Six Worshippers Abducted in Ondo Church Attack, One Rescued

At least six worshippers of a Celestial Church of Christ were abducted by suspected terrorists during a midnight service along the Uso/Owo Expressway in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 12:50 a.m. on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, when armed assailants stormed the church, overwhelming congregants and forcibly taking them to an unknown location.

According to DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Ondo State Police Command’s spokesperson, security operatives, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, were immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations. As a result of sustained joint efforts, one of the abducted worshippers has been successfully rescued and reunited with family members.

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Jimoh further stated that one suspected informant linked to the incident has been arrested and is currently assisting with ongoing investigations. Security operations remain ongoing to ensure the safe recovery of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved. The spokesperson urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative, providing credible and actionable information that may support ongoing operations.

The attack has heightened concerns over security along the Akure–Owo highway corridor, a region increasingly targeted by violent criminals and kidnappers. Residents in nearby communities reportedly blocked the expressway in protest, demanding stronger protection for local communities and worship centres.

This incident reflects the broader security challenges in Ondo State, where churchgoers and highway commuters are increasingly vulnerable to attacks by armed groups. Authorities have reassured the public that joint efforts by the police, military, and local vigilantes are ongoing to ensure the safe release of all abducted worshippers and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Six Worshippers Abducted in Ondo Church Attack, One Rescued

Nigerian Man Jailed in UK for Sexually Assaulting Two Women on Trains

A 31-year-old Nigerian man, Esosa Eguakin, has been sentenced to two years in prison in the United Kingdom after sexually assaulting two women on board trains travelling from Hampshire to London, highlighting growing concerns over passenger safety on public transport. Eguakin, of Courtelle Road, Coventry, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault and was sentenced on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, at Guildford Crown Court. In addition to his prison term, the court imposed a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which prohibits him from sitting or standing next to or opposite lone women and restricts other activities to prevent further offenses.

The first incident occurred on 21 August 2025, shortly after 7:15 a.m., on a train from Fratton to London Waterloo, where Eguakin intentionally sat behind a woman in her 30s and sexually assaulted her. The second assault took place on 6 October 2025, shortly after 6 a.m., on a train from Eastleigh to London Waterloo, when he again targeted a female passenger. When confronted during the second incident, Eguakin claimed he was retrieving a dropped phone, but he refused to move away from the victim. An off-duty police officer intervened, escorting him off the train at Woking station, where he was held until arriving officers took him into custody.

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A subsequent investigation by British Transport Police (BTP) detectives resulted in Eguakin being charged with two counts of sexual assault, which he later admitted in court. Detective Constable David Stewart of BTP described Eguakin’s behavior as “predatory and deeply distressing” and praised the victims for their courage in supporting the investigation. He also commended the off-duty officer whose intervention prevented further harm. Stewart urged commuters to report any sexual offenses on trains or at stations by texting 61016, or calling 999 in emergencies, emphasizing that BTP takes all reports seriously and pursues offenders to justice.

The case underscores ongoing efforts by the British Transport Police to ensure passenger safety across the rail network. Authorities continue to investigate incidents of sexual assault on public transport and implement measures such as SHPOs to reduce risk and protect the public.

Nigerian Man Jailed in UK for Sexually Assaulting Two Women on Trains

Frank Mba, Senior DIGs to Exit Police Service After Disu’s Appointment

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), as Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, a move that is expected to trigger the retirement of several senior Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), including Frank Mba.

Egbetokun tendered his resignation on Tuesday, citing urgent family matters. Although he was appointed in June 2023 for a four-year tenure expected to run until June 2027 under the amended Police Act, the presidency confirmed that President Tinubu accepted the resignation and commended him for his service to the nation. The confirmation was contained in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Before his appointment, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, one of the most strategic investigative units of the Nigeria Police Force.

Why Senior DIGs Are Expected to Retire

While not expressly mandated by law, it is a long-standing convention within the Nigeria Police Force that officers senior to a newly appointed IGP retire from service. The practice is rooted in the force’s strong emphasis on seniority, hierarchy, discipline and institutional stability, ensuring that no senior officer remains subordinate to a junior appointee.

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With Disu’s elevation from AIG to Acting IGP, multiple DIGs who are senior to him by appointment and service record are therefore expected to formally disengage from service to allow him function as the substantive head of the police.

DIGs Likely to Be Affected

Frank Mba
Frank Mba is one of the most recognisable senior officers in the Nigeria Police Force. He joined the force as an Inspector, rose steadily through the ranks and was promoted to Assistant Inspector-General of Police in March 2023. Over his career, he served as Force Public Relations Officer three times and represented Nigeria on the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) between 2006 and 2007, earning a UN Medal. His seniority places him among those expected to retire following Disu’s appointment.

Mohammed Gumel
Mohammed Gumel assumed office in late December 2025 as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Widely regarded as a strong advocate of community policing, Gumel was named Community Policing Advocate of the Year (2024). He is a certified member of the Police Staff College (PSC) and a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators (FIPMA).

Adebola Hamzat
DIG Adebola Hamzat currently heads the Department of Logistics and Supply, overseeing procurement, infrastructure, housing, construction and logistics across the police force. He was promoted to DIG in March 2025. Before then, he served as AIG, Zone 16 (Yenagoa) covering Bayelsa and Rivers States, and previously commanded the Counter-Terrorism Unit. He also served as Commissioner of Police in Oyo State.

Yahaya Abubakar
Yahaya Abubakar is a senior DIG who formerly headed the Department of Finance and Administration at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The department controls budgeting, financial management, human resources and administrative processes. He was appointed following his promotion by the Police Service Commission in 2024 and has previously served as Zone Commander and AIG.

Bzigu Kwazhi
As DIG in charge of the Department of Operations, Bzigu Kwazhi plays a critical role in tactical deployments, joint security operations, election security and crisis response nationwide. He has been involved in high-level security operations in states such as Adamawa and Plateau, and previously served as Commissioner of Police in Osun and Akwa Ibom States.

Adebowale Williams
Adebowale Williams is the DIG overseeing the Department of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Force Headquarters. He is responsible for digital policing systems, communications infrastructure and technology-driven reforms, a key pillar of ongoing police modernisation efforts.

Idris Abubakar
DIG Idris Abubakar, from Garko Local Government Area of Kano State, joined the police as a cadet ASP in 1992. He holds advanced academic qualifications, including a PhD in Psychology from the University of Abuja, alongside degrees from Usmanu Danfodiyo University. His background combines policing with academic expertise in education and psychology.

Basil Idegwu
Promoted in March 2025, DIG Basil Idegwu heads the Department of Research and Planning at the Force Headquarters. He holds a PhD in Security and Peace Studies and is responsible for policy development, strategic planning and institutional reforms aimed at improving the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.

Implications of the Appointment

The expected retirements will mark a major leadership transition within the Nigeria Police Force, opening space for new promotions and restructuring at the top echelon. Security analysts say the development places significant responsibility on Acting IGP Disu to stabilise leadership, sustain operational momentum and address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping and violent crime.

Frank Mba, Senior DIGs to Exit Police Service After Disu’s Appointment