Governors of the South-West states on Monday held a closed-door meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The meeting was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who is also the Chairman of the regional forum.
Others included Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and the host governor, Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
Channels Television reports that the venue of the meeting is the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, where Makinde’s office is situated.
Although it is unclear why the emergency meeting was called, it may, however, not be unconnected with the security situation in the country where bandits have abducted some schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states, as well as some worshippers in a church in Kwara State.
Sources said the governors would deliberate on the security threats, fast-track infrastructural development, and strengthen regional integration under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN).
They are also expected to review ongoing collaborative security initiatives, including the operations of the Amotekun Corps, with a view to enhancing its capacity amid emerging challenges. (Channels)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, slammed the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tanimu Turaki, over his call on United States President Donald Trump to intervene in Nigeria’s political affairs.
This was as the police on Wednesday sealed the national secretariat of the PDP in Abuja over the party’s violent leadership tussle.
While receiving board members of the South-South Development Commission, led by its chairman, Chibudom Nwuche, at his office on Wednesday, Wike said Turaki’s statements posed a threat to national security and accused his PDP faction of ignoring court rulings, which he described as an act of impunity.
Turaki had on Tuesday called on Trump and other advanced democracies to “save Nigeria’s democracy”, following a confrontation between rival PDP factions at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Turaki said democracy was under threat in Nigeria, in addition to alleged Christian genocide.
But speaking on Wednesday, Wike said Turaki ought to have been invited for questioning by security agencies.
He said, “Look at a threat to national security. You are calling Trump to come and save your democracy when you cannot obey a simple court judgment. Simple court judgment: don’t do this until you have done this. Now you are turning it around against a government. What is their business? You cannot keep your house in order; you are blaming an outsider for not keeping your house in order. Who does that?”
He further questioned Turaki’s claim of genocide and noted that security agencies had not investigated the matter.
“You come out and make a statement on national television to say, look, it is not only killing—genocide against Christians. And where are the security agencies? For somebody to make such a statement, you won’t invite them to come and give facts. But if it is Wike—kill him!” he added.
Meanwhile, police on Wednesday sealed the PDP national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
Officers mounted a barbed-wire barricade across the main entrance, saying the order came “from above” but declining to provide further details.
Efforts to reach the FCT Police Command spokesperson were unsuccessful.
The sealing of the secretariat followed a day of heightened tensions at the venue amid a leadership tussle between rival PDP factions.
Confusion erupted on Tuesday after two conflicting notices were issued for a National Executive Committee meeting—one by expelled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the other by Turaki.
Each faction claimed legitimacy, resulting in a standoff.
Following the confrontation, Turaki, accompanied by governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, accused Wike of instigating the unrest and called for international attention to what he described as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic process. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons across the country, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties.
The directive was issued during a security meeting the president held on Sunday in Abuja with service chiefs and the director-general of the Department of State Services.
According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs requiring protection will now be assigned armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of the police.
“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult.
“In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities,” the statement read.
Onanuga also disclosed that the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel and that the Federal Government is working with states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.
Those in attendance at Sunday’s meeting included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.
The withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs comes amid long-standing concerns over the overstretching of Nigeria’s police force.
Several reports have highlighted that more than 100,000 police officers are assigned to politicians, businessmen, and other VIPs. (Punch)
Fifty of the more than 300 children abducted by bandits from the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Niger State, have escaped their captors.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, adding that they escaped between Friday and Saturday.
“We have received some good news as fifty pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents,” said Daniel Atori, the media aide to CAN Chairman in Niger State, Most. Rev. Bulus Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese.
“The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents as they could not return to the school after they escaped. We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents,” the statement read.
“Note that, in the primary section out of the total number of 430 pupils we have in the school, 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non boarders.
“Currently, aside the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away. As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another three children who belong to our staff, 14 Secondary students making a total 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors.”
He stated that Bishop Yohanna who is also the Proprietor of the school and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese gave the update.
He also called for calm, seeking prayers for the successful rescue of the remaining victims.
“As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.
“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.”
In a statement by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev Fr. Jatau Joseph, on Sunday, the diocese also released the names of the children who escaped.
Over 300 students were abducted when terrorists invaded the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in the Agwarra local government area of Niger State.
Although initial report said 227 people were taken against their will on Friday, CAN put the total number of victims abducted by suspected terrorists at 315.
Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, gave the update after a verification exercise and a final census was carried out.
A breakdown of newly released data showed that 303 students and 12 teachers were affected.
Yohanna said, “After we left the school at Papiri, we decided to make calls, do a verification exercise, and do further enquiries on those we had thought escaped successfully, only to discover that 88 more students were also captured after they tried to escape.
“Our attention was drawn to when some parents whose children we had thought escaped from the attack also came asking about their children. We became curious, and that was when we did a census and discovered that they were abducted.” (Channnels)
Tension has gripped Niger State after terrorists launched a midnight assault on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri Community of Agwara Local Government Area, abducting an unconfirmed number of students and staff.
Details remain unclear, but according to Daily Trust, multiple sources said that several students were taken during the late-night raid, PUNCH Online had earlier reported.
Fear and uncertainty now hang over the community as families await official updates.
A source from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the incident, explaining that the school was still trying to determine the exact number of victims.
“Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” he said.
When contacted, the Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would provide details later.
However, the Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack via telephone, revealing that the terrorists struck in the early hours of Friday morning.
He said the “attackers invaded the school between 2am and 3am, adding that the actual number of abducted students and staff had yet to be determined as authorities continue their assessments.”
Arise TV in a separate report on Friday said 52 students were abducted.
The assault comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening nationwide concerns over worsening insecurity in schools across the North.
The crisis deepened further on Thursday when over 50 schools were shut down in four Kwara State local government areas due to rampaging bandits.
As the situation escalates, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the national response to the deepening security challenges.
Meanwhile, the State Governor, Umar Bago, has also confirmed the incident via his official Facebook handle on Friday.
It was detailed in a statement titled, “Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of pupils in Papiri area in Agwara Local Government, Reiterates Earlier Security Directive.”
“The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area.
“The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation,” the release noted.
It was e-signed by the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman.
In February 2021, PUNCH Online reported that no fewer than 42 people, including 27 students, were kidnapped when bandits attacked Government Science Secondary School, Kagara, in Niger State.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has denounced the midnight attack on St. Mary’s School, issuing a Friday statement through its Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Jatau Luka Joseph.
According to the Diocese, the armed men stormed the school at midnight, shooting a security personnel and abducting several members of the school community.
The Bishop assured the public that the Diocese is working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to ensure the safe return of all victims.
Appealing for calm, the Diocese urged residents to support ongoing rescue efforts and called for collective prayers for the swift recovery of those taken.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children and said additional updates would be released as credible information emerges.
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all danger,” the statement read partly. (Punch)
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that a soldier on duty in the Imota area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, died after being attacked by a mentally unstable individual.
The incident occurred on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at around 4:00 pm while the soldier was deployed for internal security duties.
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 81 Division Nigerian Army, Musa Yahaya in a statement on Tuesday, disclosed that the soldier was attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation when the attacker struck him on the head with a heavy log, causing severe injuries.
“On November 16, 2025, at about 4:00 pm, one of the soldiers deployed for internal security duty in the Imota area of Ikorodu while attempting to de-escalate a chaotic situation was attacked by a mentally unstable individual.
“The attacker struck the soldier on the head with a heavy log, causing severe injury,”
It was stated that other soldiers at the scene quickly brought the situation under control, neutralising the attacker and recovering the soldier’s weapon.
The injured soldier was said to be rushed to Ikorodu General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“The situation was swiftly brought under control by other soldiers at the scene, who neutralised the attacker and recovered the soldiers’ weapon.
“The injured soldier was evacuated to Ikorodu General Hospital where he was pronounced dead,” the statement added.
The army said the deceased soldier was later buried according to Islamic rites in a ceremony attended by the Acting Commanding Officer and other officers of the unit.
The army has expressed condolences to the family and friends of the late soldier. It was stated that an investigation into the incident has been instituted, and the army urged the public to exercise caution and report suspicious activities. “
“The 81 Division Nigerian Army has conveyed condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased soldier.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and appreciate his service to the nation,” the statement concluded. (Punch)
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Kebbi State to meet with the state government and families of schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, by gunmen.
The aircraft conveying the Shettima landed at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi.
He was accompanied by the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, and other government officials.
The VP had departed Abuja for Kebbi on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He is expected to convey Tinubu’s message to the people of the state, as well as receive a briefing on the situation for onward communication to the President.
The attack on the Kebbi school claimed the life of the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, who was reportedly killed while trying to prevent the bandits from taking the girls away.
The police said on Monday that a combined tactical team were deployed to comb the forest in a bid to rescue the girls.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and commiserated with the families of those affected.
He also postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg in South Africa and Luanda, Angola, to attend the 20th G20 Summit of leaders and the 7th AU-EU Summit, respectively. (Channels)
The Kwara State Government, on Wednesday, directed the closure of schools across four local government areas amid escalating insecurity in the affected communities.
The government’s decision was disclosed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kwara State Wing, on Wednesday. In a circular issued on Wednesday and obtained by The PUNCH, the NUT Chairman, Yusuf Agboola, announced the shutdown of schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs.
Agboola explained that the union was acting strictly on instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development after the government raised concerns over fresh security threats in Kwara South.
“Comrade chairmen, this is to inform you and through you, all schools in the above local governments of the instruction to close down all schools with immediate effect until further notice,” the circular read.
“This decision was occasioned by the security challenges ravaging the area and the efforts of the government to control the situation. Treat this information as important and with the urgency it deserves, as it emanated from the ministry.”
He assured school heads and teachers that further directives would be communicated as the situation evolves.
On Wednesday, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq also announced plans to seek the establishment of a Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, following Tuesday night’s deadly bandit attack on a church in the community, which left three worshippers dead and over 35 abducted.
The governor, who visited Eruku for an on-the-spot assessment, disclosed that he had spoken with the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the urgent security upgrade needed in the crisis-hit area.
“We will speak with the GOC to see that we have a Forward Operating Base in Eruku to enhance security here and also talk to the Inspector General of Police about establishing a mobile squadron here,” Abdulrazaq said.
“It is indeed unfortunate what happened yesterday despite all the effort we have been making. Our main purpose here is to commiserate with the people of the community. All the security agencies are on this. The President had to cancel his trip to the G-20 because of this incident and that of Kebbi State. So the President is aware and we are on top of the situation,” he added.
For many residents, the governor’s visit came after a harrowing night of fear, bloodshed, and unanswered pleas for help.
One of the victims, Adesuyi Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were among those abducted, recounted the horror.
“They took my wife and our granddaughter, who were in the church, along with about 30 other people. At first, we thought the gunshots were knockouts, but the sound changed. By the time we mobilised ourselves to confront the attackers, it was too late,” he said.
He accused security agents, especially the police, of worsening the situation instead of assisting the community.
“We have soldiers around this place. We also have a police station, but nothing was done throughout the attack.
“When we were pursuing the bandits, the police started shooting from their gate. We thought it was the bandits again. When we got to the station, they tear-gassed us and allowed the attackers to escape,” he alleged.
Another youth leader, Shola Peters, also accused the police of failing the community despite benefitting from local support.
“These are the same police officers the town supported. We built houses for the DPO and the men. When we needed them most, they failed us.
“Instead of joining us to pursue the bandits, they stopped us. The Inspector General needs to probe the Eruku division. All they do here is harass young boys and tag them as Yahoo boys or cultists.
“We need the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General to come and probe the police. We don’t want them again. Let the government give us guns; we can protect ourselves.”
He added that despite having only “a Dane gun and one pump-action,” the youths confronted the armed attackers.
“Their firepower was too much. They came with AK-49 rifles and machine guns.”
Speaking earlier with The PUNCH, the President Pastor of the attacked church, Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, said the congregation was holding a thanksgiving service for 18 kidnapped residents freed last week when the bandits struck.
“We are doing Thanksgiving service for the 18 people who were kidnapped three weeks ago, and all of them were rescued. We were thanking God for their safe return, not knowing that danger was lurking around.
“The incident happened unexpectedly and so fast. They came in and surrounded the church, shooting sporadically. Some who ran outside were shot from a tree, which one of the bandits climbed.
“In the pandemonium, three people died on the spot, and about 35 church members were kidnapped. We need government assistance. This attack is the first of its kind in Kwara State in a church.”
The Ekiti LGA Christian Association of Nigeria Coordinator, Pastor Kenneth Adigoke, expressed deep concern, warning that the attack could be interpreted as an assault on the Christian community.
“This attack is just like a direct assault on the Christian community and the body of Christ.
“Look at the situation that happened yesterday, they entered the church and killed three people on the spot, and kidnapped about 35. If they said there is genocide against the church or the Christian community, it can be justified.
“People are not happy. We want the government to handle this insecurity issue dispassionately, and we believe that with prayers, the issue will be tackled.” (Punch)
The Federal Government has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death penalty on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his conviction on seven counts of terrorism on Thursday.
Justice James Omotosho, while delivering the judgment, ruled that the prosecution had proved its case against Kanu beyond reasonable doubt, finding him guilty on all seven charges.
Immediately after the conviction was pronounced, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to impose the maximum penalty prescribed under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Awomolo reminded the court that the law mandates a death sentence for several of the offences Kanu was convicted of.
“My Lord, consequent upon the conviction, nothing further remains but the lawful imposition of sentence. The punishment prescribed for the offences in Counts One, Two, Four, Five and Six, pursuant to Section 12H of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013, is death,” Awomolo submitted.
“With all sense of humility, I say as a prosecutor that this court has no discretion in that regard. The only sentence Your Lordship can impose for Counts One, Two, Four, Five and Six is death, because the law empowers you to do so, and we expect that you will.”
Afterwards, the judge announced a recess, stating that the court would reconvene at 3:50 p.m.
Justice Omotoso is expected to announce the sentencing decision after considering the submissions of both parties. (Channels)
Tension has engulfed the Maga community in Kebbi State after terrorists launched a deadly pre-dawn attack on the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, reportedly abducting 25 students and killing a staff member.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi, the armed attackers, wielding sophisticated weapons, invaded the school at about 4:00 am and opened fire as they forced their way in.
“The police tactical units deployed in the school engaged them in a gun duel,” the PPRO said. “Unfortunately, the suspected bandits had already scaled through the fence of the school and abducted twenty-five students from their hostel to an unknown destination.”
He confirmed that one staff member, Hassan Makuku, was shot dead, while another, Ali Shehu, sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand.
Following the attack, Abubakar said the command swiftly deployed additional police tactical squads alongside military personnel and local vigilantes to track the movement of the terrorists and rescue the abducted girls.
“They are currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students and possibly arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” he said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, had reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
“The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering determination to safeguard the people of Kebbi State,” Abubakar stated. “He appeals to the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue supporting police operations to maintain peace and stability.”
Also confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, said the state government was closely monitoring developments.
“The exact number of abducted students is still being verified,” Idris told our correspondent.
“The deputy governor, Senator Umar Tafida, has been dispatched to the school to assess the situation on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris, who is currently out of the state.”
He assured residents that the government was working hand-in-hand with security agencies to secure the safe return of the students and restore normalcy to the community.
Parents and residents of Maga remain in anguish as they await further updates on the fate of the abducted girls.
In June 2021, bandits abducted some students of Federal Government Girls College, Birnin Yauri, Kebbi State.
Seven months later in January 2022, the gunmen freed 30 students and a teacher after months of captivity, according to a local official. (Punch)
English