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Terrorists Abduct Travellers, Attack Police Post As Security Tension Rise in North-Central
MINNA — Just two days after terrorists killed over 40 people in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, suspected bandits struck again, targeting the Isanlu–Isin–Omu Aran highway in Kwara State. At least four travellers were abducted in the early hours of Monday, as insecurity continues to escalate across the region.
The highway attack occurred when armed men ambushed motorists on a key route connecting communities in Kwara South to the state capital, Ilorin. Sources said the assailants forced vehicles to stop and seized passengers, whisking them away to an unknown location. At the time of reporting, the Kwara State Police Command had not issued a statement confirming the abduction or detailing rescue efforts.
This attack comes amid growing insecurity in Kwara, where major kidnapping incidents have become increasingly frequent. Notably, on November 18, 2025, gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church branch in Eruku, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 members, including the pastor.
Police Outpost Set Ablaze in Niger State
In a related incident, suspected terrorists attacked a Nigeria Police Border Patrol post in New Kalli village, Borgu LGA, Niger State, around midnight. The assailants set the patrol room and officers’ accommodation ablaze, destroyed farm produce, and stole personal belongings. No casualties were reported, but fear and frustration among residents have intensified.
The Disaster Officer of Borgu Local Government, Musa Saidu, confirmed that security agencies had been notified and assessments were ongoing. Niger State Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said the attackers were repelled by officers after a fierce gun battle, and reinforcements were deployed to restore normalcy.
Residents Flee Communities After Weekend Attacks
Communities in Agwara and Borgu LGAs are experiencing mass displacement following the recent attacks. Rumours of further planned assaults have prompted residents to abandon their homes, particularly in Kwana, Tugan Salama, and areas near Papiri, where over 300 pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School were previously abducted.
Revd. Father Matthew Kabirat, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, confirmed that parishioners and priests are relocating to avoid potential attacks. “The security personnel that came after the incident cannot be found; there are no signs of help for the people. These terrorists are having a field day,” he said. Villagers report that bandits routinely move from the Borgu Games Reserve through surrounding villages to launch attacks.
Calls for National Action
Reacting to the Niger attacks, former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned the killings and urged the federal government to end what he described as the normalization of mass killings in Nigeria. Obi emphasized that protecting citizens must remain a foremost governmental responsibility and called for coordinated, decisive action against insecurity.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, also condemned the attacks in Agwara and Borgu, describing them as barbaric and inhuman. He affirmed the APC’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s security initiatives, underscoring the government’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace.
“The forces of terror will not defeat our collective resolve. Nigeria will prevail,” Yilwatda said, pledging continued efforts to build a secure, united, and prosperous nation where citizens are protected from criminal violence.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.
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