Police rescue 15 missing UTME candidates in Imo - Newstrends
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Police rescue 15 missing UTME candidates in Imo

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Police rescue 15 missing UTME candidates in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that the 15 students who were earlier declared missing on their way to write the rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Okigwe have been found and safely reunited with their families.

The students had reportedly travelled from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Okigwe, Imo State, for the examination but were declared missing, sparking public concern.

In a post shared on the command’s official X handle, the police assured the public that the students were located following swift efforts by security operatives and concerned stakeholders.

Authorities thanked the public for their support and vigilance, and reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors in the state.

The command wrote: “It is true that they made the travel to Okigwe, where they were scheduled to write the UTME. However, their vehicle developed a mechanical fault while at it, but they were secured and have now been returned with their families.

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“We appreciate citizens and stakeholders, such as yourself, who raise awareness concerning issues of security. We encourage the spirit.”

Also, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has urged the Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB) to carry out an independent and transparent audit of its examination infrastructure.

Addressing reporters in Abuja on the glitches that hampered this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Kalu faulted what he called the hurried rescheduling of the examination at a time many students were writing the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) which required some of them to travel far distances to write the examination.

According to him, it is only by triangulating internal findings with external audits that Nigerians can ensure that no affected candidate is left behind.

Kalu also urged JAMB to safeguard the educational path of the affected candidates from the Southeast and Lagos, saying they should not be made to face further stress, having borne the brunt of the glitches.

He said: “JAMB must provide a clear, accessible mechanism for remark and appeal, especially for those dissatisfied with the hurried retake or who experienced technical difficulties during the second sitting.

“Furthermore, coordination with WAEC and other examination bodies must continue to ensure that no candidate’s academic progression is impeded by scheduling conflicts.”

 

Police rescue 15 missing UTME candidates in Imo

(Nation)

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BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

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Tijjani

BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have arrested a 15-year-old suspect allegedly involved in the deadly attack that killed Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, another officer, and two soldiers in Borno State.

The suspect, identified simply as Tijjani, was apprehended on Sunday in Ngamdu while reportedly on an errand to procure food supplies for members of his group.

In a video recorded after his arrest, the teenager confessed to being part of the armed group responsible for coordinated attacks in Benisheik and Ngamdu, areas that have witnessed renewed insurgent activity in recent months.

According to the suspect, the group operated from Jilli, a location described by military sources as a known logistics and movement hub for insurgents in the region. He said they moved from Jilli to carry out the attack and later returned to the same location.

Tijjani further disclosed that he had been sent with about ₦850,000 to collect logistics supplies from Ngamdu before his arrest. He added that he left his colleagues behind at Jilli and was unaware of subsequent developments following the operation.

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The late General Braimah, who commanded the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI, was killed on Thursday when suspected Boko Haram fighters launched an assault on a military base in the area. The attack also claimed the lives of another officer and two soldiers, underscoring the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the North-East.

Military sources indicate that the arrest of the teenage suspect is part of ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and cutting off their supply chains across Borno State.

Security analysts say the involvement of minors in insurgent activities highlights a disturbing pattern of recruitment by extremist groups, who often deploy young individuals for logistics, surveillance, and operational roles.

The Nigerian military has intensified surveillance and clearance operations across key corridors such as Jilli, Ngamdu, and Benisheik, following recent attacks, with the aim of preventing further assaults and restoring stability in the region.

Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive official statement on the arrest, but security operations are expected to continue as efforts to track down other members of the group intensify.

The development comes amid renewed commitment by Operation HADIN KAI to sustain pressure on insurgents and disrupt their activities across the North-East.

BREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno

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Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

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Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja

Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has suggested that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde may issue an official query to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, following his absence at a recent high chiefs’ coronation ceremony in Ibadan.

The event, held at Mapo Hall, saw Governor Makinde present beaded crowns to three newly elevated traditional rulers as part of ongoing chieftaincy reforms in Ibadanland. However, the absence of the Olubadan from the April 3 ceremony has sparked public debate and political reactions.

Fayose, speaking on the development, claimed that the monarch’s absence—reportedly due to a prior engagement in Lagos—alongside other alleged concerns, could prompt a formal government query in the coming days. He did not provide official documentation but insisted the situation could escalate into a government–palace dispute if not carefully managed.

The Olubadan’s palace has already clarified that his absence was not due to any disagreement with the state government, dismissing speculation of a rift between the traditional institution and Governor Makinde’s administration.

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Some critics of the ceremony have also described the event as a “failed coronation,” alleging that the exercise may have cost over ₦1.5 billion, though no official financial breakdown has been released to confirm the claim.

At the time of filing this report, neither the Oyo State Government nor the Olubadan-in-Council had issued an official response to Fayose’s latest comments or the circulating allegations.

The development comes against the backdrop of long-standing sensitivities in Ibadan chieftaincy politics, where traditional authority structures have often intersected with state governance and public debate.

Observers note that Fayose’s intervention adds a new political dimension to an already delicate issue, especially given his history of public disagreements with Governor Makinde during his tenure in Ekiti politics.

For now, the situation remains fluid, with stakeholders calling for restraint and clarification to prevent further escalation between the state government and the traditional institution.

Fayose Warns Makinde May Query Olubadan Over Absence at Ibadan Coronation Event

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Police Arrest Suspect Over Fake Job Interview Robbery in Magodo

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Police Arrest Suspect Over Fake Job Interview Robbery in Magodo

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with a fake job interview robbery scheme in which unsuspecting job seekers were allegedly lured to Magodo area of Lagos and dispossessed of their valuables.

The incident came to public attention after a viral video posted on X by user @General_Somto on April 10, which triggered widespread concern over the rising trend of job scam robberies in Lagos targeting young applicants searching for employment.

In the video, one of the victims narrated how the group was deceived into attending what appeared to be a legitimate interview, warning the public to be cautious when responding to job offers online.

“Nigerians, let’s be careful out there. Not all job offers are legit. We went for a job interview in Magodo, Lagos only to be robbed. They took our phones, money, and everything we had on us,” she said.

The victims said the suspects created a convincing interview environment that appeared professional and trustworthy, which initially reduced suspicion. However, shortly after they were asked to step out briefly, they returned to discover that their mobile phones, cash, and personal belongings had been stolen.

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Security sources believe the operation may have been carefully planned and could be part of a wider network using fake recruitment adverts to carry out armed robbery and theft under the guise of employment opportunities.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday, noting that the case was reported at about 11 p.m. on April 9, 2026.

According to the police, one suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang involved in the operation. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full structure behind the fake job recruitment scam.

Police authorities also warned members of the public, especially job seekers, to be extremely cautious when responding to job advertisements shared on social media and unofficial platforms.

They advised applicants to verify job offers through official company channels, avoid attending interviews in isolated or unverified locations, and always inform trusted contacts before attending any interview.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling emerging forms of cyber-enabled fraud, job scams, and violent robbery networks across Lagos State.

Police Arrest Suspect Over Fake Job Interview Robbery in Magodo

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