The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has confirmed the release of 38 persons abducted during the attack on Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area. The victims, who were taken during an assault on the church last week, regained freedom on Sunday. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor said the development followed days of coordinated efforts by security agencies and federal authorities. He noted that President Bola Tinubu had directed increased security operations in response to the incidents in Kwara and Kebbi states, including the deployment of additional tactical teams to Kwara. AbdulRazaq expressed appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Police Force for their roles in the rescue operation. He also commended community leaders and residents for their support during the period. Security agencies have yet to release further details on how the victims were freed or whether arrests were made.

The President, Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, has cautioned Nigerians, especially those using social media platforms against mocking Christian religious leaders over the country’s security challenges. Oladele during his sermon at the dedication and handing-over service of Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Restoration, Osogbo, Osun State, donated by Prof. and Mrs ‘Siji Olamiju on Saturday, said prayers of the religious leaders has kept Nigeria from total disintegration. The religious leader, who made reference to a particular post he observed on the social media recently, said the author of the message spoke derogatorily about Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor Williams Kumuyi and Bishop David Oyedepo, over their inability to use prayers to end insecurity in the country. Declaring that Nigeria’s spiritual fathers have been praying for the country to experience divine peace, Oladele said social media criticism of clergymen would eventually amount to nothing, imploring Nigerians to pray for leaders in the country, rather than attacking them. “We are being guided by the Bible and not by the criticism of any social media post by bloggers. The bible remains our own courage and we do His will. There is a way you comport yourself as a minister but we denounce unrighteousness, violence and insecurity. “The Bible tells us to pray for those who are in authority and not just to criticise. Most of the battles of life, as far as we are concerned, are fought and won on our knees and not necessarily by confronting or criticising people disruptively. “But we live in the days of mockers and no matter what you do, they don’t see anything good in it. We have our culture and our culture teaches us that when you have an elder, there is a way to talk to them. “There are men of God everywhere and we are human. You don’t expect perfection from us, but I want to believe that we have men of God in this country who are always on their knees to pray to God for the sustenance of the peace of this country,” Oladele said. In his admonition to all Nigerians regardless of religious inclination in this era of insecurity, Oladele added, “The Bible says ‘Look on to me, oh you nations,’ We still have to keep looking to God. Without God, there is nothing we can do. It is only which that is done in the heaven,’ that we can achieve here on earth. So, let’s keep trusting God who has helped us this far. “Why is it that Nigeria has not totally disintegrated? He queried. “It is because we have God who has been looking after us. For Christians generally, let us be the light of the world. Represent God and His interests anywhere you are.” Earlier, in his address, the donor, Olamiju, said the church was built to appreciate God after he miraculously survived a medical challenge. He stated readiness to keep supporting efforts that would spread the gospel, urging Nigerians to continue to live in love and mutual respect. The church dedication was attended by the former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, a former Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, ex member representing Ijesa South in the House Representatives, Mr. Ajibola Famurewa, royal fathers, religious fathers and members of CAC across Osun State and beyond. Hiding behind the veil of anonymity that social media platforms sometimes provide, some users usually target clerics with libellious claims, and malicious attacks. THENEWSCREDIT on January 13, 2025, however reported that a youth group known as The Concern Nigerian Christian Youths, called on all relevant security agencies to spare no effort in identifying and prosecuting those who misuse social media to incite religious tension and propagate lies against the church, mosque and clerics. The group enjoined relevant authorities to intensify the fight against cyberbullying across the country, saying that attacks on the Christian faith and indeed other religions on social media when left unchecked portends a great danger for the country.

President Bola Tinubu Says Insecurity Remains The Most Troubling Challenge Facing Nigeria, Especially The Northern Region. He Said On Saturday In Kaduna That Urgent Efforts Were Required To Rebuild Trust, Strengthen Unity And Restore Safety Across Communities. Tinubu, Represented By The Speaker Of The House Of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Spoke At The 25th Anniversary Of The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) And The Launch Of Its Endowment Fund. The President Said Insecurity Must Be Tackled Decisively To Prevent Further Economic Decline And Educational Setbacks. Tinubu Said, “Nothing Troubles Me More Gravely Than The Security Crisis Bedevilling Nigeria, Especially Northern Nigeria, “We Cannot Prosper When One Limb Of The National Body Is Paralysed.” He Said His Administration Inherited Complex Security Challenges But Was Addressing Them With “urgency And Determination.” The President Said That The Government Was Committed To Eliminating Terrorist And Bandit Groups Operating In The North And Reversing The Region’s Economic Decline. He Expressed Optimism About Northern Nigeria’s Economic Prospects, Saying He Looks Forward To The Day Crude Oil Tankers Begin To Roll Out From Kolmani And Other Northern Oil Fields. Tinubu Added That Key Infrastructure Projects, Including The Abuja, Kaduna,Kano Superhighway,. Were Being Fast-tracked For Completion And Commissioning. He Said The North Must Speak With Honest And Courageous Voices To Address Its Challenges, Warning That The Region Cannot Progress If Leaders Fail To Protect Vulnerable Communities. “We Fail The Day We Sleep Comfortably While Millions Sleep With Empty Bellies, The Day Fear Becomes A Permanent Companion For Travellers,” He Said. Tinubu Added That Although Decades Of Dysfunction Had Strained Unity, The Diversity Represented At The ACF Anniversary Demonstrated A Collective Resolve To Resist Division And Restore Solidarity. The President Praised The ACF For Serving As The Conscience Of Northern Nigeria For 25 Years, Saying That The Forum Had Consistently Defended Dignity, Fairness And Equality For Millions. He Described The Silver Jubilee As A Celebration Of Courage, Advocacy And Principled Service. Tinubu Urged Leaders Across All Sectors To Recommit To The Values That Guided The Founding Of The ACF, Stressing That The Unity And Stability Of The North Were Vital To Nigeria’s Overall Peace And Development. (NAN)

Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, has warned that Nigeria is facing its gravest security crisis since independence, urging northern and southern leaders to forge urgent partnerships to rescue the nation from escalating violence and deepening mistrust. Delivering a goodwill message through Kole Omololu, Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, at the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, Fasoranti said the country was “confronted by unimaginable violence, declining public trust and the fraying of social bonds.” He described the ACF Silver Jubilee as a moment for sober reflection. “We have never had to deal with this level of insecurity… This is a sad moment for our country,” he said. Fasoranti commended the ACF for 25 years of service and advocacy, noting that it had remained a stabilising voice for the north and a platform for national dialogue, unity and cohesion. “The founders of ACF set out to create a platform through which the voice of Northern Nigeria could be articulated with clarity, responsibility and dignity,” he said. While raising concerns over insecurity, Fasoranti expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, asserting that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” had the potential to steer the country toward stability. “Our challenges, though immense and complex, are not insurmountable. What is required is sincerity of purpose, courageous leadership, and a renewed commitment to fairness and justice,” he added. He urged northern and southern leaders to strengthen cross-regional cooperation built on mutual respect and shared responsibility. “Ours must be a partnership grounded not in suspicion or rivalry, but in mutual respect and shared responsibility,” he stressed. Fasoranti also called for revisiting Nigeria’s foundational debates between 1953 and 1966, saying historical introspection was necessary to address current insecurity and safeguard the nation’s future. “It is time to reflect on what our fathers and leaders proposed and discussed… This has become urgent and imperative for the security of our people and the future of this country,” he said.

The Federal Ministry of Education says it has not issued any directive for schools across the country to shut down on November 24, 2025. In a statement on Saturday, the ministry described a report circulating on social media alleging a nationwide shutdown as false and misleading. It noted that it did not originate from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, any State Ministry of Education, or any recognised security agency. The disclaimer, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, urged members of the public to rely strictly on verified information from official channels. “Any announcement, advisory, or notice coming from unofficial or unverified sources should be ignored and not shared. Members of the public are urged to always verify the authenticity of information before circulating it in order to curb the spread of misinformation,” the statement read. The ministry stated that only communications from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, State Governments, and recognised security agencies should be considered authentic. The clarification follows the Federal Government’s announcement on Friday ordering the closure of 41 federal secondary schools in high-risk areas following a spate of abductions in Niger and Kebbi States. THENEWSCREDIT had reported that some states, including Kwara, Plateau, Katsina, and Niger, shut down schools amid rising insecurity, while Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, also directed all public and private schools to deboard their students with immediate effect

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has warned that armed groups have infiltrated several communities in the South-West with plans to launch coordinated attacks. Adams issued the warning during an interview with Central TV at his Lagos residence, where he said intelligence at his disposal suggests a growing and immediate danger. “We are at a point where the security situation in this country has become deeply troubling. Recent incidents across numerous states show clearly that Nigeria is facing a serious security threat. “Credible information available to us indicates that terrorists have already infiltrated many communities in Yorubaland,” he said. He added that developments in neighbouring Kogi and Kwara states, two regions he described as “buffer zones” to the South-West, suggest that armed groups are testing tactics ahead of broader assaults. “What they are doing in Kogi and Kwara is simply to test the terrain before launching major attacks. The intelligence we have shows that they are targeting Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and even Lagos State,” he alleged. When asked to identify the groups involved, Adams linked the threats to various armed factions operating in northern Nigeria, noting that his assertions were based on information obtained from undisclosed sources. “These are the same groups responsible for daily attacks in different parts of the country. Sometimes they are labelled as bandits, sometimes as violent herdsmen. “But beyond that, we know that international terrorist organisations such as ISIS, ISWAP and Boko Haram also operate in Nigeria. There are also splinter groups that broke away from them,” he said. He claimed that foreign elements were involved in coordinating some of the alleged activities. “I can say authoritatively that some foreigners are coordinating this. It is not limited to Nigerians alone,” he asserted. Adams said the motivations behind the violence vary from group to group, driven by political, economic and ethnic objectives.

Social activist and skit maker, Debo Adebayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the rising cases of terrorism and mass abductions across the country. Macaroni, in a post on his X handle on Friday, faulted the President’s handling of security, declaring that the continued kidnap of schoolchildren was proof of “incompetence”. He wrote: “President Tinubu, you said you had all the answers to end Terrorism!! You said any President who could not protect the people is incompetent! “Any school child that has been abducted is a result of your incompetence!! The blood of Nigerians being shed as an act of terrorism is on your head!!!.” Police, military comb forests in search for abducted Niger Catholic school students His comments followed the latest attack in Niger State, where terrorists abducted students and staff of St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area. The exact number of victims has yet to be confirmed as the school was still compiling its records at press time. The Kotangora Catholic Diocese in Niger state has issued a statement confirming the incident. Terrorists invade Catholic School in Niger, kidnap students, staff Efforts by THENEWSCREDIT to reach the Niger State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, did not take his calls. The incident comes just days after terrorists stormed a government school in Kebbi State, kidnapping at least 25 students.

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has blasted President Bola Tinubu over the recent upsurge in killings and kidnappings in Nigeria. In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele described the situation as a shame, especially for the fact that some officials of the government went to the United States for a meeting regarding insecurity and the threats issued by Donald Trump. The prophet stated that the president’s responsibility is to ensure every Nigerian is secured, and that if the president can’t make that happen, he should resign from his position and let someone else who is capable do it. He made it known that the issue of genocide isn’t just affecting Christians alone, but everyone in the country, regardless of their religion. “You have to use everything you have within your power to secure the lives of Nigerians. It’s a disgrace that we have to go and report to America, let’s be truthful and honest, Genocide isn’t a particular religion, it’s not only Christians, Muslims are also involved. The killing is general, and it’s really sad. “Tinubu has a responsibility to protect every Nigerian regardless of religion or tribe, but what we have seen so far doesn’t seem like the president can do it. “Sadly, citizens are losing confidence in their president; it’s totally a shame. If the president can’t solve insecurity, he should resign and let someone who can do it replace him.” Police, military comb forests in search for abducted Niger Catholic school students The prophet blasted the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, for always ignoring warnings regarding insecurity in the country, making it known that he is one of those causing issues in Tinubu’s government. He explained that the NSA hasn’t acted in his capacity to solve insecurity in the country. “The NSA is always busy when it comes to listening to warnings that can protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. He doesn’t listen to intelligent advice, and this is costing the Tinubu government a lot. The president must call him to order, not for political reasons but for the sake of the innocent Nigerians.” Furthermore, he advised President Tinubu to do everything within his power to protect Nigerians and ensure he listens to every advice. “When there is insecurity everywhere will be in disarray; let the air run their aircraft in areas where we have problems. During elections, we see planes flying around; this should be done in those areas. The IGP, COAS, should relocate to these areas where we have problems. “The DSS is doing well, the officials are proactive to a large extent, but they can’t do it on their own. They should be assisted by other forces to ensure their intelligence doesn’t go to waste. “It is also not a time for you to ignore any prophecy, either fake or not. These terrorists sleep, they are not spirits, they shouldn’t have mercy on anyone, destroy them,” he added.

Tension has gripped Niger State after terrorists launched a midnight assault on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri Community of Agwara Local Government Area, abducting an unconfirmed number of students and staff. Details remain unclear, but according to Daily Trust, multiple sources said that several students were taken during the late-night raid, THENEWSCREDIT had earlier reported. Fear and uncertainty now hang over the community as families await official updates. A source from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the incident, explaining that the school was still trying to determine the exact number of victims. “Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” he said. When contacted, the Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would provide details later. However, the Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack via telephone, revealing that the terrorists struck in the early hours of Friday morning. He said the “attackers invaded the school between 2am and 3am, adding that the actual number of abducted students and staff had yet to be determined as authorities continue their assessments.” Arise TV in a separate report on Friday said 52 students were abducted. The assault comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening nationwide concerns over worsening insecurity in schools across the North. The crisis deepened further on Thursday when over 50 schools were shut down in four Kwara State local government areas due to rampaging bandits. As the situation escalates, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the national response to the deepening security challenges Meanwhile, the State Governor, Umar Bago, has also confirmed the incident via his official Facebook handle on Friday. It was detailed in a statement titled, “Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of pupils in Papiri area in Agwara Local Government, Reiterates Earlier Security Directive.”