General News
How Oyo students and Teachers Regained their Freedom
By Our Reporters
More facts have emerged, revealing how the operation to free the 44 school children and teachers abducted in Oyo State was carried out.
The pupils, alongside seven of their teachers regained freedom on the 56th day of their captivity following a joint military operation.
Kidnapped on May 15, 2026, in Orire Local Government Area, LGA, sources familiar with the operation say that intelligence played a key role to rescue the victims. The Army, Police and Department of State Services, DSS, shared intelligence that established the whereabouts of the captives.
The operatives were said to be aware that a forceful rescue could result in casualties. Instead, they closely monitored the terrorists’ communications. The strategy was said to pay off as communications between the abductors and their relatives were intercepted, helping operatives establish their identities.
To mount non-kinetic pressure on the terrorists, security operatives were reportedly deployed to the kidnappers’ home states, where their relatives were subjected to intense pressure.
Under pressure from security agents, the family members reportedly relayed the development to the terrorists, who became increasingly disturbed by the prospect of losing their loved ones. A statement by the Nigerian Army also alluded to this development.
It was further learnt that the decision of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to impose a curfew last week further disrupted the terrorists’ operations.
The kidnappers had reportedly planned to relocate their captives to Kainji in Niger State.
But with Makinde, on June 24, declaring a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of the state, with effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the measure was said to have thwarted the terrorists’ escape plan, thereby making it possible for security operatives to close in on them.
However, it was gathered that in the course of the operation, one of the soldiers was killed.
As of press time, there was no official confirmation of casualties. However, an officer, Lieutenant F.A Isaac, has been confirmed killed during the operation.
Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, in a statement said the operation was carefully planned and executed by troops led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, specifically the National Counter Terrorism Centre, NCTC, the Defence Headquarters, with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and the Nigeria Police, as well as the Department of State Services, DSS.
Other agencies that participated in the operation included the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun.
The statement said: “The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists’ kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, disrupting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State.
“As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country.
“These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.
“The pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course before being reunited with their families.
“The GOC 2 Division wishes to, on behalf of all the participating agencies, most sincerely and respectfully thank and appreciate President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the strategic guidance, support and all the provisions that made the operation a huge success.
“The GOC also wishes to once again thank the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, and indeed the good people of the state for their continuous support to security agencies, especially during the trying period.
“The GOC also appreciates the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police and the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as heads of other security agencies, for their support and for the opportunity to relate directly with all the security agencies to ensure seamless coordination and execution of the operations.
“We sincerely thank the various media houses and indeed the entire Nigerian populace for their support, understanding and for having faith in the security architecture of the nation.
“We urge all to remain vigilant and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties across Nigeria.”
Speaking on the development, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, said the recurring cases of kidnapping underscored the need to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
In his words: “I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped. I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes.
“While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma. The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government. Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear. We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Congress, ADC, welcomed the development, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Atiku commended the courage, professionalism and sacrifice of the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies whose gallantry made the operation possible.
“No serious government should be consumed by the politics of re-election while innocent schoolchildren have remained in the custody of kidnappers for weeks. The first campaign of any responsible administration must be the campaign to rescue its citizens, restore security and reassure anxious families. Politics can wait; the lives of innocent children cannot. Yesterday should have been dedicated to the war room, not the campaign room.
“What Nigerians expected yesterday was to see a Commander-in-Chief leading from the front. Following the successful rescue operation, the President ought to have immediately addressed the nation alongside his defence chiefs, not merely to announce the good news, but to brief Nigerians on the operation, acknowledge the bravery of the troops, highlight the lessons learned, reassure families that no effort would be spared to rescue those still in captivity, and send an unmistakable message to bandits and terrorists that the Nigerian state remains resolute.
“Such moments are not ordinary press events; they are defining demonstrations of leadership that strengthen public confidence, boost military morale, and remind criminal elements that they are confronting a government that neither sleeps nor surrenders.
“Instead, the responsibility of announcing one of the most significant security successes in recent times was left to the President’s spokesman while the President remained publicly engaged in political activities.
“When our troops accomplish a difficult mission, they deserve visible presidential recognition. When citizens witness their President speaking with conviction after such an operation, they draw strength and confidence. Equally, those who seek to terrorise our people are reminded that they are confronting a united and determined state. The opposite risks creating an unfortunate perception that politics has taken precedence over the solemn responsibility of securing the nation.”
Other Nigerians including Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended the collaboration between government, security agencies and citizens to free the captives.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, however wants government to disclose the full circumstances surrounding the release of the schoolchildren, teachers and other victims.
The rights group also called on President Tinubu to apologise to the victims and the nation over what it described as a failure to prevent the abduction, while demanding 50 million naira compensation for each victim to support their rehabilitation, psychological recovery and educational reintegration.
National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said HURIWA welcomed the release of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity saying:
“We rejoice with the victims and their families, but the Federal Government owes Nigerians the whole truth about what transpired.”
HURIWA said added that “The public deserves to know whether the victims were rescued or released after negotiations. If there was a rescue operation, Nigerians should also be informed of the outcome, including whether any suspects were arrested,” it stated.
On his part, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the development as a confirmation of Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
Also, Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, in a statement, the governor particularly hailed the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies involved in securing the release of the victims.
General News
Nigeria Alcohol Policy 2026–2030: For Healthier People, Safer Communities, more Responsible Industry
By Nick Ibe
The aim for launching the Nigeria Alcohol Policy and its Multisectoral Implementation Plan (2026–2030), has been explained by the Federal government. Among others, it is aimed at reducing the health, social and economic consequences associated with harmful alcohol consumption in the country.
Broadly, the five-year plan has a national framework for the production, distribution, marketing and consumption of alcohol, all promoting responsible practices across the industry.
Unveiling this policy in Abuja on Thursday was the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who was represented at the event by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom.
Pate said although the alcohol industry contributes to the economy through manufacturing, employment and agriculture, abuse of alcohol has consequences that go beyond the health sector.
He listed some of the consequences as reduced productivity, violence, injuries, mental health challenges and financial hardship, among others. In his words:
“Alcohol is part of that economic reality. It supports manufacturing, employment, agriculture and domestic value chains, while ethanol also has important pharmaceutical, laboratory and industrial uses.
“We must also confront the other side of that reality. Harmful alcohol use contributes to disease, injuries, violence, mental health challenges, financial hardship and loss of productivity.”
He said the policy was also aligned with Nigeria’s national, continental and global commitments to reducing the harmful use of alcohol.
He cited the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 3, 8, 9 and 11, as well as relevant World Health Organisation frameworks on reducing alcohol-related harm.
Pate said WHO data showed that total alcohol consumption in Nigeria stood at 3.2 litres of pure alcohol per person aged 15 years and above in 2024.
He also linked alcohol consumption to road traffic crashes, noting that the Federal Road Safety Corps recorded 9,570 crashes and 5,421 deaths nationwide in 2024, with driving under the influence of alcohol identified as one of the contributing factors.
On implementation, Pate said the government would monitor compliance across the alcohol value chain, the level of illicit and unrecorded alcohol, access to care for people affected by alcohol-related disorders, and reductions in alcohol-related illnesses, injuries and deaths.
“Our objective, therefore, is not simply to have a national alcohol policy on paper by 2030. It is to have a policy that has translated into healthier people, safer communities, more responsible industry practices and stronger institutions,” he said.
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who also attended the launch, said the policy was anchored in Nigeria’s broader health and socio-economic reform agenda.
Adeyeye said the policy reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the SDGs, particularly those relating to good health and well-being, sustainable industry, and safe and resilient communities.
She, however, stressed the government’s commitment to protecting consumers, particularly underage persons and other vulnerable groups, while promoting responsible practices across relevant industries.
The policy is expected to provide a coordinated framework for government agencies and other stakeholders to tackle harmful alcohol use.
–Falana Tells NBA
By Son Tertseghs
Former Liberian President, George Weah, who addressed the NBA’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday has been accused of capturing and undermining judicial independence in Liberia while serving as president.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, made the allegations, while criticising the Nigerian Bar Association leadership for inviting a man he referred to as a dictator to address NBA.
The senior lawyer made the remarks in a video posted on the NBA’s YouTube channel, following Weah’s keynote address at the Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt on Sunday. Falana declared:
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m delighted to be here. But let me say this, because you know I have to be frank with the audience. And this goes for the leadership of the Bar. I want to appeal that the Bar Association must stop—stop inviting dictators in Africa to come and address us.”
He alleged that under Weah’s regime (2018–2024), the judiciary was captured to the point that Liberians sought legal redress outside the country at the ECOWAS Court. Falana continued:
“Mr. Weah, George Weah, who was here yesterday and was talking about the judiciary: in his country, his regime captured the judiciary to the extent that they had to contact some of us outside the country to get legal redress in the ECOWAS Court.”
He made reference to the case of Mandingo people against Liberia, whose landed properties were allegedly seized during the war.
He said the ECOWAS Court ruled in their favour but alleged that Weah refused to comply with the judgment.
“The ECOWAS Court gave them judgment. George Weah refused to comply with the judgment. The new government of Boakai has just set up a committee for the enforcement of that judgment,” he added.
Falana also cited the case of an associate justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia who, he also alleged, was dismissed without basis. He pointed another of Weah’s ill deeds saying:
“Again, we went to the ECOWAS Court. The ECOWAS Court set aside his dismissal and awarded him $200,000. He was ordered to be reinstated. Mr. George Weah refused to comply with the judgment.”
He questioned the decision to invite Weah to address lawyers on democracy and the rule of law despite the allegations.
“Now, that is the man coming here to talk to us about the rule of law and democracy,” Falana said.
The prominent lawyer did not end there. He further accused Weah’s administration of allowing drug trafficking to flourish in Liberia.
“He ruled Liberia between 2018 and 2024. During his time, drug barons took over the country. Just on the 19th of August, his Vice President, Madam Edith, was arrested… on the 19th of August. She’s currently standing trial for drug trafficking to the tune of $370 million in that poor country.
“So when you now have such a character… You know, during the last World Cup in Qatar, his son, Timothee, was playing for the United States of America, not for Liberia.
“This man left his country for nine days, took the money of that country to go and cheer his son in Qatar. So please, next time you want to invite African leaders, there are some of them that require inviting.”
Falana noted the president, vice president and speaker of Namibia, who are all female, and in Nigeria, late former premier of Western Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo, as worthy of invitation.
Weah, while delivering the keynote address at the conference, charged lawyers to, as their duty, defend the the court because doing so is defending democracy itself.
General News
NANS Disagrees With Atiku’s Fuel Subsidy Rhetoric, says Subsidy Would Bring Economic Disaster
By Son Tertsegha
The former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s campaign promise to restore fuel subsidy if elected President, has been opposed by National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS.
NANS President Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez in a statement on Wednesday, argued that returning to the subsidy regime without addressing the structural weaknesses that made it unsustainable would amount to reversing a difficult but necessary economic reform.
Afeez said while subsidy removal had imposed severe hardship on Nigerians through increased fuel, transportation and food prices, the policy had also created fiscal space for government and eliminated what he described as a major distortion in the economy.
According to him, the critical question Nigerians should ask is whether the trillions of naira previously committed to subsidising petrol could have been better deployed to address the country’s infrastructure, healthcare, education and other pressing development needs.
He said: “Every sane and patriotic citizen who is conversant with our nation’s economy will agree with me that the removal of the fuel subsidy was a difficult but necessary economic reform aimed at ending an increasingly unsustainable system that consumed trillions of naira, benefited higher fuel consumers disproportionately, encouraged smuggling, and constrained the government’s ability to invest in critical sectors.”
The NANS president, however, acknowledged the hardship caused by the reform, stressing that the real test of subsidy removal was not merely the savings accruing to government but how effectively the freed resources were deployed to improve citizens’ welfare.
He said government must ensure that the sacrifices made by Nigerians translate into tangible improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and other critical sectors.
Afeez maintained that any proposal to restore subsidy without a clear plan for resolving the structural problems that undermined the policy in the first place could only recreate the same crisis.
“This is why calls or promises for the outright return of subsidy, without a clear structural framework for addressing the fundamental weaknesses that made the policy unsustainable in the first place, amount to little more than a political response to a genuine economic challenge.”
NANS urged Nigerians not to allow the immediate pain of economic reforms to undermine the need for long-term restructuring, insisting that political aspirants must present sustainable policies capable of transforming the economy rather than offering short-term relief.
The students’ body also challenged presidential aspirants to come to national debates with concrete economic blueprints that would not merely provide temporary comfort but establish a sustainable foundation for national development.
Afeez said his opposition to Atiku’s proposal was not partisan, stressing that NANS had a responsibility to scrutinise government policies and political promises in the national interest.
He added that the country could not afford to return to a system in which huge public resources were devoted to fuel subsidy while many states struggled to meet their financial obligations and critical infrastructure remained inadequate.
He therefore urged Atiku to reconsider his position.
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