Troops of the Nigerian Army, working with other security agencies, have rescued six kidnap victims during a joint operation in Kogi State.
The operation was carried out around the Osara–Okene axis after security forces received credible intelligence on the movement and location of the kidnappers and their hostages.
Acting on the information, the troops and other security personnel launched a coordinated raid on the criminals’ hideout, engaging the suspects and forcing them to abandon the captives and flee into the surrounding forest.
All six victims were rescued alive and taken into safety, where they received medical checks and counselling before being reunited with their families.
The security agencies vowed to sustain the offensive against criminal gangs operating in Kogi and neighbouring states, calling on residents to continue sharing timely information to support ongoing operations.
About the author
CDS COAS DG NEMA relocate to Maiduguri after Tinubu directive
Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency have relocated to Maiduguri, Borno State, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive . The move comes in response to a recent surge in Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks and bombings in Borno, including deadly explosions in Maiduguri, the state capital . Tinubu had ordered all service chiefs and heads of key security agencies to move to Maiduguri to coordinate intensified operations aimed at quickly restoring security and public confidence in the North East . On Wednesday, Oluyede and Shaibu arrived at the Maiduguri Air Force Base, where they were received by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and other senior officers . The service chiefs later proceeded […]
Tinubu and First Lady receive royal welcome as UK state visit opens
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun his historic state visit to the United Kingdom with a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, where he was received by King Charles III . This is the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, marking a significant milestone in relations between both countries . Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, was honoured with a 42 gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery as part of the formal arrival ceremonies . Earlier, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, welcomed the Nigerian First Family and escorted them to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla at the historic royal residence . The two day visit will see the King host the president and his wife at Windsor Castle, with activities including an exchange of official gifts and […]
NAF strikes Borno terrorist hideouts after failed attacks
The Nigerian Air Force has carried out precision airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Abirma, Borno State, destroying several structures and neutralising many fighters along the southern axis of the Lake Chad region . NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the strikes were launched on Tuesday, March 17, after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance confirmed the presence of terrorists in the settlement . He explained that follow up aerial surveillance spotted insurgent movements around concealed structures hidden under thick vegetation, a tactic the terrorists often use to avoid detection . Once the targets were positively identified and verified in line with NAF’s operational procedures, air assets executed precision strikes on the locations . According to Ejodame, the strikes destroyed multiple terrorist structures and disrupted their activities, with preliminary battle damage assessment indicating that their capacity to use the area as a […]
Tinubu sets March 31 exit deadline for appointees eyeing 2027 polls
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given ministers and other presidential appointees nursing political ambitions until March 31, 2026, to resign from their positions . The directive was issued through a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and is aimed at creating a level playing field ahead of next year’s general election . According to the statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Nengak Goshit, the order is to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries . INEC’s timetable stipulates that primaries to select candidates for the January and February 2027 elections must be held between April 23 and May 30, after which parties will submit their candidate lists and electronic registers of members . […]
Shank Comics claims Bovi Basketmouth are richer than Asake Wizkid
Skit maker and streamer Shank Comics says leading Nigerian comedians like Bovi Ugboma and Basketmouth are wealthier than some of the country’s biggest music stars, including Asake and Wizkid . Speaking during a recent livestream, Shank argued that comedy brings in strong long term income and that many comedians quietly build wealth while living modest lifestyles . He claimed that unlike some popular musicians, comedians often avoid extravagant spending on luxury cars and instead focus on safety, stability and long term financial security . Using Bovi as an example, Shank said the comedian is content driving a regular Lexus and has little interest in buying Ferraris, Lamborghinis or other flashy cars that some artistes are known for . He insisted that Bovi and Basketmouth are richer than stars such as Asake and Wizkid, but that their low key approach to […]
Labake Olododo becomes big hit at Nigerian box office
Labake Olododo has become a major success at the Nigerian box office, earning 202 million naira within its first two weeks in cinemas . The film opened with 50.4 million naira in its first three days and went on to top the box office charts for several consecutive weekends, quickly becoming only the second movie to cross the 200 million naira mark last year . Industry observers say the film’s strong performance reflects a wider resurgence of interest in period dramas, as audiences are once again embracing historical stories across books, television and film . On streaming platforms, shows such as Vikings have shown how history themed content can attract large audiences, and this renewed appetite for the past is also visible in other areas of entertainment and culture . Museums have reported about a 10 percent rise in visitors […]
Related
CDS COAS DG NEMA relocate to Maiduguri after Tinubu directive
Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency have relocated to Maiduguri, Borno State, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive . The move comes in response to a recent surge in Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks and bombings in Borno, including deadly explosions in Maiduguri, the state capital . Tinubu had ordered all service chiefs and heads of key security agencies to move to Maiduguri to coordinate intensified operations aimed at quickly restoring security and public confidence in the North East . On Wednesday, Oluyede and Shaibu arrived at the Maiduguri Air Force Base, where they were received by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and other senior officers . The service chiefs later proceeded […]
Ukraine battles economic pressure amid war
Ukraine’s economic stability has become a crucial but often overlooked front in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Maintaining financial strength is not only essential for sustaining the war effort today but also for securing the country’s long-term future. According to Sergii Marchenko, Ukraine’s finance minister, Kyiv aims to emerge from the conflict as a strong partner for Europe rather than a struggling neighbour. He believes the country’s hard-earned military experience since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022 could eventually help strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities. Joining the European Union remains a major goal for Ukraine. Financial support from the bloc has played a key role in keeping the economy functioning while bringing the country closer to European integration. A newly approved €90bn loan from the EU is expected to help cover Ukraine’s budget gap over the next two years. […]
Iran tightens security amid fears of protests
Authorities in Tehran have intensified security measures as tensions rise over the possibility of anti-establishment protests. Residents report the installation of multiple checkpoints across the capital, alongside tighter restrictions on internet access and warning messages sent to citizens. According to people who spoke with BBC News, security personnel have set up checkpoints under pedestrian bridges and inside road tunnels. Vehicles are frequently stopped and searched as part of efforts to maintain control in the city. The security presence increased after Israeli strikes reportedly targeted several checkpoints earlier this month. The Fars News Agency said that a number of security personnel were killed when four checkpoints were hit in different districts of Tehran. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that thousands of civilians have died during recent protests, highlighting the scale of unrest that has shaken the country. Many […]
Perturbations d’électricité signalées au Togo
Des perturbations dans la fourniture d’électricité sont observées depuis plusieurs semaines au Togo, notamment dans la capitale Lomé ainsi que dans plusieurs grandes villes du pays. Les autorités attribuent cette situation à une combinaison de facteurs techniques et conjoncturels affectant le système énergétique national. Le directeur général de la Compagnie énergie électrique du Togo (CEET), Débo-K'mba Barandao, a expliqué lors d’une intervention sur la Télévision togolaise (TVT) que ces perturbations résultent notamment de contraintes techniques sur le réseau électrique, associées à une demande d’énergie particulièrement élevée. Par ailleurs, certains équipements du système électrique font actuellement l’objet d’opérations de maintenance destinées à garantir la sécurité et la fiabilité des installations. À ces difficultés internes s’ajoutent des tensions dans l’approvisionnement en énergie importée via les interconnexions régionales. Pour faire face à cette situation, les autorités ont engagé des discussions avec plusieurs entreprises […]
Ukraine strikes key Russian military factory
Ukrainian forces have targeted what they describe as one of Russia’s key military production sites, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The strike reportedly hit a factory responsible for manufacturing electronic components used in Russian missiles. Speaking about the operation, Zelensky said the facility played an important role in producing parts for missiles that have been used in attacks against Ukrainian cities and civilian areas. Ukraine’s military indicated that the strike involved the use of Storm Shadow missiles supplied by the United Kingdom. The target of the strike was the Kremniy El plant, located in the Russian border region of Bryansk region. Local Russian authorities reported that the missile attack resulted in the deaths of at least six civilians and left 42 others injured. The Kremlin quickly reacted to the incident. A spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, […]
Tehran Under Heavy Strikes as Iran Conflict Escalates
Residents across Iran are facing days of fear and uncertainty as air strikes continue in several parts of the country. In the capital, Tehran, locals describe a tense and dangerous situation as attacks launched by the United States and Israel since 28 February target military and political facilities in an effort to weaken the Islamic government. According to several residents, the sound of explosions has become constant. Salar, a Tehran resident whose name has been changed for safety reasons, says the scale of destruction is hard to comprehend. He explains that the power of the strikes often causes buildings to shake. Iranian officials reported that at least 160 people, including children, were killed on Saturday when a girls’ school was struck in the city of Minab. The White House has said the United States does not deliberately target civilians and […]