A combined team of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian military has foiled a major plot to kidnap students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the South East.
Security sources said the operation targeted members of the Eastern Security Network who allegedly planned coordinated abductions of WAEC candidates in parts of the region.
Acting on intelligence, operatives raided suspected hideouts linked to the group and disrupted the planned attacks before they could be carried out.
During the operation, the team recovered a cache of high-calibre weapons, including several AK-47 rifles, magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The recovered arms are believed to have been assembled to support large-scale attacks on examination centres and security personnel in the area.
Security agencies said the successful raid was part of ongoing efforts to prevent mass abductions of students and to protect schools across the South East.
Authorities have urged residents, school managers and community leaders to remain vigilant and to promptly share information on suspicious movements around schools and examination venues.
The operation follows recent alerts from security agencies warning of plots by armed groups to target students as a way to draw attention and force concessions from government.
About the author
FIFA defends ticket prices and visa handling ahead of World Cup start
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the organization's handling of ticket prices and visa issues ahead of the 2026 World Cup kickoff, calling for fans to "relax" amid rising criticisms over costs and immigration complications. Speaking in Mexico City on June 10, the eve of the tournament's opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca, Infantino addressed concerns about soaring ticket prices and visa-related controversies affecting officials and supporters. The FIFA President justified the high ticket prices by citing the tournament's entry price of $60 as the lowest of any American sports in the play-off phases, with an average price below $500, which he said is again the lowest of American sports on average. Infantino defended the US$60 starting ticket price, noting that over six million tickets have been sold. He likened World Cup ticket costs to playoff […]
Mexico shuts capital’s schools for World Cup opener to ease traffic
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has ordered the closure of all public and private schools in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match. Under the special administrative order, classes are suspended at every educational level from kindergartens to universities across the capital, including both public and private institutions. The president also announced that federal government employees must switch to remote work on the day, while private companies have been urged to actively implement teleworking arrangements for non-essential sectors. Sheinbaum explained that these measures are designed to ensure the World Cup opening ceremony proceeds without traffic congestion or chaos on the opening day of the tournament. Mexico City students will get an unexpected day off as the government acts to minimize traffic on the day Mexico plays the World Cup opener against South Africa. […]
Neymar and Kylian Mbappe inspire baby naming trend across South America
Football superstars Neymar and Kylian Mbappé are inspiring a baby naming trend across South America, with parents increasingly registering their newborns with names linked to the Brazilian and French stars. In Brazil, the name Neymar has become one of the most popular choices for newborn boys, with one out of every five boys born last year registered as Neymar in some regions. This reflects the massive cultural impact of Brazilian football stars on society. The trend extends beyond Brazil to other South American countries where parents are naming their children after football icons, combining the names Neymar and Kylian to create unique variations like Neymar Kylian or Kylian Neymar. Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, known globally as Neymar, has swept the FIFA World Cup off its feet since 2010 and his name has become synonymous with Brazilian football excellence and […]
Nancy Isime recalls Alex Ekubo had bad mouth and great humor at tribute
Actress and media personality Nancy Isime has shared memories of Nollywood star Alex Ekubo at a tribute event, recalling that he had a "bad mouth" but also great humor that made him beloved by colleagues and fans. Speaking during the tribute, Isime described Ekubo as a true friend who had a profound impact on everyone around him. She noted that his steadfast support of others, even when he did not agree with them, was one of his best traits. Isime said that Ekubo made a significant impact throughout his career and lived his way while going out of his way to help others, which she called very commendable. She expressed that she will forever love him and that he had a great mind. The actress revealed that she chose to pay tribute to Ekubo in a private manner that was […]
Davido uses World Cup stage to demand action for abducted Nigerian pupils
Afrobeats superstar Davido used the global stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown concert in Los Angeles to demand urgent action for schoolchildren and teachers abducted by bandits in Oyo State. The Nigerian singer appeared on Wednesday wearing a customised black leather jacket bearing the names of pupils and teachers kidnapped by bandits in Oyo State. The jacket also displayed the message "Bring Them Home" as a call to the Federal Government for immediate rescue efforts. Davido made an urgent appeal to the public regarding the kidnapped children, urging that everything must be done to bring the abducted pupils home safely. The performance drew emotional reactions from fans and observers who praised Davido's advocacy for school safety and the return of abducted children. Davido's jacket serves as a visual tribute to the victims of the abduction and highlights the […]
Russia calls on US and Iran to return to negotiating table on Strait of Hormuz
Russia has urged the United States and Iran to return to the negotiating table to resolve their ongoing conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, describing the diplomatic channel as the only viable path to de escalate tensions in the Persian Gulf region. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued the statement calling on both Washington and Tehran to resume talks aimed at reopening the crucial waterway that handles nearly 20% of global oil exports. Moscow emphasized that negotiations offer the best chance to prevent further military escalation. Russia's call comes after Iran announced the closure of the Strait and threatened to attack any vessel attempting to pass through, while US President Donald Trump has demanded other nations send warships to police the waterway through a naval coalition. Moscow stressed that diplomatic engagement should address the root causes of the crisis including sanctions […]
Related
Presidency disowns fake appointment by non-existent council
The Presidency has disowned a purported appointment letter circulating in the name of a so called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, describing both the council and the alleged appointment as fake. In a formal disclaimer issued from the Office of the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila said the Federal Government became aware that one Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi was presenting himself as having been appointed under the alleged council. The statement clarified that there is no office or structure known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council in the current administration. According to the disclaimer, no such appointment has been made by the Office of the Chief of Staff or any other organ of the Presidency, and any documents or claims suggesting otherwise are fraudulent. The Presidency urged members of the public, diplomatic missions, international organisations […]
Ayra Starr earns UK silver certification for Bloody Samaritan milestone
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr's 2021 hit song "Bloody Samaritan" has earned a Silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the United Kingdom, marking 200,000 combined sales and streaming units for the track that became a cultural phenomenon. The silver certification adds to the song's growing list of international achievements, including Platinum certifications in the UK, Canada and New Zealand, and a Diamond certification in France. The track was the lead single from Ayra Starr's debut album "19 & Dangerous" and was released on July 30, 2021. "Bloody Samaritan" made Ayra Starr the first female artist to reach number one on Nigeria's TurnTable Top 50 chart with a solo single. The song also charted internationally, reaching number 34 in Suriname and gaining widespread recognition across multiple territories. The track has been certified 2× Platinum by the TurnTable Certification System […]
Ronaldo Iwobi headline as Nigeria and Portugal meet in Leira friendly match tonight
Nigeria's Super Eagles and Portugal's Seleção das Quinas will face off in central Portugal's town of Leiria tonight in an international friendly that promises fierce competition despite its tag. The match kicks off at 8.45pm Portugal time, which is the same time as in Nigeria. Before kick-off, Nigeria will honour midfielder Alex Iwobi as he collects his 100th senior cap for the Super Eagles. This milestone is an inspiration and occasion for the Trojan to exert dominance in midfield against Roberto Martinez's World Cup-bound Portuguese stars. Portugal's lineup includes Messi-rival Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and an attacking band of Pedro Neto, Francisco Trincão supporting the legendary forward. The Spanish champions are set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with José Sá in goal, a back four of Diogo Dalot, Tomás Araújo, Gonçalo Inácio and João Cancelo, a double pivot of Samú […]
Northern Elders tell Tinubu Nigeria is bleeding declare national security emergency
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on Wednesday faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration over worsening insecurity across Nigeria, declaring that the country is bleeding under the weight of escalating violence, kidnappings and banditry. The Forum called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a National Security Emergency and implement extraordinary measures to reverse the current security situation. NEF spokesperson Professor Abubakar Jiddere said the government has a constitutional and international obligation to protect lives and property. The directive included demands for the immediate deployment of adequately trained, armed and equipped security forces with clear rules of engagement to protect civilian populations and secure international border regions. NEF called for strengthening border control and regional cooperation with neighbouring states under ECOWAS and African Union protocols to stem cross-border incursions by armed criminal groups. The Forum also urged engagement of international partners […]
UK considers easing work visa rules for Nigerians and other skilled workers
The United Kingdom is reviewing proposals to ease work visa rules for Nigerians and other skilled workers from countries facing tight labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, technology and engineering. The proposals under consideration include adjustments to the Immigration Salary List and the introduction of new temporary shortage measures that would provide time-limited access to the Skilled Worker route for occupations below the current graduate-level requirement. These measures would allow certain occupations to be sponsored for Skilled Worker visas even if they fall below RQF Level 6 (UK bachelor's degree level), but with strict conditions that applicants cannot bring dependants to the UK. The UK government has publicly named Nigeria, India and Pakistan among the countries it is monitoring closely for immigration control purposes. The "visa brake" mechanism introduced in March 2026 can refuse certain applications based on […]
INEC sets July 11 deadline for candidate submission amid post-primary chaos
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed July 11, 2026, as the deadline for political parties to submit candidates' particulars for the 2027 general elections. The commission also announced that access codes for its nomination portal will be issued to political parties on June 26, 2026. This move comes as political parties intensify efforts to resolve post-primary disputes and finalize candidate nominations following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified parts of INEC's revised election timetable. The court held that INEC cannot lawfully shorten the statutory timelines outlined in the Electoral Act, 2026. INEC has warned that any primary elections conducted after the May 30 deadline will not be recognized unless a higher court overturns the Federal High Court judgment. The commission has filed an appeal but maintains that parties must comply with existing legal provisions. Before the court […]
Be the first to leave a comment