Security

By Uzair Adam 

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has disclosed that he rejected a N300 million ransom demand made by kidnappers who abducted his brothers in 2019, insisting that paying criminals would only encourage further kidnappings.

The governor made the revelation on Thursday while speaking at the ARISE News and THISDAY Town Hall Conference in Abuja, where he also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

Recounting the incident, Lawal said the abductors demanded N300 million for the release of his brothers, but he refused to negotiate or pay any ransom.

“My own brothers were kidnapped in 2019, and these criminals were demanding about N300 million. I said, ‘I’m not going to pay a dime. If you like, go and kill them.'”

He explained that despite his refusal to meet the kidnappers’ demand, his brothers were eventually freed after spending about three months in captivity.

The governor said the experience strengthened his belief that ransom payments only empower criminal groups and encourage more abductions.

“By the time we continue to pay ransom to these people, we are encouraging them to keep kidnapping more and more people,” he said.

Lawal maintained that he would never negotiate with criminals or reward them financially, regardless of the circumstances.

“I will not negotiate, and I will not pay ransom to any criminal, no matter what happens.”

The governor made the remarks while advocating the creation of state police, arguing that governors cannot be held fully accountable for security when they lack operational control over security agencies in their states.

He noted that although governors are regarded as chief security officers of their states, they have no constitutional authority to direct the operations of the police and other security agencies.

“In as much as I am being called the chief security officer of the state, I don’t have the command and control structure to determine what happens or give instructions to some of these security officers,” he said.

According to Lawal, the current arrangement places governors in a difficult position because they are blamed for insecurity despite lacking the authority to coordinate security operations.

He stressed that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of every government, adding that meaningful development cannot be achieved without adequate security.

“Why is it difficult for people to understand that my primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property, and I don’t have that control? How do you hold me accountable?” he asked.

Lawal argued that establishing state police would improve accountability, as governors would have direct oversight of security operations and could be judged by residents based on their performance.

He added that state governments would also be better positioned to recruit, equip, train and fund security personnel according to their unique security needs.

The governor further observed that the Nigeria Police Force continues to face challenges such as inadequate funding, poor welfare and insufficient training, which have affected its effectiveness.

Highlighting his administration’s investment in security, Lawal disclosed that the Zamfara State Government currently finances more than 30 per cent of security operations within the state.

He said the government has procured over 500 operational vehicles for security agencies in the past three years and recently handed over 35 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to strengthen the fight against banditry.

Lawal also revealed that the state has acquired both surveillance and combat drones to support security operations.

“We bought drones, both surveillance drones and attack drones, to aid the security forces in fighting these criminals in their respective areas,” he said.

The governor maintained that Nigeria’s insecurity can only be effectively addressed through improved funding, better welfare, enhanced training and the deployment of modern technology, rather than negotiating or paying ransom to criminal groups.

His comments come amid renewed national debate over the establishment of state police and broader reforms aimed at improving security across the country.

By Uzair Adam 

The Senate has called on the Federal Government to discontinue the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members and other violent criminals, arguing that the policy has failed to curb insecurity across the country.

The resolution followed a motion on the rising cases of attacks, abductions and killings involving serving and retired military personnel, including the late former Director of Defence Information, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.

The motion, sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina), received unanimous support during Tuesday’s plenary.

Lawmakers condemned the continued rehabilitation of former Boko Haram fighters, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements under the Federal Government’s deradicalisation programme. Several senators linked the persistent security crisis, particularly in northern Nigeria, to the release of individuals described as repentant criminals back into society.

The Senate expressed concern over what it described as the deteriorating security situation, warning that the growing attacks on serving and retired military officers represent a dangerous dimension to the country’s security challenges.

It cited the killing of retired Major General Richard Duru in Owerri after a reported ransom payment of $50,000, the murder of retired Brigadier General O.M. Harlord Udokwere in Abuja, the 56-day captivity of former NYSC Director-General, retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, and the death of retired Major Aja while in captivity in Kogi State.

According to the lawmakers, the attacks pose a significant threat to national security because many of the victims previously held sensitive operational, intelligence and command positions.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of Major General Rabe Abubakar and other Nigerians killed by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes. 

It also urged the Federal Government to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

The Red Chamber further called on security and intelligence agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, threat assessment and early warning mechanisms, while urging the government to accelerate the deployment of modern security technology to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The resolution comes despite the existence of Operation Safe Corridor, a Federal Government initiative launched in 2016 to deradicalise, rehabilitate and reintegrate former Boko Haram combatants who voluntarily surrendered. 

While officials have credited the programme with encouraging thousands of insurgents to abandon violence, concerns have persisted over reports of some beneficiaries allegedly returning to criminal activities.

Reacting to the Senate’s position, security analyst and Associate Professor at the University of Namibia, Dr. Babayo Sule, described the resolution as unfortunate and potentially counterproductive.

He argued that the deradicalisation programme was introduced only after military operations failed to bring lasting peace, stressing that rehabilitation and reconciliation remain recognised components of counter-insurgency strategies worldwide.

Rather than scrapping the initiative, Sule urged lawmakers to investigate its shortcomings and strengthen its implementation. He also called for greater oversight of Operation Safe Corridor and similar reconciliation programmes in states affected by insurgency.

According to him, abandoning the programme without addressing the underlying challenges could further worsen insecurity, as the country currently lacks sufficient capacity to defeat insurgents solely through military means.

By Uzair Adam 

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing factory allegedly linked to terrorist activities in Kebbi State, arresting two suspected arms manufacturers and suppliers.

The operation was carried out by troops of Sector 2 following credible intelligence, which led security personnel to a secluded compound allegedly being used as a covert production and distribution centre for locally fabricated firearms.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said troops recovered five locally fabricated AK-47 rifles during a thorough search of the premises.

He described the operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and dismantle criminal networks operating across the North-West.

“The successful operation represents another major step in the ongoing campaign against the proliferation of illicit weapons, which have continued to fuel insecurity and violent activities in parts of the region,” Danja said.

He added that the suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary interrogation, while investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate, uncover its sponsors and collaborators, and dismantle the wider arms supply chain.

The Theatre Command commended the professionalism and commitment of the troops and partner security agencies involved in the operation.

It also urged residents across the North-West to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that public support remains essential to sustaining security operations and eliminating criminal elements threatening peace and security in the region.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

The Kebbi State Police Command has dismissed widespread reports about the emergence of a terrorist group known as “Sai Mallam” allegedly imposing illegal levies on communities in Argungu and Zuru Emirates, describing the claims as a gross misunderstanding of criminal activities by a cybercrime syndicate.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, clarified that investigations have established no such terrorist organisation exists within the state.

Instead, what residents mistook for a terrorist group’s activities was traced to a sophisticated cybercrime network locally known as “Yan Vocal,” operating within the Argungu Local Government Area and specialising in hacking and online extortion schemes targeting individuals and prominent personalities.

According to police findings, the syndicate comprises young individuals aged 19 to 24 who use advanced digital techniques to defraud unsuspecting victims.

The group’s operation involves hacking social media accounts, creating fake identities, and using sophisticated video editing tools to manipulate pre-recorded nude footage. Victims are deceived into believing they are engaged in live video calls with women, only to be blackmailed with threats of public exposure unless financial demands are met.

The victims, police said, include high-profile individuals such as politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders, business owners, and other prominent figures.

Between June 26 and June 29, 2026, the command’s coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of thirteen suspects linked to the syndicate.

Those arrested include:

Ahmed Nasir, Rabiu Sani, Sadiq Umar, and Umar Nasir, all from Argungu, who allegedly conspired to obtain nude images of a female victim and demanded ₦1,000,000 from her.

Faisal Muhammed and Abbas Baraye were arrested for online extortion using nude pictures.

Abdullahi Abubakar, Abdulhamid Mukhtar, and Al’amin Aminu were accused of defrauding a victim of ₦3,000,000 after manipulating a video to falsely portray the victim in a compromising position. Haliru Bashar, Abubakar Faruk, Almustapha Munnir, and Saifullahi Nata’ala, who allegedly obtained a nude video of a female acquaintance through a sex-related Snapchat group and threatened to expose her.

Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia,  issued a stern warning that cybercrime constitutes a serious offence with grave consequences.

He called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activities and discourage involvement in fraudulent schemes.

“We urge members of the public to exercise caution on social media, protect personal information, avoid suspicious online interactions, and promptly report cases of cyber extortion to the nearest police station,” CP Hadejia stated.

The police command has provided emergency contact numbers  09039911876 and 07081074395  for reporting cyber-related crimes.

All arrested suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

By Anwar Usman

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said on Friday that Nigeria’s integrated identity management system led to the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

‎The minister made this known at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law, as contained in a statement signed by the President’s aide, Bayo Onanuga.

According to him, the suspects were arrested last Thursday at the Katsina airport after returning from Saudi Arabia and were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services.

He said the arrests were successful as a result of integrating the National Identity Management Commission database with the Nigeria Immigration Service database and connecting it to Interpol.

The statement in part reads, ”I know, sometime ago, the Senate President was alarmed by how some terrorists went on pilgrimage, wondering how they crossed our borders. We inherited a fractured system.

‎”But I’m happy to tell you that even last week, Thursday, seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP at the point of coming back from Mecca were arrested in Katsina at the airport and were handed over to the DSS.

‎”This is only possible because NIMC’s ID is already connected with the immigration database, and it’s already speaking to even the Interpol 24/7, and we have been able to automate this,” the minister said.

According to the minister, the newly signed NIMC Act would further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by improving the harmonisation of identity databases and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.

‎He further revealed that the law will enhance the integrity of the National Identity Number system while boosting the country’s capacity to combat identity theft, terrorism, financial crimes and other security threats.

He said that before Tinubu’s government, identity management systems were fragmented, noting that services such as passport issuance and driver’s licence processing were disconnected from the national identity database.

President Tinubu signed the NIMC Act 2026 on Friday. In attendance were the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and other senior government officials.

By Khalid Imam 

The Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope Initiative, the highest body of elite Kannywood actors and other influential Arewa creatives, led by Alhaji Dauda Adamu Abdullahi Kahutu Rarara, organised a special prayer session to pray for peace, unity, and security in Nigeria on 22nd June 2026 at the Aminu Dantata Trade Fair Complex in Kano City.

Conceived by a high-powered 5-Man Committee of Special Prayer chaired by Nura Hussaini, a famous Hausa film actor, the session drew a massive turnout of notable Hausa film actors, directors, singers, scriptwriters, authors, and other creatives in the arts industry. TikTok influencers and dozens of group members were also in attendance, and all were united by their concern over Nigeria’s security situation.

The special prayers attracted enthusiastic attendees from the film and arts industry in Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Niger, Sokoto, Borno, and other Northern regions. Starting around 11 am, members recited the Holy Qur’an. A big cow and a large ram were slaughtered, and the meat was shared among the public. The act sought Allah’s intervention for lasting peace and security, especially in troubled areas. 

Prayers were also faithfully offered for Almighty Allah to completely crush all those directly or indirectly profiting from the killing of innocent lives, especially bandits and other troublemakers. Members also prayed, asking God to bring a permanent end to terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and every form of insecurity plaguing Nigeria, particularly the North.

To ensure a well-coordinated and sustained approach, the initiative is committed to establishing the said powerful standing committee under the chairmanship of Nura Hussaini, with Sharu Nagudu serving as Vice Chairman. All members of the Triple R Kannywood for Renewed Hope Initiative are automatic and committed members, working collectively to hold continuous prayers for peace, unity, security, and Nigeria’s overall development.

At the heart of the prayers was a collective plea for Allah’s immediate intervention in ending the violence still disrupting communities across Nigeria. The group also prayed for lasting peace, security, and stability across Nigeria, for unity, love, and mutual understanding among all citizens, and for wisdom and sound guidance for the country’s political leadership at the national and state levels as they strive harder to steer the nation toward achieving peace and socioeconomic transformation.

Speaking to journalists at the venue of the special prayers and sacrifices, Rarara, a preeminent Hausa song artist and leader of the converged creative minds under the Triple R Kannywood Renewed Hope Initiative, said, “The initiative recognises the daunting challenges security agents face daily in tackling insecurity across the country. This prayer session was organised to complement their efforts by seeking Allah’s intervention and urging the general public to join in praying for the success of the government and security personnel in combating this persistent menace.”

Khalid Imam, a multiple award-winning bilingual author based in Kano, attended the special prayer session and crafted this report.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected kidnappers have abducted the traditional ruler of Ode Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Adeniyi Adelana.

The monarch, who is said to be 60 years old, was reportedly taken from his residence on Saturday night after armed men stormed the community.

Sources said the attackers, believed to be about six in number, arrived at about 8:30 p.m. and opened fire during the operation. The gunmen allegedly shot the monarch’s wife before taking Adelana into a nearby forest.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the injured woman is receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.

Jimoh said security personnel were immediately deployed to the area after the attack. He added that tactical teams have commenced an intensive search of the forest and surrounding communities in an effort to rescue the abducted traditional ruler.

He said, “A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation was immediately activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to track the movement of the kidnappers, secure the victim’s safe release and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that the victim is reunited safely with his family while all those involved face the full weight of the law.

“The Ondo State Police Command urges members of the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that may aid ongoing operations.”

The police said efforts are ongoing to locate the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the traditional ruler. Authorities also appealed to residents to support security agencies with useful information that could assist the rescue operation.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

The loss of an Army General, whether retired or in active service, at the hands of ragtag bandits, insurgents or terrorists is heartbreaking and a major loss to the nation.

What Nigeria is witnessing today can no longer be described merely as insurgency or banditry. Nigeria is at war. Simple.

Over the years, the country has suffered painful losses of highly trained military officers in the fight against terrorism and armed criminal groups. These incidents clearly show the scale, sophistication, and dangerous evolution of insecurity across the country.

In November 2021, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu was killed in an ambush while commanding the 28 Task Force Brigade in the Chibok area of Borno State.

In November 2025, Brigadier General Musa Uba was killed in an ISWAP ambush near Wajiroko along the Damboa–Wajiroko Road in Borno State.

On April 9, 2026, Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah, a Brigade Commander, was killed during a coordinated Boko Haram/ISWAP assault that overran a military base in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

On June 13, 2026, the Katsina State Government announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, who died while in captivity after being abducted by bandits.

Similarly, in September 2018, retired Major General Idris Alkali was killed by a mob in Plateau State, another painful reminder that even retired senior military officers are not spared from the growing insecurity.

Reaching the rank of General in the Nigerian Army is an extremely competitive, merit-based process that often requires 25 to 35 years of dedicated service, sacrifice, discipline, and commitment to the nation.

These are not ordinary individuals. Generals and indeed all well-trained security personnel, whether active or retired, are strategic national assets. Their experience, intelligence, leadership, and institutional knowledge are invaluable to any country.

When a nation begins to lose such high ranking officers to terrorists and bandits, it is a clear indication that the threat has grown beyond ordinary criminality.

The time has come for Nigeria to fully confront this reality and respond with the seriousness, unity, and determination that war demands, despite the heavy consequences that often come with prolonged conflict and guerrilla warfare. The country’s survival, stability, and future depend on it.

Nigeria is at war with the bandits

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has confirmed the death of one of its students, Zaharadeen Nuhu, following an attack by suspected criminals at a private hostel in Kalgo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Nuhu, a 300-level Biochemistry student, reportedly suffered severe machete wounds during the incident and later died while receiving medical treatment.

The development was announced by the university’s Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Ibrahim Magawata, in a statement released on Thursday.

According to the university, the deceased student, who was from Niger State, came under attack at his off-campus residence in Kalgo by a group of suspected hoodlums.

“It is with a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Allah that the university management announces the death of our dear student, Zaharadeen Nuhu, a 300-level student of the Department of Biochemistry,” the statement read.

Magawata said the institution had informed the Nigeria Police Force, Kalgo Division, about the incident. He noted that security agencies had commenced investigations aimed at identifying and arresting those behind the attack.

He further disclosed that security patrols had been strengthened in Kalgo and other off-campus communities where students live. The university has also scheduled a meeting with owners of private hostels to discuss measures that could improve safety, including better lighting and the deployment of night guards.

The dean called on students to remain calm and alert. He urged them to refrain from circulating unverified information and to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate security authorities without delay.

He also advised students to avoid unnecessary late-night movements and, when necessary, travel in groups for safety.

The university reiterated its commitment to the protection and welfare of its students. It also extended condolences to the family, friends and fellow students of the deceased.

Nuhu was laid to rest on Thursday after funeral prayers were held at the mosque of the Federal Teaching Hospital in Birnin Kebbi.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir 

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action to address the country’s worsening security crisis, warning that citizens are increasingly being left at the mercy of terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Council expressed outrage over the rising wave of killings, abductions, and violent attacks across the country, citing recent mass kidnappings in Borno, Oyo, Niger, and Zamfara states, as well as the abduction of a retired army general and his wife in Katsina State.

The Council said the growing insecurity has exposed the vulnerability of communities and highlighted what it described as the failure of government efforts to protect lives and property.

“Nigerians are tired of speeches, promises, condolences, committees, and official rhetoric not backed by action or results,” the statement said, adding that repeated assurances from authorities have done little to improve the situation on the ground. 

The SCSN also called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of funds allocated to the security sector, noting that trillions of naira have been spent on defence and security operations over the years despite the persistent deterioration in security.

While commending members of the armed forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices and commitment, the Council insisted that government leaders must be held accountable for delivering results.

It urged authorities to adopt more robust measures, including improved intelligence gathering, technology-driven security operations, stronger border controls, and enhanced community participation in tackling criminal networks.

“The nation demands action. The time for excuses has passed,” the Council said. “The time for demonstration of decisive and competent leadership is now.” 

The statement was signed by the Secretary General of the Council, Nafi’u Baba Ahmad, and issued on June 7, 2026.