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
Latoya Ekemode: I married Orlando Julius despite being 17 years younger
Latoya Ekemode, widow of late highlife and Afrobeat icon Orlando Julius, has opened up about their marriage, saying she chose to marry him despite being 17 years younger. Four years after the saxophonist’s passing in 2022, she explained that age was never a barrier to the bond they shared. Latoya recalled meeting Orlando Julius in the late 1970s, when she was a young performer drawn to his music, charisma and dedication to African sound. Over time, friendship blossomed into love, and she eventually became not only his wife but also his stage partner and manager, working closely with him on tours and recordings. According to her, some friends and relatives initially questioned the decision to marry a man much older and already an established star. However, she said their relationship was built on mutual respect, genuine affection and a shared […]
NFVCB classifies 304 films in Q1 2026, records growth over 2025
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has approved and classified a total of 304 films between January and April 2026, reflecting sustained growth in Nigeria’s movie industry. According to the board, the figure represents an increase over the 267 films classified within the corresponding period in 2025. Classification data released by the NFVCB show that January 2026 recorded the highest number of approvals with 102 films, followed by 83 in February, 77 in March and 42 in April. By comparison, the board classified 25 films in January 2025, 58 in February, 114 in March and 70 in April of that year. The distribution of age ratings indicates that only a small fraction of the films were suitable for all ages. Ten films received a “G” (general) rating, 16 were classified as “PG”, while 18 fell under the “12/12A” […]
O’Neill: Iheanacho has been terrific
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has described Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho as “terrific” following a string of decisive performances in the Scottish Premiership title race. The Nigerian forward has come up big for the Hoops in recent weeks, scoring late winners and crucial goals despite limited minutes and earlier injury problems. Iheanacho grabbed the headlines with a dramatic 99th-minute penalty in Celtic’s 3–2 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park, keeping their championship hopes alive heading into the final day. Before that, he netted the match-winner in a 2–1 win over Hibernian, taking his tally to four goals in his last five appearances across all competitions. “Iheanacho has been terrific for us with the little cameo roles that he’s done,” O’Neill told BBC Scotland after the Motherwell game. “He’s had a really frustrating time this season with hamstring problems, but he […]
Arbeloa: I’ll be happy if Mourinho returns as Real Madrid coach
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has said he would be happy if his former manager José Mourinho returned to the Bernabéu amid intense speculation linking the Portuguese tactician with the job. Reports in Spain and Portugal claim club president Florentino Pérez is seriously considering bringing back Mourinho as head coach after a trophyless season. According to Spanish outlet The Objective, one scenario being explored would see Mourinho installed as first-team manager with Arbeloa staying on as his assistant, effectively recreating their close relationship from the early 2010s. Sources close to the former right-back say he is open to such an arrangement and “would not mind” working under his old boss if it benefits the club. Speaking recently about the rumours, Arbeloa brushed aside any suggestion that he feels threatened by Mourinho’s possible return. He has consistently described the Benfica coach […]
Son Heung-min to lead South Korea squad at his fourth World Cup
Veteran forward Son Heung-min has been named to lead South Korea’s 26-man squad to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking his fourth appearance at football’s biggest tournament. The 33-year-old captain, now playing for Los Angeles FC after leaving Tottenham Hotspur last year, will once again be the focal point of the Taeguk Warriors’ attack. Head coach Hong Myung-bo unveiled the roster in Seoul on Saturday, confirming that South Korea will rely on a blend of experience and emerging talent in North America. The squad includes Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, who are expected to form the core around Son in midfield and defence. Despite recent ankle concerns, influential midfielder Hwang In-beom has also been called up after medical staff cleared him to participate. Hong said the team’s primary target is to reach the round […]
Tambuwal: ADC structure not built for Atiku, defends coalition exits
Former Sokoto State governor and Sokoto South senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is not a party whose structure was built for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any single politician. Speaking on a Channels Television programme, he dismissed claims that the ADC had been hijacked to serve Atiku’s presidential ambition ahead of 2027. Tambuwal explained that the ADC’s ongoing coalition arrangements were designed as a broader platform for opposition forces, not a personal vehicle for Atiku. He insisted that decisions within the party are taken collectively by its organs and leaders, including chairman David Mark and other stakeholders, rather than being dictated by one individual. Reacting to the exit of key figures like Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the coalition, Tambuwal said their decisions were “personal choices” and not evidence of a crisis […]
Related
More criticism trails Makinde over Wetie comment
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is facing growing criticism over his recent reference to Operation Wetie, a violent episode in the political history of the old Western Region.The governor reportedly used the expression during a political gathering in Ibadan at the weekend, a remark that many now see as irresponsible and dangerous. Opposition figures, civil society groups and concerned citizens have condemned the statement, warning that such language could encourage political thuggery and undermine peace in the state.They argue that referencing a period associated with arson, killings and severe unrest sends the wrong signal ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Some critics insist that leaders must promote calm and constructive engagement instead of inflammatory rhetoric.They stress that Oyo State has enjoyed relative stability in recent years and should not return to a climate of fear or politically motivated attacks. Political […]
Iranian sailors leave Sri Lanka after attack
More than 200 Iranian sailors who had been stranded in Sri Lanka following a naval incident have now returned home after spending over a month in the country. According to Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, a total of 238 sailors were repatriated. This included 32 crew members rescued from the Iris Dena and 206 from the Irins Bushehr. The group departed on Tuesday night after being flown out of Sri Lanka. The incident began on 4 March, when the Iris Dena sank approximately 40 kilometres off Sri Lanka’s southern coast after being struck by a torpedo reportedly launched from a US submarine. The attack resulted in the deaths of 104 sailors. The following day, Sri Lankan authorities took control of the Irins Bushehr after it requested permission to dock due to engine failure. The vessel was allowed into port on […]
China says it ‘welcomes’ Middle East ceasefire agreement
China has said it “welcomes” the ceasefire agreement reached in the Middle East between the parties to the Iran conflict. “China welcomes relevant parties announcing the reaching of a ceasefire agreement,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters at a regular briefing in Beijing. She expressed hope that all sides would “earnestly implement” the truce, which includes a two‑week halt to strikes and a controlled reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. China reiterated its long‑standing position that hostilities in the region must stop immediately to prevent further escalation and spillover. Beijing’s foreign ministry said the country supports diplomatic efforts and dialogue to resolve disputes, and backs a greater role for the United Nations and Gulf states in promoting regional security. Foreign Minister Wang Yi previously outlined a framework calling for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians and […]
Lilian Afegbai apologises to AMVCA for outburst over snub
Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai has apologised to the organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for her earlier outburst over being left out of this year’s nominations. She had previously gone viral for angrily telling them to eat their award after her name was missing from the list. In a new post on her X page, Afegbai admitted that her apology was overdue and that her earlier reaction was disrespectful. She said her words were driven by hurt and disappointment and did not reflect the respect she has for the AMVCA platform and those who work behind the scenes. The actress, who played the character Idia in Kemi Adetiba’s Netflix series To Kill a Monkey, had initially expressed shock at not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress. She argued that her role was one of the most talked about […]
Court orders final forfeiture of $13m linked to Oceangate Engineering
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 13 million dollars linked to Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd, a company associated with businesswoman Aisha Achimugu. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for the money to be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that neither Oceangate Engineering nor Achimugu was able to prove that the 13 million dollars was legitimately earned. He said there was no credible evidence before the court to support their claim that the funds came from gifts and earnings from oil and gas contracts. The judge rejected arguments by Oceangate’s lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, who had insisted that the money was lawfully acquired. Ozurumba had argued that the funds were derived from personal gifts to Achimugu and proceeds of genuine […]
Bandits raid Kwara church, abduct worshippers during service
Armed bandits have attacked a church in Kwara State, abducting several worshippers during a service. The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state. The attackers reportedly arrived at the church in the evening and opened fire from outside before storming the building. Worshippers fled in different directions as gunshots rang out, while some were seized and taken into the bush by the gunmen. Police authorities in Kwara confirmed the attack and said two people were killed, while a vigilante member sustained gunshot injuries. The victims who died were identified as worshippers who were shot during the raid, and their bodies were later recovered in and around the church premises. The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command said operatives, working with local vigilantes, responded quickly after receiving distress calls about […]