Tinubu Orders Round-the-Clock Aerial Patrols Over Kwara, Kebbi, Niger Forests Amid Spike in Abductions

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Air Force to launch 24-hour aerial surveillance over forests in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states, following a sharp escalation in kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the region.

The order followed a fresh abduction on Monday evening in Isapa, a community about five kilometres from Eruku in Kwara State, where more than 20 people — including a pregnant woman, nursing mothers and several children — were kidnapped.

At the same time, a cleric and a traditional ruler raised concerns over ongoing killings in parts of Nasarawa State, while parents of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger appealed to the Federal Government to rescue their children.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) also threatened to withdraw teachers from schools if the government fails to stem the rising attacks on educational institutions.

Tinubu Directs NAF: Maintain Constant Coordination With Ground Troops

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, announced the directive in a post on X on Tuesday.

He stated that the President instructed the Air Force to intensify operations over “the deepest stretches of the forests” where criminal gangs are believed to be hiding.

According to Dare, the aerial operations will be conducted continuously and will stay in close communication with ground forces across all relevant axes to support rescue efforts.

Communities were also advised to provide timely intelligence to aid security operations.

Over 20 Residents Abducted in Fresh Kwara Attack

Sources confirmed that armed men stormed Isapa around 7 p.m. on Monday, arriving with a large herd of cattle and firing shots to frighten residents.
An elderly woman was reportedly killed by a stray bullet.

A community leader told journalists that seven of the abducted persons were from one household. The victims include:

• A pregnant woman (Sarah Sunday, 22)
• Two nursing mothers (Lami Fidelis, 23; Haja Na Allah)
• Several children: Magaji (6), Kande (5), Hadiza (10), Mariam (6), Saima (5)
• Others: Talatu Kabiru (20), two housewives (Habibat and Fatima Yusufu)

The target of the attack was allegedly a businessman previously kidnapped and released after paying ₦20 million. When the attackers could not find him at home, they took everyone present.

Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi confirmed the incident, stating he had just returned from the scene and that a detailed report was being prepared.

Kwara Gov Sets Up Security Committee

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has set up a high-level security committee led by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi to develop both short and long-term solutions.

The committee has four weeks to submit recommendations aimed at shaping a Kwara-specific security strategy.

Kebbi Gov Receives Rescued 25 Schoolgirls — ‘No Ransom Paid’

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has received the 25 schoolgirls abducted from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.

He affirmed the students were rescued unharmed, denying reports of ransom payment.

“No Kobo was paid. The military, DSS and other security forces combed the forest and rescued them unhurt,” he said.

President Tinubu also celebrated their release, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to free all remaining captives.

Nasarawa Cleric, Monarch Warn of Deadly Herdsmen Attacks

In Nasarawa State, suspected armed herders attacked Agboda community on Monday evening, stabbing a young man and disrupting a church crusade.

The crusade organiser, Dr. Daniel Ukpo, said panic erupted when residents heard of an attack on nearby Tye community.

“We had to end the crusade abruptly… the frequency at which herdsmen attack and kill villagers is alarming,” he said.

Ukpo added that communities are “defenceless” and lack adequate security presence.

Parents in Niger Beg FG to Rescue Over 260 Abducted Schoolchildren

Parents of students kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, are pleading for government intervention.

Over 300 students were seized last week, though around 50 reportedly escaped; more than 265 students and teachers remain missing.

One father, Michael Ibrahim, said his 4-year-old son “doesn’t know how to talk” and suffers from asthma.

“We don’t know his condition… I appeal to the government to do all within its powers to bring these children back,” he said.

NUT Threatens to Pull Teachers From Classrooms

The Nigeria Union of Teachers condemned the recent wave of abductions and warned that teachers may be withdrawn from classrooms if their safety cannot be guaranteed.

NUT President Audu Titus Amba described the attacks as a “national emergency,” recalling major student kidnappings over the last decade, including:

• Chibok (2014)
• Dapchi (2018)
• Kaduna Forestry College (2021)
• Jangebe (2021)
• Bethel Baptist (2021)
• Kuriga (2024)

He urged the government to fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration and strengthen security around learning centres.

UN to FG: Stop Kidnappings, Prosecute Perpetrators

The United Nations condemned the surge in mass abductions, calling on Nigerian authorities to take “all lawful measures” to halt the attacks and ensure justice.

UN spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan urged the government to secure the release of all captives and conduct effective investigations.

Why Military Can’t Bomb Bandit Enclaves — Presidency

Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga said security agencies know the identities and locations of the bandits responsible for recent mass abductions but cannot bomb their hideouts due to the presence of civilian hostages.

“You can’t just go there… they must avoid bombing innocent Nigerians,” he said, citing a past mistaken airstrike in Borno.

Onanuga also said uncertainty remains over the exact number of missing students because school officials have not provided complete records.

DSS, Military Used Tracking Intelligence to Free 38 Hostages in Kwara

Onanuga explained that the rescue of 38 abducted worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, was achieved through precise tracking systems and coordinated engagement with bandits.

The non-kinetic approach, he said, ensured the victims were released safely without triggering casualties.

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