaders, and concerned Nigerians to join the demonstration and put pressure on authorities to tackle the worsening insecurity affecting schools and communities.

NANS Declares Monday Protest Over Abducted Oyo Students

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This Is Not Christian Genocide – NSCIA, Says Borgu Attacks Show Nigeria Bleeds from All Sides

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August 28, 2026

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"This Is Not Christian Genocide": NSCIA Says Borgu Attacks Show Nigeria Bleeds from All Sides

This Is Not Christian Genocide – NSCIA, Says Borgu Attacks Show Nigeria Bleeds from All Sides

Nigeria’s top Islamic body says the attack on Muslim worshippers counters claims of Christian genocide, urging a collective national response to terrorism.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks on four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where worshippers observing Jumu’at prayers were killed, injured, and abducted. The Islamic body also used the incident to challenge narratives that frame Nigeria’s security crisis as a genocide against Christians, arguing that the savagery against Muslims demonstrates the need for a unified national response.

The attacks, which occurred on Friday, August 21, 2026, affected Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara communities. In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the NSCIA described the attacks as “heinous and barbaric.” The Council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed deep distress that terrorists invaded the communities, unleashing violence and terror on defenceless residents.

The attack on Dekara was particularly disturbing, as assailants reportedly entered the Central Mosque while Muslims were observing Jumu’at prayers and abducted more than 60 people. According to the NSCIA, about 30 people were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries, some of them said to be life-threatening. Residents confirmed that terrorists simultaneously invaded Juma’at mosques in Dekara, Kpenya, Gbezhin and Sabon-Gida, whisking away dozens of worshippers. The Council added that dozens of victims were still being held captive, with the terrorists later releasing a video showcasing the captives and calling on survivors to identify their loved ones.

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The NSCIA considers the deliberate invasion of a mosque during Jumu’at prayers and the abduction of worshippers a heinous assault not only on innocent Nigerians but also a grievous attack on the sanctity of worship and the fundamental right of citizens to practise their faith without fear. The council argued that the incident showed the complexity of insecurity in the country and challenged narratives that portray the violence as being exclusively targeted at Christians. “This horrendous savagery against innocent Muslims observing the Jumu’ah prayer also points to the factual error that the insecurity in parts of the country is genocidal against Christians, which would hinder the much needed collective efforts to tackle the scourge,” the NSCIA declared.

The council questioned the ability of security agencies to prevent terrorists from repeatedly targeting vulnerable settlements, asking: “For how long will innocent Muslims in particular and Nigerians in general continue to be abducted and slaughtered in their communities while terrorists operate with such audacity?” According to the council, the latest attack was reportedly the third major attack on Dekara and neighbouring communities in recent times, with previous attacks forcing residents to abandon their ancestral homes and seek refuge in other communities in Niger and Kwara states and even across the border in the Republic of Benin.

The NSCIA also expressed concern that the latest incident occurred barely three weeks after security forces reportedly rescued 308 abducted persons from the Kainji Lake National Park forest. On August 5, 2026, Nigerian security forces rescued 163 persons abducted from Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 persons from communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, including Kasuwan Daji, Konkonso and Pissa. The council said the rescue operation demonstrated what security forces could achieve when adequate resources, intelligence, coordination and political will were available. However, the renewed attacks raise deeply troubling questions about the reversal and sustainability of the gains made.

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The NSCIA consequently urged the Federal Government to move beyond what it described as episodic rescue operations and develop a permanent, intelligence-driven and community-centred security architecture. It called for an immediate review of security arrangements in Niger and Kwara states, particularly communities around the Kainji Lake National Park and forest corridors allegedly being used by terrorists. The Council noted that Niger State Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago had previously admitted that terrorists had taken over the Kainji National Park, from where they launch incessant attacks on communities within the Borgu kingdom. The NSCIA also demanded the immediate mobilisation of all available resources to locate and rescue every person still held captive following the August 21 attack, stressing that the rescue of these victims must be treated as an urgent national priority.

The council further urged security agencies to intensify aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and coordinated ground operations, insisting that forests and other difficult terrains being used as sanctuaries by terrorists must no longer be treated as inaccessible spaces. It called on state governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities to strengthen cooperation with security agencies and protect residents who provide actionable intelligence. The Council also advocated the proper regulation and integration of community vigilante structures operating within the law into broader early-warning and community-protection mechanisms.

Furthermore, the NSCIA called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Council, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior and other relevant security agencies to treat the Borgu attacks as a national emergency requiring coordinated intervention. President Tinubu has already directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and all relevant security and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation for the victims still in captivity, stating that “those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free.” The Inspector General of Police has deployed a senior officer to coordinate the rescue efforts in collaboration with other security agencies.

Survivors of the attack are reportedly battling life-threatening injuries, with some having been brutally slaughtered rather than shot. The NSCIA extended condolences to families of those killed, prayed for the recovery of the injured and expressed solidarity with families whose loved ones remain in captivity. “We also stand in solidarity with the families whose loved ones remain in captivity and urge them not to lose hope,” it said. “Nigerians have every right to demand security, justice and accountability from those entrusted with protecting them.” The council also urged Muslims in Niger State and across the country to remain steadfast in their faith: “Let us be resolute and not be subdued by terror.”

“This Is Not Christian Genocide”: NSCIA Says Borgu Attacks Show Nigeria Bleeds from All Sides

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Nigeria’s External Reserves Hit $53.11bn, Nearing 17-Year Record High

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August 28, 2026

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Nigeria’s External Reserves Hit $53.11bn, Nearing 17-Year Record High

Nigeria’s External Reserves Hit $53.11bn, Nearing 17-Year Record High

Nigeria’s foreign reserves climb to $53.11 billion, the highest in 17 years, as CBN reforms and oil earnings boost dollar inflows.

Nigeria’s external reserves have surged to $53.11 billion as of August 24, 2026, marking the highest level in more than 17 years and bringing the country within touching distance of its all-time record. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) shows that the reserves are now just $142 million short of the historic peak of $53.25 billion recorded on January 12, 2009. This milestone represents a significant recovery in the country’s external liquidity position and reflects the impact of recent policy reforms.

The reserve accumulation has gathered significant momentum since mid-2026, with the CBN data revealing a consistent upward trend. On June 3, 2026, reserves stood at $49.96 billion, but by July 3, they had increased to $51.53 billion. The reserves crossed the $52 billion mark on July 27 and climbed further to $52.86 billion by August 21, before reaching $53.11 billion on August 24. This represents a gain of approximately **$3.15 billion** between June 3 and August 24, underscoring the acceleration in dollar inflows over the past three months.

The sustained buildup in reserves has been supported by several factors, beginning with stronger oil earnings. Higher crude oil prices have boosted Nigeria’s primary source of foreign exchange, and the country’s oil export earnings have benefited from favourable market conditions, providing additional dollar liquidity. However, experts caution that this dependence on oil revenues remains a potential vulnerability if prices decline. In addition to oil earnings, the CBN‘s policy reforms have played a crucial role. Under Governor Olayemi Cardoso, the Central Bank has implemented a series of reforms over the past 34 months that have helped restore investor confidence and attract capital inflows. These include the unification and increased transparency of the foreign exchange market, banking sector recapitalisation to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of Nigerian banks, the launch of the non-resident Bank Verification Number (BVN) to connect Nigerians abroad with local banking services, the deployment of the B-Match system for foreign exchange trading, and the introduction of a 75 per cent Cash Reserve Ratio on non-Treasury Single Account public sector deposits to enhance liquidity management and curb inflationary risks. Speaking at a recent CBN Fair, Cardoso noted that the reforms have led to measurable results, including a narrowing of the gap between the official and Bureau de Change rates to below two per cent. Furthermore, the reforms have renewed investor confidence, attracting foreign portfolio inflows into the economy, and while much of these inflows have been into short-term instruments like Treasury bills, they have nonetheless provided support for the reserves by increasing dollar liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

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A stronger reserve position has several implications for the Nigerian economy, starting with an enhanced external buffer. At $53.11 billion, Nigeria’s reserves provide a larger cushion against external shocks and support the country’s capacity to meet its foreign obligations, which is particularly important for managing periods of heightened dollar demand and stabilising the currency. The current reserve level also offers more than **11 months of import cover**, substantially exceeding the international benchmark of three months, providing greater confidence in the country’s ability to finance essential imports. Additionally, the reserve buildup has coincided with relative stability in the foreign exchange market; the naira closed at **N1,343.59 to the dollar** on August 26, 2026, with foreign exchange market turnover at about **$235.99 million**. The reserve accretion also reflects improved macroeconomic management and supports the CBN’s broader objectives of containing inflation and promoting price stability, with headline inflation easing from 15.93 per cent in May to 15.91 per cent in June 2026 and further moderation expected.

While the reserve milestone is cause for optimism, analysts stress the importance of ensuring that the accumulation is sustainable, with the key test being whether the buildup is driven by stable and diversified sources of foreign exchange rather than temporary factors. Dr Jerry Igwilo, Chief Executive Officer of Nisela Capital Limited, noted that while higher crude oil prices have supported dollar earnings, the durability of the reserve accumulation would remain tied to oil revenues, capital inflows, and broader foreign exchange market conditions. Similarly, EBC Financial Group has warned that Nigeria’s reserves remain vulnerable to volatile portfolio inflows and the country’s continued dependence on oil, noting that much of the increase recorded recently has been driven by cyclical factors that could reverse if market conditions deteriorate. Analysts and experts have highlighted several factors that will be critical for sustaining the reserve buildup, including strengthening non-oil exports to diversify foreign exchange sources, attracting more foreign direct investment rather than just portfolio inflows, maintaining investor confidence in the naira and broader macroeconomic environment, implementing policies that support long-term economic growth and diversification, and ensuring consistent access to foreign exchange at market rates.

The $53.11 billion reserve position places Nigeria within touching distance of its 2009 peak, marking a significant strengthening of the country’s external liquidity position. For businesses, stronger reserves and improved FX liquidity could provide greater confidence around dollar availability, particularly for companies that depend on imported raw materials, machinery, and other inputs. For investors, a stronger external reserve position can help reduce concerns around currency liquidity and improve confidence in the naira and broader macroeconomic environment. However, as the CBN and policymakers look ahead, the focus must remain on ensuring that the reserve accumulation is supported by sustainable dollar inflows rather than temporary factors, and on implementing policies that promote long-term economic resilience and diversification.

Nigeria’s External Reserves Hit $53.11bn, Nearing 17-Year Record High

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Tinubu, APC governors set October 1 target for cheaper transport fares nationwide

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August 28, 2026

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Tinubu, APC governors set October 1 target for cheaper transport fares nationwide

Tinubu, APC governors set October 1 target for cheaper transport fares nationwide

President Bola Tinubu and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have agreed to take immediate steps to reduce transportation costs across their respective states, with a target of delivering lower fares to Nigerians from October 1, 2026.

The agreement followed a meeting between President Tinubu and the APC governors, during which the President said the Federal Government and state governments would work together to ensure that savings from cheaper alternative fuels translate into lower transport fares for commuters.

Tinubu disclosed the outcome of the meeting on Thursday night, saying the governors had independently resolved to implement measures aimed at bringing down transportation costs, with particular emphasis on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.

The President said a joint Federal and State committee would be established to begin implementing the measures immediately and coordinate efforts towards achieving the October 1 target.

“I am pleased with my discussion with the Governors’ Forum this afternoon. The Governors have, on their own initiative, resolved to take immediate measures to bring down transportation costs in their states, with a strong focus on leveraging the cost benefits of CNG and electric vehicles,” Tinubu said.

According to the President, the initiative is particularly important because intra-state transportation is where many Nigerians experience the impact of high fuel costs most directly.

He said state governments have a major role to play in ensuring that the savings generated by the adoption of cheaper fuels are passed on to commuters through reduced fares.

“Intra-state transport is where Nigerians feel the cost most directly, and it is where the states hold the levers. I am encouraged that our Governors are moving to bring these benefits closer to the people they serve,” he said.

Tinubu said a vehicle operating on CNG could spend between 60 and 80 per cent less on fuel than a petrol-powered vehicle, creating an opportunity for significant reductions in the cost of commercial transportation.

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“We have agreed to set up a joint Federal and State committee to begin implementing these measures immediately. A vehicle running on CNG spends 60 to 80 per cent less on fuel than one running on petrol,” the President said.

“From October 1, our goal is that Nigerians begin to partake in those savings through lower transport fares. We have agreed that cheaper fuel should result in cheaper fares!”

The Federal Government has continued to expand its Presidential CNG Initiative, which was introduced as part of efforts to cushion the economic impact of petrol subsidy removal and reduce dependence on petrol-powered transportation.

Tinubu said more than 120,000 vehicles have been converted to CNG nationwide, while more than 100,000 additional conversion kits are currently in the works.

The government is also expanding CNG conversion centres and refuelling infrastructure across the country to make the alternative fuel more accessible to vehicle owners and commercial transport operators.

Through the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), the Federal Government is financing more than 100 gas-related projects nationwide. These include 15 CNG mother stations and 86 daughter stations.

Tinubu said four of the projects were commissioned in May in Lagos, Abuja and Owerri, including a 15-station CNG refuelling network in Lagos and an Abuja facility capable of serving 1,000 cars and tricycles as well as 50 trucks and buses daily.

The President has also directed the rollout of an additional 500 CNG refuelling stations nationwide, on top of the 500 stations earlier ordered by the MDGIF.

When completed, the expansion is expected to bring the total number of CNG refuelling stations under the programme to 1,000 across Nigeria.

The latest development comes amid broader discussions by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on ways to reduce the burden of transportation costs on residents.

The governors have been examining the proposed National Affordable CNG Transit Programme (NACTP), which is aimed at encouraging the conversion of commercial vehicles to CNG and ensuring that lower fuel costs are reflected in passenger fares.

The programme is expected to involve cooperation among the Federal Government, state governments, transport operators and other stakeholders, with states playing a significant role in implementation.

The renewed push for CNG-powered transportation is part of the Federal Government’s wider energy transition programme, which seeks to increase the use of locally available natural gas and alternative energy sources.

The government has argued that expanding CNG use could reduce transportation expenses, strengthen domestic gas utilisation and lessen the impact of fluctuations in petrol prices on households and businesses.

Electric mobility is also being incorporated into the government’s transportation strategy as authorities explore alternatives to petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.

The move is particularly significant for urban commuters, who have faced substantially higher transport fares since the removal of the petrol subsidy.

Rising transportation costs have also affected the prices of food and other essential goods because higher logistics expenses are often passed through the supply chain to consumers.

The Federal Government and state governments will therefore face pressure to ensure that the promised savings from CNG and electric vehicles are reflected in actual fares paid by commuters.

Tinubu stressed that every level of government must contribute to making the energy transition beneficial to Nigerians.

“Each tier of government must keep doing its part and work together for the benefit of every Nigerian,” the President added.

With October 1, 2026 set as the target, the proposed joint Federal and State committee will be expected to determine how the CNG and electric vehicle initiatives will be implemented across different states and how fare reductions will be monitored.

For millions of Nigerians who depend on public transportation daily, the success of the initiative will ultimately be measured by whether the lower operating costs of alternative-fuel vehicles translate into cheaper transport fares, rather than simply reducing expenses for transport operators.

The President’s declaration that “cheaper fuel should result in cheaper fares” therefore places the focus on ensuring that the financial benefits of Nigeria’s energy transition reach ordinary commuters.

Tinubu, APC governors set October 1 target for cheaper transport fares nationwide

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