Kidnapping in South-West Is a Business, Not a Religious War — Ex-Minister Olanrewaju

Former Minister of Communications, Maj. Gen. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (retd.), has described the ongoing kidnapping and terrorism in the South-West as a profit-driven enterprise rather than a campaign rooted in territorial ambition or religious ideology.

Olanrewaju, in a statement titled “The Insurgency War/Terrorism in Southwest – The way I see it,” released by his Media Office on Thursday, June 4, 2026, noted that the violence currently affecting parts of the zone should not be misconstrued as a struggle for territorial control or Islamic expansionism. According to him, the perpetrators have adopted guerrilla warfare tactics as their primary method of engagement against both the Nigerian Armed Forces and civilian populations. He noted that this approach is strategically designed to overstretch security forces, instill fear among residents, and create instability within affected communities.

The former minister further warned that the situation may be exploited by certain sponsors seeking to advance political objectives, including the pursuit of power. He stressed that the South-West, particularly Lagos State, cannot consider itself insulated from the broader security challenges facing the country. “This insurgency war/terrorism has no territorial values or Islamic faith evangelism or expansion. It is purely an ongoing business affair, as I could observe,” Olanrewaju stated. “Lagos State and the South-West in general cannot be isolated from occasional instability arising from the actions of infiltrated terrorists who kidnap for ransom, kill to instill fear, and pursue political ends—all aimed at creating panic and disrupting peace through the destruction of lives and property,” he added.

The retired general emphasized that the security threats in the zone have evolved beyond mere banditry and should be formally recognized as terrorism. He cautioned that without decisive and coordinated action, Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national stability could be severely undermined. “These are not bandits anymore but terrorists in our homeland. The counter-terrorism war will not finish soon. Unless there is a full-scale war against the so-called terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, our territorial integrity will be seriously violated, and the entire nation will have no peace,” he warned.

READ ALSO:

• Osun 2026: Accord Party Chairman Shot in Osogbo as Police Begin Investigation
• FG Considers Tougher Age Limits for Social Media Use by Children
• Outrage as WAEC WASSCE Exams Run Into Night, Trigger Fresh Concerns

Olanrewaju called for the immediate declaration of a State of Emergency across affected states, describing it as a necessary step to activate comprehensive contingency measures. He also proposed that state governors consult senior retired military officers for strategic advice and guidance in addressing the crisis. “The declaration of a State of Emergency is knocking for serious contingency plans to be activated. Senior retired armed services officers could be recalled in each state by the Chief Executive for consultation and advice on the way forward,” he said. The former army commander called for a full-scale, non-conventional military operation as the most effective approach to defeating the insurgents and restoring lasting peace to the region.

Olanrewaju’s intervention comes against the backdrop of the coordinated abduction of school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. On that day, armed terrorists stormed three schools — Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele — abducting students and teachers in what has been described as a highly organized operation. The attack marked the first mass school abduction of its scale in the South-West, a region previously considered relatively insulated from the mass kidnapping crises that have plagued Northern Nigeria since the Chibok abduction of 2014. According to reports, one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded in a gruesome manner by his captors, deepening public outrage and triggering protests across the country. The abduction has forced the Oyo State Government to close public schools in four local government areas — Surulere, Oriire, Oyo East, and Olorunsogo — until further notice.

Analysts have drawn parallels between the Oriire abduction and previous mass school kidnappings that occurred during election cycles. The Chibok abduction of 276 schoolgirls in 2014 cast a long shadow over former President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election campaign. Four years later, in 2018, 110 Dapchi schoolgirls were abducted in Yobe State as President Muhammadu Buhari prepared for the 2019 elections. Now, as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum under President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is witnessing another disturbing wave of school attacks — including the unprecedented spread of such incidents into the South-West. “Three election cycles. Three major school abduction crises. Three administrations placed on the defensive at precisely the moment they are most vulnerable to political erosion,” observed Yushau A. Shuaib in a Premium Times analysis.

READ ALSO:

• NERC Launches Net Billing Scheme, Allows Nigerians to Sell Excess Solar Power to DisCos
• Atiku’s Aide Demands Probe of Igboho Over Claim He Knows Politicians Sponsoring Kidnappers
• Couple Abducted in Kwara as Bandits Strike Twice in One Week

On the same day as the Oriire attack — Friday, May 15, 2026 — terrorists also struck in Borno State, abducting 42 schoolchildren from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira Uba Local Government Area. In a single day, more than 80 Nigerian children and their teachers were taken from their classrooms. Weeks later, many remain in captivity. An editorial by Premium Times noted that the attackers used explosives during the Oyo operation, and rescue team members sustained injuries after encountering explosive devices planted by the kidnappers — a tactic suggesting ideological motivation beyond economic banditry.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the establishment of additional military bases along vulnerable corridors linking Kwara and parts of the southern region. A high-powered federal delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, visited the affected communities in Oyo State. Additionally, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, is reportedly leading a “technology-driven” rescue operation, with six persons believed to be informants and logistics suppliers already arrested. President Tinubu has also reiterated the necessity of state police as a long-term solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. “Cases of kidnapping further make imperative the establishment of state police to provide more personnel in some of the underserved areas. The National Assembly should accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police,” Tinubu was quoted as saying. The South-West governors had previously agreed to establish a Security Trust Fund and a real-time digital security platform devoted to raising threat alerts and coordinating rapid cross-border response to criminality. Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South-West governors’ forum, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, affirmed their collective commitment to reclaiming the forests and ensuring these spaces no longer serve as safe corridors for bandits and kidnappers.

Kidnapping in South-West Is a Business, Not a Religious War — Ex-Minister Olanrewaju

FG Considers Tougher Age Limits for Social Media Use by Children

LAGOS — The Federal Government has indicated support for stricter regulation of children’s access to social media platforms, following new survey findings showing strong public backing for tighter controls over minors’ online activity.

The position was made known at a national roundtable on child online protection held in Lagos, organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

The event brought together policymakers, digital rights experts, regulators and stakeholders to discuss online safety for children amid rising concerns over cyber risks and exposure to harmful content.

According to data presented at the event, a nationwide survey conducted by the ministry showed that 83.4 per cent of 585 respondents supported some form of regulation or restriction on children’s access to social media.

The survey, presented by Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, Kasim Sodangi, also revealed that 64.8 per cent of respondents supported direct regulation, while 18.6 per cent backed restrictions but preferred alternative age thresholds.

Findings further showed strong public support for raising the minimum age for social media use, with 64.5 per cent of respondents favouring an age limit of 16 or 17 years, higher than the widely used global benchmark of 13 years.

The ministry said nearly all respondents were Nigerians, suggesting the results reflect strong local concern over online child safety and digital exposure risks.

READ ALSO:

• Outrage as WAEC WASSCE Exams Run Into Night, Trigger Fresh Concerns
• NERC Launches Net Billing Scheme, Allows Nigerians to Sell Excess Solar Power to DisCos
• Atiku’s Aide Demands Probe of Igboho Over Claim He Knows Politicians Sponsoring Kidnappers

The poll also highlighted widespread anxiety about children’s digital experiences, with more than 93 per cent of respondents expressing concern about risks faced by minors online. Of this figure, 69.2 per cent described their concern as extreme, while 24.3 per cent said they were highly concerned.

Exposure to harmful and inappropriate content was identified as the most pressing issue, with over 90 per cent of respondents flagging it as a major risk. Other concerns included cyberbullying, cyberstalking, online grooming, digital addiction and exploitation of minors.

The survey also pointed to a knowledge gap in digital safety awareness, with nearly three-quarters of respondents saying many parents and children are not sufficiently informed about cybercrime laws and consequences of online misconduct.

In addition, an overwhelming 97.6 per cent of respondents supported stronger responsibility for technology companies, urging social media platforms to adopt proactive measures to protect younger users from harm.

Speaking at the roundtable, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the rapid expansion of digital platforms has made it necessary for governments to strengthen safeguards for children in the digital space.

Tijani said while social media offers opportunities for learning, creativity and innovation, it also exposes minors to significant risks that must be addressed through structured regulation.

“The debate should focus on implementing age restrictions effectively rather than questioning the need for such safeguards,” he said, adding that Nigeria can leverage digital identity systems and platform verification tools to enforce age-based rules.

He stressed that challenges around enforcement should not prevent the introduction of protective measures, noting that parents, schools, technology firms and civil society must all play roles in ensuring safer online environments for children.

Also speaking, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, warned that children are increasingly vulnerable to online threats.

He listed risks such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking, exposure to harmful content and mental health challenges as major concerns in the digital space.

Olatunji emphasised that while internet access remains important for education and development, stronger safeguards are required to ensure that children are protected from abuse and exploitation online.

The Federal Government is expected to continue consultations with stakeholders, including telecom operators, technology companies, educators and civil society organisations, before arriving at a final policy direction on social media regulation for minors.

FG Considers Tougher Age Limits for Social Media Use by Children

Couple Abducted in Kwara as Bandits Strike Twice in One Week

Lafiagi, Kwara State – Barely 48 hours after armed bandits killed one person and kidnapped two women in a Fulani settlement, suspected gunmen again struck in Lafiagi, headquarters of Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting a husband and wife in a midnight raid.

The latest incident occurred around 12 a.m. on Thursday, near the Provost Lodge area, where the armed men invaded a residence and took the couple to an unknown location, multiple community sources told reporters. A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons confirmed the abduction, saying the victims are Fulani and well known in the area. “The gunmen came around 12 a.m. and abducted a Fulani man and his wife from their residence near the Provost Lodge. They took them away, and nobody knows where they have been taken. The victim is related to Wudere, the Fulani leader the attackers were looking for during the last attack. Many people believe the incidents may be connected,” the source said.

The Thursday abduction is directly linked to an earlier assault on Monday, June 1, 2026, in the Sodo/Sawmill area on the outskirts of Lafiagi. At about 8 p.m., a group of armed bandits stormed a Fulani settlement, firing sporadically and sending residents fleeing into nearby bushes. During that attack, one male resident was shot and killed, while two women, aged 25 and 35, who are wives of the Seriki Fulani (Fulani community leader), were abducted. The gunmen specifically sought a Fulani leader known as Ardo (Wudere) but could not find him, and soldiers later repelled the attackers before police arrived, forcing them to retreat into the forest.

Confirming the Monday incident, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said, “Yes, one man was killed while two women, 25 and 35 years of age, who are wives of the Seriki Fulani, were abducted. The attackers targeted the Fulani leader, Ardo. And for now, we are still on their trail because before we got there, the military had repelled them, and they ran into the forest, but we are on their trail.” As of Friday morning, the two women abducted on Monday remain missing.

READ ALSO:

• INEC Warns Parties: Primaries After May 30 Deadline Risk Disqualification
• Tinubu Approves One-Year Salary Gratuity for Retiring Federal Workers
• Transport Logistics Key to Nigeria’s Growth, Says TCAN, Unveils 2026 Summit

Security analysts believe the Thursday abduction of the Fulani couple is a continuation of the same operation by the same gang. The male victim is reportedly a relative of Wudere – the very Fulani leader the bandits failed to capture on Monday. By abducting his relative and the relative’s wife, the gunmen may be trying to pressure the community or force the leader to surface. No group has claimed responsibility, and police have not confirmed any arrests.

While Kwara battles fresh abductions, troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army (under the 2 Division) recorded a major breakthrough in neighboring Kogi State. On June 3, 2026, terrorists attacked a residence near Solid Rock School in Ijalu, Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, kidnapping five members of a family, including a mother and her infant child. Upon receiving a distress call, troops mobilized immediately and worked alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) to pursue the terrorists along their withdrawal route. The sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon Mrs. Adekemi Idowu and her six‑month‑old baby near the Oro axis before fleeing into surrounding vegetation.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed the rescue in a statement on Thursday: “Upon receiving the distress report, troops immediately mobilised in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), launching a pursuit operation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route. The sustained pressure mounted by the security team forced the terrorists to abandon Mrs Adekemi Idowu and her six‑month‑old child near the Oro axis before fleeing into the surrounding area. The rescued victims were safely returned to their residence, while troops have continued aggressive search operations aimed at rescuing the remaining victims and apprehending the perpetrators.” Efforts are ongoing to locate the other three family members still in captivity.

The rescue of the mother and baby follows two other successful operations by the 12 Brigade within the same week. On June 1, 2026, troops freed 23 kidnapped passengers along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. Earlier, on May 30, 2026, soldiers foiled a planned kidnapping operation and neutralized one suspected terrorist during an ambush in Lokoja Local Government Area.

The back‑to‑back incidents in Kwara and Kogi highlight persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s North‑Central region, where banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and farmer‑herder clashes have escalated in recent months. Residents of Lafiagi have called for increased military patrols and intelligence gathering to track the bandits believed to be hiding in forests bordering Kwara, Niger, and Kogi states. The Kwara State Police Command has assured citizens that operatives are on the trail of the abductors, but no timeline has been given for the rescue of the abducted couple or the two women taken on Monday.

Couple Abducted in Kwara as Bandits Strike Twice in One Week