Kaduna train attackers invaded Kuje prison to free high-profile terrorists - Sources - Newstrends
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Kaduna train attackers invaded Kuje prison to free high-profile terrorists – Sources

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The Kuje prison in Abuja was attacked on Tuesday by the terrorists who bombed the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28 in order to set their members free, credible source said on Wednesday.

Daily Trust quoted one of the sources as saying the terrorists attacked the facility and freed their high-profile members because their plan to use the abducted passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna train in exchange for their members was not yielding any result as the federal government was adamant.

He said the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre was brought down using explosive devices that gave them easy access.

The source said in addition to the request for the release of their young children by the federal government in exchange for the Kaduna bound train captives, the terrorists, loyal to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), also demanded the release of some terrorists held in Kuje and some facilities.

“They discovered that their demands would not be met and therefore, they set out for full scale war,” he said.

He said they were also planning to attack the Special Tactical Squad (STS), formerly the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) headquarters in Abuja which they attacked in 2012.

‘Intelligence ignored’

Another source said vital intelligence provided by relevant agencies was ignored by those that matter, a development that gave the terrorists unfettered access to the Kuje facility around 10.30pm.

Apart from warders at the Kuje prison, there was a task force comprising the military, police, SSS and civil defence guarding the place because high profile criminals were kept there, he said.

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“Sadly there are moles everywhere and therefore, even though the security operatives were alerted, the terrorists had their way,” he said.

“And that is why they perpetrated the nefarious act with precision. Some of them distracted attention of the security operatives by detonating many explosives outside the facility after destroying the main entrance, which gave a different group task with the responsibility of bringing out their members unfettered access.

“Those that gained access went straight to the cells where the Boko Haram members were incarcerated and set them free…There was no serious resistance,” he said.

The invaders reportedly used dynamites and destroyed the heavily fortified facility, including the Central Terrorism Unit (CTU), freeing all the terrorists there.

“Those freed would definitely unsettle Nigeria’s security architecture; they would disrupt peace unless something is done.

“And as you can see, the VIP section was not compromised because those incarcerated there were not their targets,” he said.

Another source said, “The attack at night was deliberate because they know we don’t have the capacity to resist invasion at night.

“They shepherded their members overnight and disappeared,” he said.

‘2 police operatives nabbed’

Daily Trust gathered that two police officers have been arrested after their communication with some of the escapees was intercepted.

“Two of the terrorists that escaped called a police investigation officer (IPO) in one of our stations and spoke to him in a compromising manner…They are now being investigated to know their level of complicity,” he said.

Other attacks loom

It was learnt that the terrorists were planning a deliberate and massive attack on the military detention facility in Kainji as well as the prisons in Bida and Minna.

“What they want to achieve is to set free members of the terrorist organisation who are detained in those facilities.

“They are planning to do this on Sallah day and unless something is done, it will come to pass,” he said.

I shared intelligence with govt – Negotiator

Mallam Tukur Mamu, a Kaduna-based newspaper publisher who has played an intermediary role with the train attackers said they hinted about the Tuesday night jailbreak.

He made the claim Wednesday in a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna.

Mamu said he had shared intelligence reports with authorities concerned but they allegedly failed to act on the information.

The publisher frowned at the failure of the government to respond to the group’s threat.

“I can confirm without doubt that the Kuje Correctional Centre attack was executed and coordinated by the same group that attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound train because they gave indications of imminent attacks to that effect which I shared.

“For the records, they requested for the release of 51 of their members. But through the power of dialogue and engagement, I was able to single-handedly scaled that number to only 10 and communicated with audio backing the development to the relevant authorities.

“There was an unnecessary delay on giving them even a precise feedback by the government and now they have not only succeeded in carrying out another successful attack that indicts the nature of our intelligence and capacity to respond promptly but have also succeeded in releasing dozens of their members, which would have been averted if actions has been taken to give them only 10 and secure the release of the train victims,” Mamu said.

“In all this risky, painful and frustrating engagement, which government is yet to acknowledge and appreciate, I have more than 100 documented audios that I shared with the relevant authorities. For the purpose of this important press release and to authenticate my claims, I will also share four of the latest audios,” he said.

ISWAP claims attack, releases video

ISWAP Wednesday night claimed responsibility for the jailbreak.

The group had previously claimed responsibility for attacks on police and other facilities in nearby areas of Suleja and Kogi State.

In a statement posted on the Islamic State media channel, Amaq, the group stated: “Islamic State fighters invaded a government prison in Kuje, a suburb of Abuja, the Nigerian capital, where they destroyed the perimeter fence and successfully freed tens of prisoners, yesterday”.

The IS media platform later released a 33-second video with the sound of explosives and heavy gunshots. The attackers were jubilating and chanting Allahu Akbar.

Part of the video showed raging fire-consuming vehicles and parts of the building.

However, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) said that only four inmates were killed, 16 injured, while 443 escaped from the facility.

The corrections also dispelled the media report (not by Daily Trust) that DCP Abba Kyari and other prominent inmates have escaped, saying they are presently in custody, hale and hearty.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the correction, Umar Abubakar, said a total of 879 inmates escaped from the facility during the attack.

“As at the time of this report, 443 have been recaptured, 551 inmates are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to recapture all fleeing inmates.

“As at the time of the attack, we have 38 military personnel on ground in addition to the personnel of the Nigerian Police, Civil Defence, DSS, NSCDC and our Armed Squad. This is the minister’s efforts to rejig the security architecture of our facilities. The public is also informed that some of the attackers were killed while some escaped with gunshot wounds. We, therefore, appeal to hospitals and other medical institutions and practitioners to report anyone that comes to them for treatment for gunshot injuries to the nearest law enforcement agency,” the agency stated.

On his part, the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, has said that all suspected Boko Haram members detained in the facility have escaped.

Speaking during an assessment tour, he said the facility was attacked around 10:30pm on Tuesday.

“The prison is accommodating about 994 inmates and over 600 escaped. Many people have been recaptured and brought back to the prison. Maybe by the close of the day, more will have been captured and returned.

“I think everything is under control. The people who came to do this activity, from the records, we believe they belong to a particular group. Most likely, they are Boko Haram members because we have a sizeable number of Boko Haram suspects in detention, and presently we cannot locate any of them.

“I think they are about 64 in the prison and none of them now is available they have all escaped, “he said.

Also, during his visit, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, directed traditional rulers in Kuje to work with relevant security operatives to apprehend all the escapees from the Kuje minimum correctional facility.

Malam Bello, who was at the facility Wednesday for an on-the-spot assessment, called on the Gomo of Kuje, Haruna Tanko Jibrin, to summon all traditional chiefs in Kuje Area Council to work with security agencies to fish out the escaped inmates from the communities.

While calling on members of the communities to provide appropriate intelligence to the security agencies to enable them to do their work, the minister expressed confidence that, with maximum cooperation from them, all those who escaped would be traced, found and brought back since no one could go into any community and blend without being spotted by members of such community.

DAILY TRUST

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US Intensifies Military Training for Nigerian Troops in Bauchi

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August 25, 2026

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US Intensifies Military Training for Nigerian Troops in Bauchi

US Intensifies Military Training for Nigerian Troops in Bauchi

American forces have intensified military training for Nigerian troops in unmanned aircraft systems, combat casualty care, and other critical battlefield skills as part of a broader security cooperation mission aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s operational capacity against terrorism and other security threats.

The training is being conducted at Operating Location Bauchi in Bauchi State, with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirming that the exercises are designed to share military expertise, strengthen partner capacity, and build relationships between service members from both nations. According to AFRICOM, the programme covers Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care instruction, weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics, and unmanned aircraft systems training. Captain Gabriel Feingold, a logistics officer assigned to the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, and operations officer at Operating Location Bauchi, explained that the training programme was developed based on areas Nigerian commanders identified as beneficial. “We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them,” Feingold said.

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Unmanned aircraft systems generated particular interest among Nigerian forces, with Sergeant Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, leading approximately 10 members of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces Regiment through the training. The session began with about 45 minutes of classroom instruction before the Nigerian personnel received hands-on training on operating the aircraft. Murphy also taught the participants techniques for employing unmanned aircraft systems and incorporating intelligence gathered through the platforms into military operations. “They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,” Murphy said, adding that the Nigerian personnel expressed interest in receiving further training on the system.

Beyond technical and operational skills, the joint exercises have created opportunities for American and Nigerian service members to build relationships and improve interoperability. Feingold noted that the interactions were particularly valuable at the lower levels of both forces. “It helps build relationships between Soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels,” he said. According to AFRICOM, US and Nigerian personnel also participate in basketball and volleyball when operational commitments and weather permit, providing additional opportunities to strengthen their relationship. Sergeant Murphy observed that the training made interaction easier, saying, “Now it’s a lot easier to interact with them. They come up, they say hi to me, they talk about the training that we did.”

The Bauchi training represents a continuation of the broader US-Nigeria security partnership. In July 2026, AFRICOM disclosed that the US had withdrawn most troops deployed to Nigeria for a specific counterterrorism operation, while retaining an intelligence-sharing and security cooperation arrangement with the Nigerian military. The US has approximately 200 military personnel and several MQ-9 Reaper drones at the Bauchi airbase for training, intelligence, and support functions in the fight against jihadist militants in northern Nigeria. Additional training opportunities are being developed at Operating Location Bauchi as both sides continue identifying areas where their personnel can share expertise and train together.

US Intensifies Military Training for Nigerian Troops in Bauchi

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Awujale: Fusengbuwa Ruling House sues Abiodun, kingmakers over stalled selection

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August 25, 2026

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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun

Awujale: Fusengbuwa Ruling House sues Abiodun, kingmakers over stalled selection

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has taken Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the state government and members of the Awujale Afobaje/Kingmakers Council to court over the stalled process of selecting the next Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland.

The suit, filed at the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode, is seeking judicial orders compelling the relevant authorities to allow the succession process to resume and be completed in accordance with the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.

The case, dated August 21, 2026, was filed by the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Abdulateef Owoyemi; Deputy Chairman, Adedokun Ajidagba; and Vice Chairman, Prof Fassy Yusuf.

The defendants include Governor Abiodun; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN); the Ogun State Executive Council; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat; the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government; and its chairman, Dare Alebiosu.

Nine members of the Awujale Afobaje/Kingmakers Council are also named as defendants. They are Sonny Kuku, Rasheed Adesanya, Oluwaranti Osifeso, Jimi Lawal, Abimbola Okenla, Kunle Ogunade, Agboola Alausa, Adebisi Adaran and Ayotunde Odulaja.

The legal dispute stems from the prolonged process of finding a successor to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 after a 65-year reign.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House maintains that the succession process was properly initiated after Ijebu-Ode Local Government notified it on December 2, 2025, that it was its turn to produce a candidate under the rotational arrangement governing the Awujale stool.

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The family subsequently held its nomination meeting on January 12, 2026, which it said was within the 14-day period prescribed by Section 16 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.

According to the claimants, 95 princes and princesses were nominated during the exercise, with the completed list forwarded to the nine-member kingmakers’ council on January 19, 2026.

The ruling house contends that the submission of the list marked the completion of its statutory responsibility and paved the way for the kingmakers to commence the next stage of the process — selecting a preferred candidate from the nominees.

However, the claimants allege that the kingmakers were prevented from meeting less than 24 hours after receiving the nomination list.

They alleged that police officers entered the Awujale Palace after midnight on January 20, 2026, and locked the premises, thereby preventing the kingmakers from convening to continue the selection process.

The ruling house is now asking the High Court to determine whether the Ogun State Government had the legal authority to order or facilitate the alleged closure of the palace and prevent the kingmakers from carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

It also wants the court to determine whether the state government had the power under the Ogun State chieftaincy law to suspend the nomination or selection process for the Awujale stool.

The claimants further argue that the ruling house had fully complied with its legal obligation after completing its nomination exercise within the prescribed period.

They are asking the court to determine whether the kingmakers, after receiving the 95-name nomination list, became legally obligated under Sections 16(1)(e) and (f) of the law to select a candidate and forward the name to the Ogun State Executive Council.

The ruling house is also relying on Section 22 of the law in asking the court to determine whether the Executive Council is required to act on a candidate selected and presented by the kingmakers.

The claimants are seeking a declaration that they should not be compelled to reopen, repeat or recommence the nomination exercise after completing it in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

They are also asking the court to declare that the Awujale kingmakers must proceed with the selection of a candidate from the submitted list and forward the name to the appropriate government authority.

Among the reliefs sought is an order directing the kingmakers to reconvene within seven days of judgment and complete the selection process.

The ruling house is further seeking an injunction restraining the Ogun State Government and security agencies from interfering with the succession process.

It wants the court to declare the alleged locking of the Awujale Palace unlawful, ultra vires the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021, and contrary to the claimants’ right to fair hearing.

The legal action follows an earlier decision by the state government to suspend the succession exercise amid concerns over security, alleged bribery and financial inducement.

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House, however, disputes the basis for those concerns and says no evidence or formal petition substantiating the allegations was presented to it.

The claimants further contend that investigations by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) did not establish wrongdoing by the ruling house.

The dispute has already affected planned engagements between the kingmakers and prospective candidates. The selection process was halted after security authorities became involved, while aspirants were subsequently directed to appear before the DSS for screening.

The case now places the respective powers and responsibilities of the ruling house, Awujale kingmakers and Ogun State Government before the court.

Counsel for the claimants, led by Olusegun Otayemi, argued in the originating summons that the state’s chieftaincy law establishes a sequential process involving nomination, selection and approval, which should be followed once the process has been validly commenced.

The ruling house is therefore asking the court to clarify whether any government authority has the power to interrupt the statutory process after the relevant stages have been completed.

The outcome of the case could determine the future of the current Awujale succession process, including whether the 95-name nomination list remains valid and whether the kingmakers can proceed with the selection of a successor to Oba Adetona.

It could also provide judicial clarification on how the provisions of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law 2021 should be applied in the appointment of the next Awujale.

The case adds a significant legal dimension to the prolonged search for a successor to one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional rulers, as stakeholders in Ijebuland await further developments from the court.

Awujale: Fusengbuwa Ruling House sues Abiodun, kingmakers over stalled selection

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“He Must Be Mad” — Oyedepo Slams Sheikh Jingir Over Claim Nigeria Is an Islamic Nation

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August 25, 2026

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"He Must Be Mad" — Oyedepo Slams Sheikh Jingir Over Claim Nigeria Is an Islamic Nation
Bishop David Oyedepo and Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir

“He Must Be Mad” — Oyedepo Slams Sheikh Jingir Over Claim Nigeria Is an Islamic Nation

Living Faith Church founder rejects Islamic nation assertion as Islamic cleric denies hate speech allegations and maintains support for Muslim-Muslim ticket

Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, has strongly rejected suggestions that Nigeria is an Islamic nation, describing anyone who holds such a view as “mad.” The cleric made the comment during his Sunday service, weighing in on the ongoing debate over Nigeria’s religious identity that has intensified ahead of the 2027 general election. “Watch Redemption Camp, watch Salvation Ministries, watch Dunamis watch various churches in Nigeria and somebody will stand and say Nigeria is an Islamic nation. Is he mad? Yes, he must be mad,” Oyedepo said. To back his position, the bishop cited the scale and visibility of major Christian churches across the country, arguing that their large congregations and nationwide activities undercut any claim that Nigeria is an Islamic state. Oyedepo further stirred attention with a cryptic prediction, declaring that “there shall be strange happenings between now and the next 12 months in Nigeria,” without elaborating on what this would entail.

Oyedepo’s comments came in response to remarks attributed to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS). Jingir had spoken at a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, where he publicly declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential race. At the event, Jingir reportedly argued that Muslims constitute the majority in Nigeria and maintained that the country belongs to Muslims. “My candidate is Bola Ahmad Bola Tinubu. The President selected a Muslim as his vice. I am one of those who called people to support the Muslim-Muslim ticket,” Jingir was quoted as saying. He further stated: “I know some non-Muslims don’t like the word Muslim-Muslim. As a Muslim who preaches Islam, if I support Muslim-Muslim, what is my offence? What have I done wrong? I don’t stop anyone who believes or supports another candidate from doing the same.”

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Amid the growing backlash, Jingir has denied claims that he harbours hatred towards Christians, describing such allegations as “mere lies” and insisting that his recent comments were misunderstood. The Islamic cleric made the clarification while speaking at a one-day national symposium in Jos themed “Enhanced Political Participation and Social Justice as a Panacea for Unity and Development in Nigeria.” “A lot of people are saying I dislike Christians. I didn’t say I dislike Christians. It is a lie. My remarks were misinterpreted. Leadership in Islam is not about cheating people of different faiths. Islam teaches us to share love with people of different faiths or sects,” Jingir said. He explained that Islam promotes love, fairness and justice, regardless of religious affiliation, adding that Muslims would be held accountable for mistreating non-Muslims. The cleric further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors and other political leaders to govern with fairness and justice, regardless of religious or political differences. “I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to cheat non-Muslims and Muslims alike. I also call on you not to cheat those who are not in the same political party with you. You should lead with justice and fairness to all Nigerians,” he said.

Jingir also defended Nigerians’ right to support candidates of their choice during elections, saying, “Everyone has the right to vote for whoever he feels is okay with him to vote for during an election.” He cited his support for a Christian governorship candidate in Plateau State as evidence that his political choices were not motivated by religious hatred. “Everyone has the right to vote for whoever he feels is okay with him to vote for during an election. I have once voted for a non-Muslim as governor in Plateau State, and I voted for him against another Christian contestant, whom I felt would not do justice to all manner of people, including Muslims,” he said.

Oyedepo’s public rebuke adds another prominent religious voice to an increasingly sensitive debate over religion, political representation and national identity as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify. Critics have accused Jingir of using his religious position to influence political choices and deepen religious divisions ahead of the 2027 elections. The timing of the remarks makes them particularly sensitive as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election, with political actors already positioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral contest.

“He Must Be Mad” — Oyedepo Slams Sheikh Jingir Over Claim Nigeria Is an Islamic Nation

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