Bandits

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The management of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, has dismissed reports that 18 of its students were abducted by suspected terrorists while travelling to Oyo State.

The institution described the report as false and misleading, insisting that none of its students was kidnapped and that all of them were safe.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the college’s Registrar, Bello Abdulrahman.

The management was reacting to a report published by Sahara Reporters on October 5, 2026, which claimed that 18 students of the institution were abducted while travelling to Oyo State.

The report also alleged that the driver of the vehicle conveying the students was killed.

However, the college rejected the claims and said they did not represent what happened.

“The College wishes to categorically state that the said report is FALSE, MISLEADING and does not reflect the true situation.”

The management further stated, “No student of Gamji College of Health Technology, Sokoto, was kidnapped, and there was no such incident involving our students.”

According to the institution, the students had reached their respective destinations safely and were continuing with their academic and professional activities.

The statement described the students as “safe, sound and currently in their various destinations, pursuing their academic and professional programmes as planned.”

The college called on parents, guardians, students and members of the public to disregard the report and stop further circulation of the claim.

“We urge the general public, parents, guardians and all stakeholders to disregard the fake news and avoid sharing it further,” the statement said.

The management also assured students, parents and other stakeholders that their safety and welfare remained a priority.

It said the institution would continue to cooperate with relevant security agencies to maintain a secure environment for teaching, learning and professional training.

The college advised members of the public who require information about its activities and students to rely on its official communication channels.

The institution’s statement has therefore contradicted the reported abduction, with the management maintaining that all its students are safe and accounted for.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kidnappers holding prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State have reportedly reduced their ransom demand from N50 million to N5 million per victim.

The revised demand brings the total ransom being sought for the 20 abducted graduates from N1 billion to N100 million, according to information from the victims’ families.

The development came as relatives of the victims raised concerns over their safety, alleging that the abductors had subjected some of the captives to physical assault.

One of the affected parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande, said the kidnappers had reduced the demand but that the families remained deeply concerned about the condition of their children.

“The kidnappers had reduced their demand from the earlier N50m per victim to N5m each,” she said.

“They are still demanding N5m. They have come down to N5m each.”

The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen attacked the two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State on Thursday.

The victims included graduates whose names were released by their parents during a visit to the residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Bodija, Ibadan.

Among those identified were Makinde Mary Oluwapelumi, Akande Kehinde Morufat, Abdul Temiloluwa Sarah, Adeniran Mariam Olulola, Adefioye Ayomide Isaac, Adewale Paul Iyanuoluwa and Oyede Esther Funmilayo.

The parents also disputed earlier claims that 10 passengers had been rescued by security operatives, saying those who escaped the attackers did so by running into the bush.

Akande said she could not confirm how much had been raised by the families towards the ransom because she was not involved in the arrangements between the abductors and the other parents.

“I cannot say because I do not know how much they have told those people that they have,” she said.

Describing the ordeal, she said, “It has been horrible, scary and overwhelming.”

She added that the situation became more distressing after the families learnt that the captives were allegedly being beaten.

“Sir, we appeal to the government at all levels to please assist us in getting them rescued out of that place. They have started beating them since yesterday,” she said.

Asked whether the female victims were also being assaulted, Akande said:

“They are not sparing anybody. They are beating all of them,” she said.

She further alleged that one of the victims had been allowed to speak with his father, with the kidnappers using the communication to assess the family’s ability to pay the ransom.

“The abductors would alert the victim whenever his father’s call came in and allow him to speak because they believed the father could provide the ransom. His father has been communicating with him. The kidnappers give him access to a telephone. Whenever his father calls, they show him that a call came in for you. He would just say, ‘Oh, that’s my father.’

“They know money will come out of father’s hands, so they would just pick it and allow him to talk. And they have been beating him. They have been beating all of them.”

The parent said families had been relying on assurances from the police while efforts continued to secure the victims’ release.

“The police are telling us to still be buying time. We are still looking for the money. Depending, they will see them rescued,” she said.

Calls For Government Action

The abduction has triggered calls from political parties and public figures for the immediate rescue of the prospective corps members, as well as renewed debate over the safety of the NYSC scheme.

The African Democratic Congress called for the suspension of the NYSC scheme for one year to allow the Federal Government to reorganise the programme and strengthen security measures.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the scheme remained important to national unity but argued that the current security situation required a temporary suspension and review.

“I think the NYSC is still relevant. But I think we need to respond to the current situation of insecurity in the country.

“If we were to advise the President, we think this is the time to suspend it for at least one year to give room for proper reorganisation, in such a way that it will protect the young people and also make the scheme worthwhile for them.

“Beyond that, it is a very important scheme for fostering national unity. The issues that the NYSC sought to address since it was created in 1973, at the end of the Civil War, are still there. So, we think it remains relevant.

“But we need to be responsible. We need to understand that it is also about the lives of other people, more than anything else. It is a different country today from what it was many years ago,” he said.

Abdullahi also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity and President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address, expressing his own party’s position on the government’s response.

Other political parties, including the National Democratic Congress, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party and Young Progressives Party, also condemned the abduction and called for stronger action to secure the victims’ release.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, also called for the immediate and safe rescue of the abducted prospective corps members.

“The abduction of approximately 20 prospective NYSC members travelling to their orientation camp is yet another distressing indication of the worsening insecurity in our country. These young Nigerians were preparing to serve their nation, but they were unable to travel safely on our roads. Families are increasingly burdened by the fear that their loved ones could fall victim to kidnapping.

“Protecting lives and property is the government’s foremost responsibility. We cannot continue to regard insecurity as an ordinary occurrence or act only after people’s lives have been disrupted.

“I call for the immediate and safe rescue of all the abducted corps members and the arrest of those responsible. Nigeria must become a country where young people can travel, work, and serve their nation without fear,” he wrote.

The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, also expressed concern after learning that some of its graduates were among those reportedly abducted.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Razaq Kalilu, called for coordinated action by security agencies to secure the victims’ release.

“The University stands firmly with the affected families at this deeply distressing moment.

“This is a painful and deeply troubling development for the University and, most importantly, for the families of our graduates and the other young Nigerians whose lives have been so cruelly disrupted. Our immediate and overriding concern is their safety and safe return to their families,” he said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Three vigilantes from Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State have reportedly been killed by suspected bandits while returning from Agwara in neighbouring Niger State.

The incident was reported on Wednesday by North-West crisis reporter Bakatsine in a post on his X account.

The victims were identified as Abubakar Mai Nera, the vigilante commander in Saminaka, Tanko Sarki and Amadu Saminaka. They were said to be from Saminaka and Bakinturu communities.

According to local sources cited by Bakatsine, the vigilantes came under attack around Kasabo, Binuwa and Mago, locations along the River Kwara near the Niger-Kebbi border.

The attackers reportedly set the victims ablaze after the assault.

The incident was said to have occurred on Friday, but the bodies of the three vigilantes had not been recovered as of Wednesday.

Local authorities and residents were reportedly conducting search operations to locate the victims and establish further details about the incident.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected bandits have reportedly abducted several Islamic clerics who attended a prayer gathering at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

The reported incident was disclosed on Saturday by Northwest-based crisis reporter, Bakatsine, through a post on his X handle.

The clerics were said to have been taken away after attending a special prayer session at Yari’s residence, where more than 2,000 Islamic scholars and imams had gathered ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among those reportedly abducted were Imam Yahuza, the First Jumma’at Imam in Dogon Madacci; Magawata Abdullahi, the Second Jumma’at Imam in Dogon Madacci; Malam Shehu Dakko; Imam Bala Fagon; and Na’ibi Tasi’u of Tungar Nagudai.

According to Bakatsine, the affected clerics travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the gathering.

The prayer session was reportedly organised to seek peace, national unity and the success of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 elections.

Bakatsine expressed concern over the reported abduction, noting that the incident occurred at the residence of a prominent political figure.

He said the development was another indication of the worsening security situation in Zamfara State, where banditry and kidnapping have continued to threaten residents.

“If people can be abducted while attending a gathering at the residence of a prominent political figure, then where exactly are ordinary citizens supposed to feel safe?” he asked.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from the police or other security agencies regarding the reported abduction.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Four police officers and seven civilians have been killed after suspected bandits attacked Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Benue State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Orchia Aondongu.

According to the command, the attackers, said to be operating in large numbers, stormed the community at about 6:12pm on Thursday.

Police personnel from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), tactical units and conventional police formations were deployed to confront the attackers.

Aondongu said the security personnel engaged the bandits in a gun battle that lasted about seven hours before forcing them to withdraw into the surrounding forest.

“The operatives stood firm in defence of the community and successfully repelled the attack, forcing the criminal elements to retreat into the surrounding forest with heavy casualties in the early hours of 11th September 2026,” the statement reads.

The command, however, confirmed the loss of four officers during the confrontation.

“Regrettably, four police officers paid the supreme price in the course of defending the community. Their bodies were subsequently recovered during search and rescue operations in the surrounding bushes.

“The corpses of seven civilians were also recovered following the attack and deposited at a mortuary for necessary procedures.”

The police said more tactical personnel had been deployed to the area to reinforce the existing security arrangements.

Alia Condemns Attack, Calls It Threat To Benue’s Stability

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack, describing it as a despicable act against the people of Ayilamo.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor described the attack on the “peace-loving people of Ayilamo” as a “grave threat to the security and stability of Benue state.”

Alia said the incident highlighted the continuing security challenges faced by vulnerable communities and security personnel in the area.

“The reported killing of four law enforcement officers is particularly painful and underscores the enormous sacrifices being made by security personnel in the line of duty,” the governor said.

“I extend heartfelt condolences to the people of Ayilamo, the families of all the victims, and the entire Logo Local Government community.

‘We mourn with you and assure you that you are not alone in this difficult period”.

The governor also expressed his condolences to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, over the deaths of the four officers.

Alia also praised the Department of State Services (DSS), especially its personnel in Benue and Nasarawa states, for what he described as a “prompt and professional operation” that resulted in the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to the attack.

He said the arrests could help security agencies establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

“We urge the DSS to intensify its investigation and make the best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody,” Alia said.

“Every available lead should be diligently followed to identify and arrest the remaining accomplices, sponsors, collaborators, and other persons connected with the attack. All those found culpable must face the full weight of the law.”

The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to work with security agencies to improve protection in Ayilamo, Logo and other communities considered vulnerable across Benue State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State have been thrown into fear after suspected bandits reportedly demanded N40 million from the community and threatened to attack if the money was not paid.

The gunmen allegedly issued a deadline for the payment and warned that residents could be killed and the town set ablaze if their demand was not met.

According to information shared on X by Crisis Reporter Bakastine, the bandits communicated their demand through a farmer who delivered a telephone handset to the District Head of Kebbe, Mallam Lawal Labbo.

The attackers reportedly initially gave the community five days to raise the money. The deadline was later extended to seven days after residents appealed to them.

The telephone handset was subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer in the area for security authorities to monitor the situation.

The bandits also allegedly instructed that the telephone should remain charged and accessible. They reportedly threatened to attack the community if their calls were not answered.

The development was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, who said the police had received information about the threat and had begun taking steps to address it.

“We are aware of the information and we, together with our Anti-Kidnapping Unit, AKU, are already working on the information,” Rufai said.

The police spokesperson further confirmed that the suspected bandits had given the community an ultimatum to raise N40 million.

The reported deadline has heightened anxiety among residents, with fears of a possible attack if the demand is not fulfilled.

Security authorities are expected to intensify efforts to prevent any attack on the community and protect residents from the threat.

By Anwar Usman

Kaduna State Police Command, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Vigilance Service, has distroyed two suspected bandit camps in Makarfi Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, which took place during the weekend, followed credible intelligence provided by members of the local community on the activities of suspected bandits operating around Durum and Danguzuri general areas, extending to the boundary with Kano State.

A statement issued by DSP Mansir Hassan, the Kaduna Police Command’s Public Relations Officer said the joint security team engaged the bandits during a clearance operation which led to the destruction of their enclaves.

According to the statement, two enclaves identified as camps allegedly used by the bandits to hold abducted victims were destroyed at Rugar Mijin Goggo and Unguwar Maryamu, Danguzuri.

The Command said the operation was part of its sustained efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and ensure the safety of residents and property across the state.

It added that joint security patrols were still ongoing in the area, noting that normalcy had been restored and the general area remained calm.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the communities for providing intelligence that facilitated the operation, as well as the security personnel for their gallantry.

He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain its offensive against banditry and other forms of criminality in Kaduna State.

The police also urged the residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing security operations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bandits have reportedly killed the District Head of Galla in Niger State’s Borgu Emirate after attacking his palace.

The incident was disclosed by security analyst Bakatsine in a post on X on Monday.

According to the analyst, the traditional ruler was allegedly targeted after he warned bandits against entering his community.

“Bandits have killed the District Head of Galla, under the Borgu Emirate in Niger State, during an attack at his palace.

“Reports say the monarch was targeted after warning the bandits to stop entering his community,” Bakatsine wrote.

He also said the slain district head was a brother to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.

The report comes amid continued security concerns in parts of Niger State, where communities have faced attacks and other criminal activities by armed groups.

No further details were provided on the circumstances of the attack or whether security agencies had made any arrests in connection with the incident.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A survivor of the mass abduction of residents in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State has disclosed that 13 children died during their six months in captivity.

Saliu Amira, a nurse and one of the 163 victims rescued by security agencies, said the children died under difficult conditions while 12 others followed their abductors during the period.

She also described the poor feeding conditions faced by the victims, who were reportedly given little food throughout their captivity.

“The kind of food that they are giving us over there… The day that we reached there, they just dropped guinea corn for us with salt and Maggi,” Amira said.

“They left us inside the river; the children that died are almost 13, and those people that followed them are 12 in number; that’s 25.”

The victims were rescued through a joint operation by security agencies, according to Nicholas Rume, commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade.

“Today I am happy to introduce to you the people whom, through the combined efforts of the security agencies, we have been able to rescue,” he said.

He commended other security agencies for their contribution to the operation.

“Thank you to the other security agencies who have been very helpful in all the efforts we’ve been making; today is an example of the synergy that exists within security agencies in the country.”

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq received the rescued victims in Ilorin on Friday and praised the security agencies for securing their release.

The governor said the establishment of a new army brigade in the state would further improve security across Kwara.

He also disclosed that 46 of the rescued persons had been admitted to a government hospital for medical care.

“I have since directed that the appropriate medical attention be extended to everyone to ensure their well-being. Prior to this time, our government has extended various forms of support to the rural community,” he said.

The victims were abducted on February 3 after armed men attacked Woro, Nuku and other communities in Kaiama LGA.

The attacks reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 75 people and forced several residents to flee their communities. Many communities were also severely affected by the attacks.

Although the precise number of people abducted was initially unclear, reports indicated that about 170 people, including women and children, were taken.

The Kwara State Government announced on August 5 that the victims had been released after spending about six months in captivity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 48 abducted residents after repelling a terrorist attack on Magami village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation followed a distress call received in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, which reported that dozens of armed terrorists had stormed the community.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Aliyu Danja, said the attackers arrived on about 40 motorcycles and abducted several villagers.

According to him, the assailants assembled the victims with the intention of taking them into a nearby forest, while another group remained at the edge of the village to guard the motorcycles.

Danja said troops responded swiftly to the emergency and confronted the attackers.

“On arrival at the scene, the troops immediately engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to abandon the kidnapped victims and flee into the surrounding bush,” Danja said.



“The prompt intervention led to the successful rescue of all 48 abducted civilians.”



He disclosed that one resident lost his life during the attack, while two others sustained gunshot wounds.

The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Kaura Namoda, where they are receiving treatment.

Following the operation, security personnel carried out patrols across the area to prevent another attack and maintain a security presence in the community.

The military command praised the troops for their performance during the operation.

“The Theatre Command commends the gallantry and professionalism of the troops for this successful operation and reassures residents of the North West of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property,” the statement added.



Danja also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful and timely information to strengthen ongoing operations against terrorist groups in the North-West.

“Sustain the momentum in ridding the north-west of terrorist elements.”