New information has clarified the joint security operation that resulted in the rescue of 44 schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State after they were held captive for 56 days. The victims were initially abducted from their school in the Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Coordinated Intelligence: The Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and Department of State Services (DSS) collaborated by sharing intelligence and coordinating their efforts.

• Non-Kinetic Tactics: To avoid endangering the victims through a direct assault, security operatives utilized intelligence gathering and non-kinetic pressure.

• Intercepted Communications: Investigators monitored and intercepted calls and messages between the kidnappers and their associates. This allowed them to identify gang members through their family links, subsequently putting pressure on the suspects’ relatives, which caused the kidnappers to become unsettled.

• Impact of Curfew: Governor Seyi Makinde’s 16-hour curfew, announced on June 24 across 10 local government areas, restricted the movement of criminal groups. This curfew prevented the kidnappers from moving the victims to Niger State and enabled security forces to narrow escape routes and improve surveillance.

• Operational Cost: Military sources reported that an officer, Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, lost his life during the mission and was buried the same day.

• Victim Clarification: While 44 victims were reportedly freed, there are reports that one captive may have died during the operation, though this remains officially unconfirmed, as does the exact final count of rescued pupils and teachers.

Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, has publicly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election. Kwankwaso stated that this move significantly bolsters the party’s electoral prospects.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lauded the Oyo State government for the successful rescue of 49 pupils and teachers who were held captive for 51 days. The party attributed this achievement to the responsive leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, who engaged with citizens and viewed public criticism as a motivation to intensify security efforts.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released by State Publicity Secretary Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the Kwara PDP drew a sharp comparison between the two states, highlighting several key concerns regarding Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration:

• Neglect of Woro Victims: The party alleged that 176 individuals—including pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children—who were abducted during a February 3, 2026, attack in Woro, Kaiama LGA, have been abandoned in captivity for 158 days without decisive government action.

• Contrasting Leadership Styles: The PDP noted that while Governor Makinde personally engaged with activists and protesters to explain government efforts, the Abdulrazaq administration allegedly uses state institutions to silence critics.

• Treatment of Protesters: The party recalled an incident where elderly women protesting for the rescue of their kidnapped relatives were allegedly assaulted in front of the Government House in Ilorin, contrasting this with Governor Makinde’s reception of protesters led by activist VeryDarkMan.

• Call to Action: The Kwara PDP challenged Governor Abdulrazaq to prioritize the rescue of those still trapped in bandit camps and urged citizens, civil society groups, and the media to demand accountability from the government regarding the missing Woro residents.

The Kwara PDP further commended the media, private citizens, and the “Rattel Movement” for their persistent advocacy, which helped keep pressure on the authorities to secure the release of the victims in Oyo State.