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Nigeria Closing In on Banditry, Says Defence Minister
Nigeria Closing In on Banditry, Says Defence Minister
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, says the Armed Forces are steadily weakening banditry networks, even as the country witnesses a resurgence of school abductions in several northern states.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored in Kaduna, Badaru admitted that security challenges persist but described the current attacks as typical of guerrilla warfare, where criminal groups carry out sporadic assaults to instill fear.
“This is how guerrilla warfare works,” he explained. “There will be calm periods, then sudden attacks that shake the nation. We know their hideouts, but some locations pose risks to civilians, and some forested areas cannot be safely bombarded.”
Despite these constraints, he insisted that Nigerian troops are working “day and night” to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace across affected regions.
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Badaru expressed deep concern over the return of mass student abductions, noting that the government has ordered a full investigation into recent cases.
“We never said the problem was completely over,” he said. “But this renewed kidnapping of schoolchildren worries us. We are studying what went wrong and how to prevent it.”
He also confirmed an investigation into reports that security personnel were withdrawn prior to the bandits’ attack on a girls’ school in Maga, Kebbi State. “If anyone is found culpable, they will be sanctioned,” the minister assured.
The minister further acknowledged complaints of bandit extortion in rural communities but stressed that military operations in such areas are carried out cautiously to avoid civilian casualties.
Responding to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested possible military action over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, Badaru said the Nigerian government is engaging with U.S. officials to clarify the situation.
“Our leaders have been there, and discussions are ongoing. By God’s grace, there will be understanding,” he said, adding that Nigeria continues to maintain defence partnerships with multiple countries.
Nigeria Closing In on Banditry, Says Defence Minister
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How Gunmen Storm Akure Clinic, Abduct Three Health Workers
How Gunmen Storm Akure Clinic, Abduct Three Health Workers
Akure, Ondo State – In a brazen late-night raid, armed men abducted three health workers from a Primary Health Clinic in Ijebu, a suburb of Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The security guard on duty, Olawale Yaya, told TVC News that the attackers executed the operation with alarming precision. According to him, the assailants arrived in a high-end SUV, which he identified as either a Toyota Venza or a Lexus. The vehicle was parked outside the clinic before the abduction.
“They took three staff members. The gunmen parked on the road. They came with an expensive jeep. It looks like a Toyota Venza or Lexus SUV. It’s not a small sedan car. It’s an SUV. It’s not a bus. It’s a high-end SUV. The gunmen even pressed a button to open the boot. After opening it, they forced the three people inside and drove off,” Yaya recounted.
The attackers specifically targeted staff members who were on duty, assaulting them before forcing them into the boot of their vehicle. The guard described the assailants’ familiarity with the vehicle as “disturbing,” noting how they effortlessly operated the automatic boot before making their escape.
Security agencies in the state have been alerted, and investigations are ongoing to locate the kidnapped health workers and apprehend the perpetrators.
How Gunmen Storm Akure Clinic, Abduct Three Health Workers
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How Hijab-Wearing Woman Allegedly Abducts Suya Seller’s Daughter in Delta
How Hijab-Wearing Woman Allegedly Abducts Suya Seller’s Daughter in Delta
A 33-year-old suya seller, Abubakar Isiaka, has made a passionate appeal to security agencies and members of the public to assist in locating his three-year-old daughter, who was abducted in Delta State.
The child, identified as Sheripha, aged three years and eight months, was reportedly taken on March 7, 2026, during a burial ceremony in Ogwashi-Uku.
According to the distraught father, the incident occurred amidst the gathering when an unidentified woman wearing a hijab allegedly lured the child away. The suspect reportedly took advantage of the busy environment to carry out the act without raising immediate suspicion.
Isiaka explained that all efforts to locate his daughter since the incident have been unsuccessful, leaving the family in deep distress. He noted that the sudden disappearance of the child has thrown the entire household into emotional turmoil.
“We have searched everywhere and asked around, but there has been no trace of her,” he said, pleading for urgent intervention from security operatives.
The case has reportedly been brought to the attention of relevant authorities, while local residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and report any useful information that could lead to the rescue of the child.
Members of the public with credible information have been encouraged to assist law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safe return of the young girl.
How Hijab-Wearing Woman Allegedly Abducts Suya Seller’s Daughter in Delta
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Nigerian Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, Dies Suddenly in US
Nigerian Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, Dies Suddenly in US
A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, has died suddenly in the United States, sparking grief among the Catholic faithful in both Nigeria and abroad.
Fr. Oli reportedly slumped and passed away while taking a walk on Thursday, March 26, 2026. His death was confirmed in an official statement released on Friday, March 27, by the Catholic Diocese of Awka.
The statement, signed by the diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi, disclosed that the late cleric was serving as the Administrator of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Faith, South Dakota, at the time of his passing.
“He was ordained on August 23, 2008. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon. May the soul of Rev. Fr. Michael Oli rest in peace, Amen,” the statement read.
Further confirmation came from Scott Bullock, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, who described the priest’s death as sudden and deeply saddening.
In a message to clergy and faithful, Bishop Bullock stated that Fr. Oli died on the morning of March 26 and was serving as pastor of St. Joseph in Faith, St. Joseph in Mud Butte, and St. Anthony in Red Owl, all in western South Dakota.
The bishop revealed that local authorities have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the priest’s death. According to him, the Deputy Sheriff of Meade County has ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause.
“At this point, we do not know the cause of death, only that he had not been feeling well,” Bishop Bullock said.
He urged priests within the diocese to offer three Masses for the repose of Fr. Oli’s soul, in line with Catholic tradition.
The late priest’s sudden death has drawn condolences from parishioners, clergy, and members of the Catholic community, who have described him as a dedicated servant of God committed to pastoral service both in Nigeria and the United States.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the church authorities in due course.
Nigerian Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Oli, Dies Suddenly in US
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