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Tinubu Confirms Rescue of 15 NYSC Members, 6 Others Abducted in Kogi

Published

1 month ago

September 1, 2026

Some of the NYSC members and others rescued

Tinubu Confirms Rescue of 15 NYSC Members, 6 Others Abducted in Kogi

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the rescue of 21 Nigerians, including 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted by criminal elements in Kogi State last week. The successful operation was carried out by a coordinated team of security agencies and local vigilantes.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced on Monday that all 21 abductees, comprising eight males and 13 females, have regained their freedom following a well-coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation. The victims were rescued from a kidnappers’ den in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Monday afternoon. The operation was carried out by a combined team of personnel from the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes. The Defence Headquarters confirmed the rescue, stating that the victims were recovered from the Egume-Ochaja forest stretch in the area of operation.

The 15 NYSC members were reportedly abducted last week while travelling from the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to Abuja. The incident occurred along the Aloma-Egane expressway in Ofu LGA, Kogi State, a route frequently used by travellers moving between the South-South and the North-Central regions of the country. According to reports, the kidnappers contacted some victims’ families and demanded a N20 million ransom for each corps member, placing enormous financial and emotional strain on the families who were already distraught over the fate of their loved ones. However, security forces launched an intelligence-driven operation that successfully rescued all victims without any ransom payment being reported. The Kogi State Police Command confirmed that the rescue followed a coordinated, sustained, and intelligence-driven operation by security agencies. The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, stated that the operation was launched to secure the safe recovery of the victims and dismantle criminal elements operating in the area, sending a clear message that the state would not tolerate such criminality.

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In a statement posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, President Tinubu expressed relief over the successful rescue operation, saying, “I am delighted to receive the news that the fifteen members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other innocent and law-abiding Nigerians abducted last week in Kogi State by some criminal elements have regained their freedom.” The President emphasized that the rescue does not mark the end of the operation, directing security forces to continue pursuing the fleeing kidnappers. “While the abductees have been safely rescued, our gallant security forces are still on the trail of the routed kidnappers, in line with my directive to sustain the pressure on all criminal elements,” Tinubu stated. He further vowed that those responsible for the abduction would face the full weight of the law, and security agencies would pursue everyone who aided this crime, signalling that impunity would not be tolerated.

President Tinubu reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens across the country. “My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear,” he said, addressing the growing anxiety among citizens over the rising incidents of kidnapping and banditry on major highways. He particularly reassured parents and loved ones of NYSC members that the administration remains committed to protecting the lives and property of corps members serving across the nation, acknowledging the unique vulnerability of young service members who are often posted to unfamiliar parts of the country. The President commended the combined search-and-rescue team for their courage and professionalism, while also appreciating the families and loved ones of the abductees for their understanding during the ordeal, recognizing the immense psychological toll that such incidents exact on relatives.

In a trending video circulating on social media, one of the rescued corps members narrated the harrowing experience. According to the victim, they were travelling from Bayelsa to Abuja when the kidnappers stopped their vehicle. The driver attempted to escape but was caught, and the victims were led into the bush while being beaten and shot at, creating an atmosphere of terror and desperation. The kidnappers threatened the victims, warning them not to move without permission or they would be shot, keeping them in a constant state of fear for their lives. The victims spent the night in an open field under the watch of their captors before security forces arrived and rescued them, ending what must have felt like an endless nightmare. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) , Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, commended the troops and personnel of other security agencies, as well as local hunters and vigilantes, for their courage, cooperation, and commitment to the successful operation, highlighting the value of inter-agency collaboration in tackling security challenges. One of the male victims reportedly sustained a gunshot wound during the incident and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment, while all rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.

Tinubu Confirms Rescue of 15 NYSC Members, 6 Others Abducted in Kogi

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Police Arrest Five, Recover Three Guns, Ammunition in Enugu

Published

3 minutes ago

October 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa

Police Arrest Five, Recover Three Guns, Ammunition in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested five suspects in separate operations across the state and recovered three firearms, six rounds of live ammunition and other exhibits.

The arrests were made between September 18 and October 7, 2026, as part of the command’s ongoing intelligence-led operations against armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes.

In the latest operation, operatives of the Inyi Police Division responded to a distress call over an alleged armed robbery at Umuaor, Umukabia Isiama Awlaw community in Oji River Local Government Area at about 5:10 a.m. on October 7.

The operation led to the arrest of 26-year-old Arinze Osita Onwuaso, while other suspects reportedly fled the scene.

Police said operatives recovered a locally made cut-to-size single-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a pry bar, hammer, scissors and chisel from him.

In another operation on October 5, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit, attached to the Nsukka sector, arrested two suspected cult members at Umudioka community in Nsukka Local Government Area.

The suspects were identified as 24-year-old Jonas Adejo, also known as J-Money, and 25-year-old Okoro Innocent, also known as Virus.

According to the police, three rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered from the two suspects.

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The command said the suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation to belonging to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, an allegation they would have the opportunity to challenge in court.

A separate operation on September 25 resulted in the arrest of 25-year-old Anichebe Ogbonna at an alleged criminal hideout in Amagu Mpu community, Aninri Local Government Area.

Police operatives, working with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, reportedly raided the location following intelligence on suspected criminal activities.

A locally made pistol was allegedly recovered from Ogbonna.

Meanwhile, operatives of the 9th Mile Police Division arrested 38-year-old Chukwujekwu Chukwuemeka at Ameke-Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area, at about 11 p.m. on September 18.

The police said Chukwuemeka was arrested following information allegedly linking him to armed robbery activities in the area.

A cut-to-size pump-action gun and one live cartridge were reportedly recovered from him.

The four operations produced a total of five arrests, three firearms and six rounds of ammunition, with investigations continuing into the alleged offences and the suspects’ individual roles.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the officers involved and residents whose information assisted the operations.

Giwa urged residents to continue providing credible information to the police to help prevent armed robbery, cult-related violence and other security threats across the state.

The suspects remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.

Police Arrest Five, Recover Three Guns, Ammunition in Enugu

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Court Grants Alleged Fake JAMB Registrar N50m Bail, Sets Strict Conditions

Published

4 hours ago

October 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Arinze Nwogba

Court Grants Alleged Fake JAMB Registrar N50m Bail, Sets Strict Conditions

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted N50 million bail to Arinze Nwogba, who is facing trial for allegedly impersonating the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Segun Aina.

Justice Salim Ibrahim, in a ruling on Thursday, admitted Nwogba to bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.

The judge held that the alleged offence was bailable and not a capital offence, while noting that Nwogba had indicated through his bail application that he would not abscond and would make himself available for trial.

The court, however, attached stringent conditions to the bail.

One of the sureties must be a Federal Government civil servant not below Grade Level 14, while both sureties must reside within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The judge further directed that one of the sureties must reside in Asokoro, Maitama or Guzape.

Each surety is required to swear an affidavit of means and submit a tax clearance certificate covering the previous two years.

The court also ordered Nwogba and the sureties to submit photocopies of their National Identification slips.

The court registrar was directed to verify the bail documents and issue a report, with the prosecution also required to participate in the verification process.

Importantly, the ruling does not mean Nwogba walks out of custody immediately. He is to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are perfected.

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The case has been adjourned until October 19, 2026, for commencement of trial.

Nwogba is being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police on a six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/612/2026.

The police allege that he impersonated Professor Aina by using the JAMB registrar’s photograph on WhatsApp and Truecaller, allegedly with the intention of obtaining financial advantage.

According to the prosecution, a petition was submitted to the Inspector-General of Police over a suspected criminal operation involving the unauthorised use of the registrar’s name, photograph and telephone number to deceive members of the public.

The police alleged that the suspects also used LinkedIn and WhatsApp to approach prospective victims with purported government contracts.

In one alleged scheme, the impersonators reportedly claimed that the Federal Ministry of Education had approved the supply of 200 HP laptops as part of a digitisation programme.

The prosecution alleged that prospective beneficiaries were subsequently asked to make payments, including N900,000 described as an initial “handshake” and another N3 million purportedly for officials of the ministry.

The police said Nwogba was arrested in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, during investigations into the alleged impersonation.

The prosecution further alleged that Nwogba used the operational name Dr Stephen Igwe and admitted forwarding bank account details to a relative allegedly connected with the fraudulent operation.

Another alleged member of the operation, identified by the police as Nnabuife Nwekpa, is said to be at large.

Nwogba pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge and remains presumed innocent unless and until the prosecution proves the allegations against him in court.

The bail ruling therefore allows him an opportunity to secure his release pending trial, but only after satisfying the conditions imposed by the court.

Court Grants Alleged Fake JAMB Registrar N50m Bail, Sets Strict Conditions

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NESREA to Honour Lagos Baale After Dramatic Rescue of Endangered Sea Turtle

Published

4 hours ago

October 8, 2026

Trends Admin

NESREA to Honour Lagos Baale After Dramatic Rescue of Endangered Sea Turtle

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) is set to honour the Baale of Okun Igando in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye, after he intervened to save a large sea turtle from being killed by fishermen.

The development followed the rescue of the marine animal after it became entangled in a fishing net along the coastline of the community.

The fishermen reportedly initially believed they had caught a large fish. However, the situation changed after the Baale intervened and stopped attempts to kill or sell the animal.

Chief Jejelaiye urged the fishermen and other residents to release the turtle, while explaining the importance of protecting endangered and threatened marine species.

The fishermen, with the assistance of other community members, carefully freed the animal from the net and returned it alive to the Atlantic Ocean.

The rescue attracted widespread attention after footage of the incident circulated online, with many Nigerians commending the community for choosing to protect the animal rather than kill it.

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NESREA has subsequently commended the Baale and the local fishing community for their intervention, describing the rescue as an example of grassroots environmental conservation.

The agency is expected to issue a Letter of Commendation to Chief Jejelaiye in recognition of his role in preventing harm to the marine animal and promoting wildlife protection within the community.

The incident has also renewed attention to the challenges facing sea turtles in Nigeria, particularly along the Lagos coastline.

Sea turtles are exposed to several threats, including accidental capture in fishing nets, destruction of nesting habitats, pollution, illegal hunting and human consumption.

Conservation efforts in the Ibeju-Lekki area have previously focused on educating fishing communities about the importance of protecting sea turtles and finding ways to reduce conflicts between conservation and fishing activities.

The latest rescue also highlights the role that traditional rulers and coastal communities can play in protecting endangered wildlife.

NESREA, which is responsible for enforcing Nigeria’s environmental laws and regulations, has continued to advocate stronger community participation in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

The rescued turtle was identified in reports as a leatherback sea turtle, one of the largest living turtle species. Leatherback turtles face serious threats globally from fishing gear, habitat loss, pollution and other human activities.

The successful release of the turtle back into the ocean has been described as a positive example of what can happen when local communities respond quickly to protect threatened wildlife.

The development is also expected to strengthen calls for greater awareness among fishermen and residents of Nigeria’s coastal communities on how to safely handle marine animals accidentally caught in fishing nets.

For Okun Igando, the intervention by the Baale has turned what could have been the death of a rare marine animal into a notable wildlife conservation success story.