A new video has surfaced showing that the Nigerian government and the bandits who abducted the Kebbi schoolgirls negotiated and arrived at a deal before the girls were set free. Recall that some kidnapped students of Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, were released on Tuesday with the government claiming that no ransom was paid before their release. But a video has surfaced online revealing that the government had negotiated with the abductors before the girls were set free. In the clip shared by @AM_Saleeem on X, one of the armed men is heard questioning the schoolgirls about military aircraft that flew over the forest during their captivity. He asks how many jets passed above them, and the girls respond, “uncountable.” The kidnapper then boasts that the authorities could not rescue the students by force and had to negotiate. The abductors also asked the girls about their condition in captivity. “Did we leave you hungry?” one bandit asked. “No,” the girls replied. “Were you assaulted in any way?” he asked again. “No,” they answered. Another kidnapper told them, “We will take you back home safe to your parents, we are doing this based on peace deals.” He also mocked the government again, asking, “How many helicopters did you see hover around?” The students replied that they could not count them. At the end of the video, one of the abductors declared, “We are letting you go after negotiations. Your government cannot rescue you with might. Your government has failed.” The footage appeared shortly after Kebbi State governor, Nasir Idris and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, announced that all abducted students had been freed. The girls, who were kidnapped after armed men stormed their school and killed the vice-principal, were later seen smiling inside a bus as officials prepared to transport them to Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. Authorities have said the students will be handed over to their parents today (Wednesday).

Popular Nigerian journalist and Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has raised concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government regarding the release of 24 schoolgirls abducted by bandits in Maga, Kebbi State, last week. In a now viral video on Wednesday, Oseni lamented that Tinubu’s government is negotiating with bandits to secure the release of the schoolgirls instead of using a kinetic approach. He said Tinubu’s government, which handed the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, life imprisonment for inciting violence, is now negotiating with bandits for the release of kidnapped victims. “I am happy about the fact that the kidnapped people were released. Halluaah. But what do they mean that they spoke with the kidnappers or bandits, and they released the people? Is it that you people did not arrest them? And you left them to go like that so that they will kidnap another person just as they have done? I shoulder a disbelief at what is happening in Nigeria. You negotiated with the criminals, bandits, and terrorists as what? a business partners? Should the government be negotiating in a case where it has superpowers? The same government has jailed Nmandi to life imprisonment for inciting violence. Still, the same people who kidnap and take people against their will, the government has the temerity to say we negotiate with them”, he said in the viral video X on Wednesday. THENEWSCREDIT reports that 24 schoolgirls were released by bandits on Tuesday. Reacting president Tinubu said, “I am relieved that all 24 girls have been accounted for.” The manner of their release had continued to generate concerns among Nigerians. Earlier, Nigerian rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, faulted the rescue of 38 abducted members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, Eruku, in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, without the arrest of the kidnappers. However, a presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in an interview on Arise TV, said, “The security personnel must act carefully to avoid harming citizens”, he explained as reasons bandits are not arrested.

The Southern Governors’ Forum is scheduled to meet on Wednesday in Iperu, Ogun State, to deliberate on key national and regional issues. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor, Kayode Akinmade, on Wednesday. The meeting, billed for 10am will take place at the governor’s residence in Iperu. According to the statement, the governors will also engage in a joint session with the Southern Traditional Rulers Council at 1pm to strengthen collaboration between political leaders and traditional institutions on matters of shared concern. Ahead of the meeting, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, in a post on X, said the state was pleased to welcome participating governors and traditional rulers. Abiodun said, “As we prepare to host the Southern Governors’ Forum meeting today, we were pleased to receive some of the distinguished attendees, particularly traditional rulers and respected leaders from across the southern region. “Their visit offered us the opportunity to deepen ongoing engagements and align our shared expectations ahead of the gathering. “We value the presence of our royal fathers and regional leaders, whose wisdom and guidance continue to enrich our processes. “As host, we remain committed to creating an atmosphere that encourages honest dialogue and fosters stronger collaboration among all stakeholders as we work together for the peace, stability, and development of our region and country by extension.” The forum is expected to address security, economic cooperation and other pressing issues affecting the southern region.

The Federal Government has officially outlawed open grazing nationwide as part of a broader strategy to end the recurring clashes between farmers and herders. The decision was revealed on Tuesday by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, at the inauguration of the maiden National Council on Livestock Development held in Yola, Adamawa State. Maiha noted that the long-running conflict has inflicted heavy human and economic losses, leaving many communities devastated. He stressed that the violence has displaced countless families and destroyed farmlands and livestock. According to him, “Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardships, including the killing of innocent farmers and herders, as a result of open grazing. There is an urgent need to put a stop to this problem,” he said. The minister further explained that the practice of open grazing has now been classified as a capital offense, urging herders to transition fully to ranching. He maintained that structured ranching systems offer better safety and higher productivity. “Ranching will not only prevent conflicts but also improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business,” he added. Insecurity: Tinubu orders 24-hour aerial cordon on Kwara, Kebbi, Niger Maiha also pointed to the sector’s economic prospects, saying the ministry aims to make livestock development Nigeria’s second-biggest revenue source after oil. He disclosed that the government projects about $74 billion in revenue within five years, with over $14 billion already generated through current livestock programmes. Declaring the council open, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, said Adamawa remains one of the country’s strongest livestock zones, making it a fitting location for the event. The newly formed National Council on Livestock Development brings together directors of livestock from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The council is expected to drive reforms, monitor policy execution, and strengthen the modernization of Nigeria’s livestock industry

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has described attacks on schools as an act of terrorism aimed at denying Nigerian children access to education. This is just as Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago confirmed the escape of more abducted children of St Mary’s Catholic School. The IGP stated this during a courtesy visit on Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago in Minna on Tuesday, noting that Nigeria is facing a severe security crisis, with various terrorist groups and bandits unleashing violence across the country. He described as unacceptable the recent attack and abduction of school children at the St Mary’s Catholic Church Agwara in Niger State, and similar incidents in Kwara and Kebbi states. Benue Assembly extends former Speaker Dajoh’s suspension “While we are encouraged that 50 of the children of St Mary’s Catholic School escaped and reunited with their families, we are still carrying the burden of ensuring the remaining children are rescued. This is because, if any community is attacked, the whole communities in Nigeria are attacked,” he noted. Egbetokun called for collective efforts by governments, security agencies including vigilante, and community leaders, to address security challenges facing Niger State and Nigeria at large. He said, “This is not the best of times. Niger State is facing deep troubling security moment with recent displacement of communities, pressure at its border areas and other criminalities. This demands for collective efforts and action to tackle them because Niger State is important in Nigeria, especially with recent abduction of school children.” While thanking the Niger State governor for supporting the Police in discharging it’s duties, he stated that additional critical tactical assets and intelligence have been drafted to the state to ensure the safe release of the abducted children. Responding, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago appreciated the IGP for the visit and the swift response while assuring him of continued collaboration in providing security for citizens of the state. He, however, stated that the state cannot ascertain the exact number of children abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School and hence decided to open a register for parents to step forward and write down names of their children. “We don’t know the exact number of children abducted. This is because, the Catholic Church is going back and forth on the number. However, what matters is we are making efforts to rescue them. We have opened a register for the parents to register names of their children and we will ensure, we recover all missing children. “We have also confirmed the freedom of more abducted children of St Mary’s Catholic School and we will disclose the number later in the day,” Bago stated. He also called for prayers for the country’s democracy saying, “Nigeria is under security threat and we must all rise up and defend its honour and glory.”

The Federal Ministry of Education has rolled out the Inspire Live(s) Online Real-Time Classes Initiative, a nationwide digital learning programme aimed at expanding access to quality education for schoolchildren across Nigeria. The ministry, in a statement on Tuesday signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, described the initiative as a groundbreaking programme designed to expand equitable access to quality learning for every Nigerian child, adding that it aligns with the “Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.” According to the statement, the programme was created to address long-standing challenges in the education sector, including shortages of qualified teachers and disruptions to learning. By streaming live, interactive lessons directly to students, the ministry said Inspire Live(s) “democratises access to quality education and ensures that no child is left behind regardless of location or circumstance.” The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, confirmed that full implementation has begun. He noted that the rollout “is underway, with expansion set to cover all classes from Primary 1 to Senior Secondary 3.” Currently, the Inspire platform hosts online classes for JSS and SSS students. The ministry said the classes hold “Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.” and are delivered by “certified master teachers using Cisco Webex.” The statement listed the subjects available for Junior Secondary School learners, which include Basic Science, Mathematics, English Language, ICT, Agricultural Science, Basic Technology, Civic Education, French, Physical Education, Religious Studies, History, and Business Studies. For Senior Secondary School learners, the subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, Mathematics, Economics, Geography, Agricultural Science, Technical Drawing/Catering Craft, Civic Education, and Automobile Mechanics. To ensure nationwide participation, the ministry said it had directed all state Commissioners for Education to take specific steps. “These include nominating “a State Focal Officer to coordinate Inspire Live(s) activities,” and circulating “programme details to all public and private school principals.” The ministry further instructed states to “ensure designated schools are equipped with basic ICT facilities and internet connectivity,” emphasising that the programme requires minimum digital capability for seamless delivery. It added that registration for participation “is strictly to be conducted by school principals via the Inspire support channels.” The statement stressed that the online classes are not restricted to government institutions, noting that the programme “is open to all public and private schools in the country to access.”

Former militant leader and Niger Delta activist, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has warned Boko Haram fighters not to enter Port Harcourt, saying he will not hesitate to confront and kill any terrorist who attempts to operate in the city. In a viral video reacting to the rising cases of killings and kidnappings across Nigeria on Tuesday, Asari-Dokubo said his faith as a Muslim will not stop him from fighting back if attacked. He said, “If Boko Haram comes to Port Harcourt, you know sey my business na to kill them. I dey Zamfara dey kill them, I dey Plateau dey kill them, I dey Niger dey kill them. If they come to Port Harcourt, my business is to kill them. “This thing I’m telling you is raw. I’m not like those people who do sisi sisi, this and that, apologetic. I am a Muslim. If you come to fight me, I will kill you. That one is no compromise.” His comments sparked fresh debate over his growing influence in security matters and his long history of armed activity in the the Niger Delta. Asari-Dokubo is an Ijaw activist, businessman, and former militant commander from the Niger Delta. He was born into a Christian family but converted to Islam in the 1990s. He later became involved in student activism and Ijaw youth struggles after dropping out of law programmes at two Nigerian universities. His rise began with the Ijaw Youth Council, where he became president in 2001, pushing for resource control and environmental justice. By 2003, he founded the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, a militant group that carried out attacks on oil infrastructure during the height of the region’s unrest. He was detained on treason charges in 2005 but released in 2007, later receiving a presidential pardon in 2011. After laying down arms, Asari moved into business and private security work. Reports have linked him to multimillion-naira pipeline security contracts in the 2010s. He later moved some of his investments to the Benin Republic, where he also launched an educational venture. He now runs Royal Foushe Security Services, a licensed private security outfit that has been involved in several rescue operations, including the release of 19 hostages in the Niger Delta in May 2025. Earlier this year, Asari was installed as a traditional ruler in Rivers State with the title Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri. He has also been active in politics, shifting alliances between southern and northern blocs, and has made a series of bold statements, including threats to resist foreign intervention in Nigeria

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Tuesday swore in Prof. Rahmon Tella as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Oyo State. The event, held at the commission’s headquarters, marked Tella’s redeployment to Oyo State and, according to INEC, forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral administration across the country. In a statement posted on its X handle, INEC said the ceremony was conducted with “solemnity and purpose,” in line with Amupitan’s drive to entrench discipline, integrity, and punctuality within the commission. Administering the oath, Amupitan said, “An occasion of an oath-taking is a solemn occasion. It is an occasion that calls to duty,” adding that the role of a Resident Electoral Commissioner carries significant trust and responsibility. He reiterated his stance on electoral integrity, noting that the commission’s mission “transcends regulatory duty” and represents a “moral and legal duty” to Nigerians. “I admonish you that the integrity of our election is not negotiable. You must uphold the highest standard of professionalism and integrity in every action you take… Any compromise on our values or our procedures shall not be tolerated,” he said. The INEC chairman also charged Tella to ensure that voters in Oyo State have full confidence that their ballots will count, urging him to serve as “a beacon of hope and democratic values.” Responding, Tella expressed appreciation for the chairman’s guidance, saying, “The honourable chairman’s remarks are very much brimming with value and experience,” and pledged to align his work with the commission’s vision. A Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy, Tella currently serves as the Deputy Dean, Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences at Atiba University, Oyo. He had previously served as REC in both Oyo and Ekiti states, representing Osun. His first term ended in September 2025, according to INEC records.

Former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has said that a final decision on the political platform Governor Ademola Adeleke will use for his 2026 re-election bid will be taken when the governor returns from an overseas trip. Oyinlola made the remarks while addressing speculation about the governor’s potential defection to another party ahead of the upcoming governorship election. Speaking during a live interview on the Rave FM Osogbo programme Oro Oselu, monitored on Monday, the former governor described the Accord Party as a fair option for Adeleke. He explained that any political move Adeleke makes would depend on whether the chosen party aligns with his principles, adding that he would not defect to a platform he does not believe in. UK rejects Nigeria’s request to transfer Ekweremadu Oyinlola said he previously resisted a proposal for Adeleke and his supporters to join the All Progressives Congress, APC, stressing that he would not have accompanied the governor to the party. He stated: “There was a time we considered moving to the APC, but I informed them I know that party well and would not follow them there. My stance remains the same. “The APC does not honour promises. As secretary of the New PDP during the formation of the APC, I received nothing for my efforts. My decision to move with Adeleke depends on the party we choose.” He noted: “If we were to opt for APGA, it would be a one-shot chance. The Accord party is a fair option. I know how the Accord party was formed and its founder, Olusegun Obasanjo.” Bandits claim Kebbi, Niger abductions, vow more attacks on soldiers, politicians [VIDEO] Oyinlola also mentioned his role in forming the African Democratic Congress, ADC, adding that the party had unresolved issues despite attracting prominent politicians. He disclosed that the Osun Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders would meet Adeleke upon his return to deliberate and announce their decision to the public. Addressing internal disputes within the PDP, Oyinlola said disagreements in four out of six affected states had been resolved by the committee handling reconciliation. Reports indicate that Adeleke may leave the PDP to seek re-election, although he has not publicly announced his preferred party. The Independent National Electoral Commission has set December 15, 2025, as the deadline for political parties to submit candidates’ names for the August 8, 2026, Osun governorship election.

The South West Governors’ Forum has announced a series of security, economic and administrative measures aimed at strengthening safety and development across the region. The announcement was made in a communiqué issued at the end of the forum’s meeting held on Monday at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and made available to THENEWSCREDIT The governors said the resolutions followed extensive deliberations on agriculture, economic and regional development, as well as security challenges affecting the South West region. The forum also threw its weight behind ongoing Federal Government rescue efforts in the North-West and North-Central following recent attacks. The communique read, “The torum commends Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the fight against insecurity and various economic reforms and other developmental agenda. “The forum expresses solidarity with the Federal Government in its efforts in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States after the recent spate of kidnappings, at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, the Catholic institution of St. Mary’s in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger and the CAC Church at Eruku, Kwara State. “The forum applauds the swift response of the Federal Government towards the rescue of the Kwara abductees and more than 51 students of the Catholic School, Niger State. The forum reviewed the current state of security of our region and took some decisions to ensure the security of the lives and property of our people.” The communiqué outlined several security-focused decisions, including a regional fund and a new tech-driven intelligence network. “South West Regional Security Fund: The Forum agreed to set up a South West Security Fund (SWSF) under DAWN Commission to be administered by the Forum of Special Advisers on Security of all South West States and to meet monthly. “Joint Security Intelligence Sharing and Communication Platform: The forum resolves to establish a live, digital intelligence-sharing platform among all six South West states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti). This platform will exchange threat notifications, incident logs, traveller and cargo alerts and coordinate state-to-state rapid response,” the communique added. The governors also raised the alarm over criminal activities in forests and the security risks posed by unregulated migration. On forest surveillance, the communiqué stated, “Forest Surveillance: the Forum commends the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Hunters, Amotekun Corps Members and all the other security agencies. “The Forum calls on the Federal Government to note the urgent need for enhanced forest surveillance across the South West States and calls for the Federal Government to secure the vast forest belts that have become hideouts for criminal elements. “To this end, the Forum agrees that the Federal Government should help deploy Forest Guards across the South West states, with each State Government responsible for providing the required personnel. The Governors reaffirm their collective commitment to reclaiming the forests and ensuring that these spaces no longer serve as safe corridors for banditry, kidnapping, or any form of criminal activities.” On interstate movement, it added, “Interstate Migration: the forum expresses deep concern on the unregulated interstate migration that continues to pose significant challenges across the Southwest. The forum calls for stricter border monitoring, data collection and self-identification, and for each South West State to work with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for proper identification. The forum agrees to intensify security collaboration to ensure that interstate migration does not become a conduit for insecurity.” Sharing its opinion on illegal mining in the country, the Forum warned that it was becoming a major threat to stability and safety in the region. “Illegal Mining Activities: The forum expresses deep concern over the escalating illegal mining activities across the South West States, which continue to threaten environmental safety, public health and regional security. “The forum calls for a comprehensive and enforceable licensing framework, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and strict enforcement actions against violators who may perpetrate violent crimes under the guise of mining”, it stated. The governors, however, reiterated their long-standing demand for state-controlled policing, stating, “State Police: The Forum reaffirms its support for the establishment of State Police, emphasising that ‘The Time is Now’ and It can no longer be delayed.” They also acknowledged ongoing national efforts in food security and climate resilience. It stated, “Agriculture, Food Security Climate Resilience: The Forum acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of the Federal Government in providing food sufficiency and in particular, commends the various farmers in the region for the increase in agricultural output and subsequent stability and reduction in food prices.” The Forum further expressed gratitude to Tinubu for establishing the South West Development Commission. “South West Development Commission (SWDC): The Forum thanks Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the establishment of the commission and charges the Commission to effectively deliver on its mandate. DAWN Commission: The Forum commends the DAWN Commission and its activities on regional integration and security.” The governors ended by urging residents of the South West to uphold peace and harmony. “Finally, the forum enjoins all the south west people to remain united and committed to the peace that exists in our dear region. We remain one, indivisible entity that will continue to enjoy and guard the religious tolerance that we have always been known for”, the communique concluded. The South West Governors’ Forum, comprising the governors of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states, has in recent years positioned itself as a key regional bloc addressing the economic, security and development challenges confronting the zone. With rising concerns over insecurity — including kidnapping incidents, forest incursions, illegal mining, and unregulated migration — the forum has intensified coordination efforts through platforms such as the DAWN Commission and regional security outfits like Amotekun. Monday’s meeting came at a time when the region continues to grapple with evolving security threats and economic pressures. The governors had previously advocated the creation of state police, improved federal collaboration and the strengthening of security intelligence-sharing across member states.