Fifty of the abducted school pupils of St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools, Niger State, have reportedly escaped from their captors and have reunited with their parents. The Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria and Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, made this known on Sunday in a statement issued by his media aide, Daniel Atori. He stated that they discovered the development after visiting the parents of the children. The chairman explained that the school currently has 236 pupils in captivity, including three children belonging to staff members and 14 secondary students, making a total of 253 children and 12 staff members still held by the abductors. “This is to notify the public that as of Sunday, 23rd November 2025, we received some good news as fifty (50) pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents. “This comes just a few days after suspected terrorists attacked and abducted 303 pupils and students. “The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents, as they could not return to the school after escaping. We were able to ascertain this when we contacted and visited some parents,” the statement read. Yohanna added that in the primary section, out of the total number of 430 pupils enrolled, 377 are boarders while the remaining 53 are day students. “Currently, aside from the 50 pupils who escaped and returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not abducted. “As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another three children belonging to staff, and 14 secondary school students — making a total of 253 children — in addition to 12 members of staff with the abductors,” he said. While expressing relief at the return of the 50 children, the CAN chairman appealed for continued prayers for those still held. “As much as we receive the return of these 50 children with some sigh of relief, I urge everyone to continue in prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims. “I call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful. We will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government, and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees. “May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all dangers,” Yohanna said. The state police command is yet to speak on the development. THENEWSCREDIT reports that a total of 315 persons — including pupils, students and teachers — were abducted from St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area on Friday. The incident prompted the state governor, Mohammed Bago, to order the closure of schools across the state on Saturday

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons across the country, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties. The directive was issued during a security meeting the president held on Sunday in Abuja with service chiefs and the director-general of the Department of State Services. According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs requiring protection will now be assigned armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of the police. “Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult. “In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities,” the statement read. Onanuga also disclosed that the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police personnel and that the Federal Government is working with states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide. Those in attendance at Sunday’s meeting included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Adeola Ajayi. The withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs comes amid long-standing concerns over the overstretching of Nigeria’s police force. Several reports have highlighted that more than 100,000 police officers are assigned to politicians, businessmen, and other VIPs.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has attributed the wave of insecurity and systemic decay in the country to the longstanding neglect of the education sector. Atiku made the remarks on Saturday in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, during the 17th Annual Founder’s Day of the American University of Nigeria. “The crass disregard for education inflicted upon us by the current and successive governments since 2007 has transformed what could have been a vibrant future into a bleak landscape,” he said. According to him, as daunting as the country’s divisive challenges may appear, the most insidious threat does not stem from the visible chaos unleashed by armed groups but from the far deeper neglect of education, health, and human development services The former vice president cautioned that while the nation grapples with violence and turmoil from armed groups, the consequences of overlooking human development sectors do not merely endanger the present but also cast a long shadow over the future. He urged individuals and the private sector to pay closer attention to the condition of Nigeria’s education system, stressing that idle youths have become fertile ground for criminal recruitment. He added, “Our beloved country, endowed with a youth population of enormous promise, faces staggering challenges that threaten to undermine our most precious asset—our children. “Currently, millions of children remain out of school, and among those who do enrol, many find themselves disillusioned and trapped in an outdated system that fails to prepare them for the demands of an increasingly complex and competitive world.” Atiku described Nigeria’s education statistics as sobering, lamenting that the nation now bears the regrettable distinction of having the highest number of out-of-school children globally.

President Bola Tinubu has thanked security forces, after Catholic School students in Niger State and worshippers in Kwara State, regained their freedom. In a statement on Sunday, he promised that every Nigerian would be safe under his watch. His statement read: “You will recall that I cancelled my trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to enable me to coordinate the security efforts at home. “Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued. “I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered. “I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline. “Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”

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.