The federal government has raised the country's security system to its maximum level of readiness due to increasing instability and rece...
The federal government has raised the country's security system to its maximum level of readiness due to increasing instability and recent assaults in various regions of the nation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, declared a red alert yesterday during a press briefing.
Idris expressed the President Bola Tinubu's condolences to the families and communities impacted by the recent incidents of terrorism and crime, while also emphasizing the President's steadfast dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of every Nigerian.
The statement was made as Tinubu, yesterday, delayed his planned visits to Johannesburg and Luanda. He was expected to participate in the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit in South Africa and then go to Angola to attend the 7th AU-EU Summit.
Tinubu was expecting additional security updates regarding the abducted students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, as well as the incident involving followers of the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
In reaction to a request from Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Tinubu, as per a statement from his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, directed the sending of additional security personnel to Eruku and the whole Ekiti Local Government Area. He also instructed the police to pursue the bandits responsible for attacking worshippers.
Emphasizing the president's strong dedication to safeguarding life and property across the nation, Idris said, "It should be clear that President Tinubu has placed our country's security systems on the highest level of readiness ever, and has sent forces to actively track down and eradicate terrorists, bandits, and criminal groups wherever they might be in Nigeria."
Our military personnel have also been ordered to quickly recover the kidnapped students from Kebbi and return them to their loved ones.
He criticized the killing of Brig-Gen Uba and the kidnapping of female students in Kebbi State, along with the assault on a church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, calling them painful indications of the challenges facing the country.
Idris mentioned that these actions only reinforced the federal government's determination to effectively combat terrorism and piracy.
He revealed that Tinubu had delayed his planned international activities, such as the G20 summit in South Africa, in order to concentrate entirely on domestic security issues.
The official stated that the president had ordered the armed forces and law enforcement to send more staff to Eruku and the whole Ekiti Local Government Area in Kwara State, to provide robust security and quick reaction.
He stated that Vice President Kashim Shettima was also in Birnin Kebbi, following the president's directive, to discuss with Governor Mohammed Idris, security officials, tribal leaders, and the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls.
The information minister pledged to Nigerians that retrieving the kidnapped girls from Kebbi continued to be a top national concern.
He stated, President Tinubu has also instructed all security agencies to actively track down, disable, and destroy terrorist and criminal groups throughout the nation.
The minister denied any sectarian perspective on the country's security issues, emphasizing that Nigeria's security threats, ranging from terrorism to banditry, have impacted people of all religions and backgrounds.
At this crucial time, national unity stands as our greatest strength, he stated, emphasizing, We need to reject false information and discord. Our shared adversaries are terrorists and lawbreakers aiming to disrupt our nation.
He strengthened Nigeria's position as a multi-religious nation where the right to worship freely was constitutionally protected.
Idris called on citizens to unite in solidarity and back the work of security agencies striving hard to protect the nation. He mentioned that the government remains assured that the current security operations will result in the quick recovery of the kidnapped schoolgirls and the return of peace to impacted areas.
Tinubu was set to depart from Abuja yesterday in order to participate in the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit taking place in South Africa and the 7th African Union-European Union (AU-EU) Summit held in Angola.
However, concerned about the security incidents in Kebbi State and the attack on Monday by bandits at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, Tinubu chose to delay his travel.
The president was reportedly waiting for updates from the vice president, who had been dispatched on a compassionate visit to Kebbi on his behalf, along with information from the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) concerning the incident in Kwara.
Tinubu restated his order to the security agencies to take all necessary measures to recover the kidnapped schoolgirls and return them home safely.
Tinubu Very Distressed, Expresses Sympathy for Your Sorrow, Shettima Informs Students and Families
Vice President Kashim Shettima informed the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls from Kebbi State, the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba, and the Vice Principal of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga that Tinubu was deeply affected by the tragic events.
Shettima promised that the government would use every available tool of the state to save the schoolchildren and ensure that those responsible for abducting them, as well as the killers of the military officer and the vice principal, were held fully accountable under the law.
Shettima, speaking from Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, on instructions from Tinubu, referred to the kidnapping of the schoolgirls from the Maga boarding school as an attack on the shared values of every Nigerian.
The president, on Tuesday evening, requested his deputy to go to the state to express condolences to the state administration and reassure the parents and guardians of the abducted schoolgirls that the government would guarantee their prompt and secure return.
Expressing his condolences to the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls and the state government, Shettima stated, Kebbi's sorrow is Nigeria's sorrow. When a child is taken, every household in this country mourns. When girls are stolen from the security of their classrooms by criminals, our shared sense of morality is violated.
The President is profoundly distressed by this tragedy. He empathizes with your pain and has asked me to inform you that now is not the time for political debates. This sorrow goes beyond political affiliations, regions, and personal identities.
This is an era of togetherness, empathy, and strong determination against wrongdoing. Our main focus is clear and unwavering: our daughters need to come back home safely.
On behalf of Tinubu, Shettima pledged to the people that their sorrow, anxieties, and pleas represent a mark on Nigeria's shared moral responsibility, and the nation will not disregard this duty.
He said, "This government will not stop. We will utilize all tools of the state to bring these girls back and make sure those responsible for this evil act face the full force of justice. Kebbi, you are not alone. Nigeria is with you. And we will not rest until your daughters come back into your loving arms."
The vice president pledged that the federal government would assist the families of Uba, the late vice principal, and others who were killed by terrorist groups, while making every effort to rescue the kidnapped schoolgirls.
Shettima stated, We also pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice of some of our courageous officers. To the family of the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba, we express: his sacrifice will never be remembered.
When a soldier sacrifices his life to protect this country, a segment of our shared spirit is affected. We will honor him, his family, and everyone who gives the ultimate sacrifice in service to Nigeria.
Shettima commended the governor of Kebbi State, community leaders, traditional authorities, local security groups, civil society collaborators, and all involved parties for uniting during the time of crisis.
Your support, alertness, and togetherness are essential in finding our girls and ensuring the security of our neighborhoods, he stated.
Shettima also praised the brave personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as all paramilitary and intelligence organizations, for their bravery in dealing with the security issues the nation is experiencing.
He said to them, "Your bravery, your relentless efforts, and your sacrifices—often unnoticed and unacknowledged—continue to be the foundation of our country's safety. You are at the forefront so that the rest of us can sleep with confidence. The nation is grateful for you."
The governor of Kebbi State expressed gratitude to Tinubu for his demonstration of support, care, and strong leadership.
He mentioned that, since the incidents occurred, the president had been communicating with the state government. He expressed confidence that, due to the government's dedication and actions, the kidnapped schoolgirls would be freed soon.
The governor specifically expressed gratitude to the vice president for the demonstration of interest. He confirmed the state's dedication and faithfulness to the Tinubu administration, promising ongoing collaboration and teamwork with the federal government to facilitate the girls' release.
Idris said, "We in Kebbi are deeply moved by the demonstrated concern and the ongoing efforts to save our girls. I am hopeful that they will be rescued. It's a heartbreaking situation, but we will also take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents from happening again."
We appreciate Mr. President, who is ably represented by our own vice president. We thank you for your attention, as well as the behind-the-scenes communications and actions taken so far. We sincerely value your efforts, Sir.
Attending the meeting were the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nantawe Yitwada; the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Tafida; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; his counterparts in Women's Affairs, Hajiya Iman Suleiman Ibrahim; Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Bernard Fori; and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Tanko Yusuf.
Other individuals present were members of the National Assembly; members of the state House of Assembly; former Governor of Kebbi State, Usman Dakingari; Senator Bala Ibn Na Allah; Director General of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar; Secretary to Kebbi State Government, Yakubu Bala; members of the State Executive Council; senior government officials; and leaders of military and paramilitary organizations.
Kebbi Government Refutes Allegations of an Attack in a Christian Area
The Kebbi State Government labeled as "false and deceptive" a statement made by U.S. Representative Riley Moore, asserting that the recent kidnapping of 25 female students took place in a "Christian community."
A statement, authored by Chief Press Secretary Ahmed Idris, emphasized that Maga was primarily a Muslim population and all the kidnapped students were Muslims.
The government's response occurred during a surge of global focus. U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, had used the event to emphasize what they termed the oppression of Christians in Nigeria.
Moore's message on X reflected the prevailing story, leading to an immediate reaction from Nigerian officials, who stated that the attackers involved in the incident do not act according to religious affiliation.
As per the declaration, law enforcement has increased efforts to locate the missing girls and guarantee their safe return.
The Kebbi State administration also informed the public that banditry in the North-west had notably impacted Muslim groups, referencing recent assaults on mosques in the nearby Katsina State.
"If these outlaws were motivated by religious beliefs, why do they target and kill Muslims who are praying in mosques?" the statement read.
The Kebbi State Government called on legislators and the press to confirm details prior to issuing public remarks that might misrepresent information or create confusion.
LG Chair Publishes Students' Names
The head of the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Hussaini Aliyu, also denied claims by U.S. legislator Riley Moore that the kidnapping of 25 female students took place in a Christian neighborhood.
Aliyu mentioned that all the girls identified as Muslim and requested Moore to refrain from issuing unconfirmed remarks that might escalate religious conflicts.
Later, the names of the schoolgirls along with their respective classes were disclosed to alleviate doubts about their beliefs.
They were:
Senior Secondary School 2A
- Fatima Sani Zimri
- Hafsat Ibrahim
- Nana Firdausi Jibril
- Masauda Yakubu Romo
Senior Secondary School 2B
- Hauwa Saleh
- Hauwau Umar Imam
Upper Secondary School 3A & 3B
- Salima Garba Umar
- Salima Sani Zimri
- Amina G. Umar
- Rashida Muhammad Dingu
- Saliha Umar
- Aisha Usman
- Jamila Iliyasu
- Maryam Illiyasu
- Najaatu Abdullahi
- Zainab Kolo
Junior Secondary School 3A
- Surraya Tukur
- Hafsat Umar Yalmo
- Maryam Usman
- Amina Illiyasu
- Ikilima Suleman
Junior Secondary School 2
- Khadija Nazifi
- Hauwau Iliyasu
- Hauwau Lawali
- Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim
Kwankwaso Demands Decisive Action
The former Minister of Defence and head of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, criticized the increasing instability in Nigeria, pointing to the murder of Uba and the kidnapping of students in Kebbi State.
Posting on X, Kwankwaso stated, The recent increase in insecurity within Nigeria has become so severe that it requires immediate action from all authorities, particularly the federal government.
He characterized the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State as highly concerning, reflecting a troubling trend from recent history.
The kidnapping and later murder of Brigadier General M. Uba by militants in Borno State is among the most tragic events in our country's struggle against terrorism, he stated.
Kwankwaso mentioned that the surprising intelligence and operational shortcomings required an immediate and comprehensive inquiry.
Additionally, large-scale abductions have been documented in Zamfara State, which is deeply distressing. He called for the rapid retrieval of the captives.
The previous governor of Kano State expressed concern over the recent increase in banditry incidents in Shanono and Ghari local government areas within Kano State, calling for prompt attention and swift measures.
Kwankwaso said, The federal government needs to carry out its main duty. These events are not separate; they highlight major challenges in the fight against instability.
He urged the authorities to implement firm measures by revitalizing the military and granting the Nigeria Police the necessary strength to safeguard and shield citizens from any terrorist activities.
Outlaws Murder Ex-Council Member, Kidnap Others in Sokoto Village
Outlaws, at midnight on Tuesday, attacked the village of Kabunga in the Kware Local Government Area of Sokoto State, shooting randomly and searching each house.
The attack resulted in at least two fatalities, including a former council member, Alhaji Yahaya Bawa Rumus, and led to multiple residents being taken hostage.
Eyewitnesses shared with journalists that the assailants arrived approximately at midnight, causing chaos as families awoke to discover their relatives gone.
The whole community is stunned. They murdered our former council member and another individual. Several people were taken. We still don't know the exact number, a local resident said, calling the event another night of terror for an area that has been under attack for a long time.
By Wednesday morning, security agencies had not released any official announcement, and no additional support had arrived during the attack.
Residents voiced their irritation, noting that the government's claims of "handling the situation" have had minimal impact on the ongoing weekly murders and kidnappings.
Trial of Suspected Ansaru Terrorists Delayed
The court case involving two leaders of the Ansaru militant group, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, at the Federal High Court in Abuja was delayed yesterday after the defense lawyers requested more time to prepare their clients' case.
The individuals accused, who were detained by the DSS between May and July, are said to have orchestrated multiple terrorist incidents throughout the nation.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja had set November 19 as the date for the trial to begin. However, when the case was brought up, Mr. B. I Bakum, who stated he was representing the two defendants, informed the court that the charges and evidence were still with the DSS, as the defendants were being held in remand under the court's orders.
The attorney requested the court to transfer the two defendants to a detention facility, facilitating easier access and ensuring a swift and uninterrupted trial.
Advice to DSS, Mr. David Kaswe, an Assistant Director within the Federal Ministry of Justice, rejected the proposal to move the defendants to a correctional facility.
Kasawe requested the court to start the trial as planned, and mentioned that the prosecution's witnesses had already arrived at the court.
Although he mentioned that the protocol in DSS mandated the defense attorney to contact the agency for permission to meet with his clients and also send a copy to him, the prosecution lawyer told the court that the defense attorney had not yet done so.
In response, Nwite issued a short ruling, approving the request for additional time to allow the defense attorney to get ready for the case and postponed the hearing until January 15.
Meanwhile, the court instructed the defendants' attorney to consistently seek permission from the DSS to visit his clients and obtain copies from the prosecutor.
Usman and Abubakar Abba are facing terrorism charges from the DSS. Nevertheless, Usman admitted guilt to Count 10 in the 32-count indictment, whereas Abubakar Abba denied all 32 charges related to terrorism.
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