Crime & Security

Kiri High School Attack: Students Rescued as Bandits Invade Kogi Community — Two Feared Dead Kiri High School in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, came under attack in the early hours of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, when heavily armed bandits stormed the community. According to reports confirmed to newsmen, members of the Kiri Vigilante Group responded immediately, engaging the attackers in a fierce confrontation and successfully rescuing all students who were initially seized. Community sources disclosed that no student remains in captivity, crediting the swift mobilisation of local security personnel for preventing another mass abduction. However, the victory came with painful loss. One vigilante member was killed during the exchange, sacrificing his life to defend the community. Another resident, identified as a Hausa man, also lost his life in the attack. The community remains tense yet grateful, as residents mourn the fallen while celebrating the safe rescue of the children.

As the Nigerian military deepens investigations into an alleged coup attempt against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, PREMIUM TIMES has exclusively obtained the names and background details of 16 senior officers currently in detention over their suspected involvement. Sources familiar with the ongoing probe revealed that 14 of the detained officers are from the Nigerian Army, while the remaining two are personnel of the Navy and Air Force respectively. Majority From Infantry Corps Further intelligence indicates that 12 of the 14 Army suspects are infantry officers — the country’s frontline combat branch responsible for ground operations. One officer is attached to the Signals Corps, while the other serves under the Ordnance Corps, which oversees military weapons and logistics. The breakdown of the ranks includes: Both the Nigerian government and Defence Headquarters have maintained silence on the alleged coup plot, only hinting that it was not behind the low-key Independence Day celebrations on October 1. Profiles of the Detained Officers Below are verified profiles of the officers as obtained: 1. Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq 2. Colonel M.A. Ma’aji 3. Lt. Colonel S. Bappah 4. Lt. Colonel A.A. Hayatu 5. Lt. Colonel P. Dangnap 6. Lt. Colonel M. Almakura 7. Major A.J. Ibrahim 8. Major M.M. Jiddah 9. Major M.A. Usman 10. Major D. Yusuf 11. Major I. Dauda Officers With Partial Records Available Name Rank Service Number Notes Ibrahim Bello Captain N/16266 DSSC 43 A.A. Yusuf Captain N/16724 Limited details available S.S. Felix Lieutenant N/18105 Limited details available D.B. Abdullahi Lieutenant Commander (Navy) NN/3289 Rank equivalent to Major S.B. Adamu Squadron Leader (Air Force) NAF/3481 Rank equivalent to Major More information may emerge as interrogation continues and the military determines whether to escalate charges, initiate court-martials, or release any of the suspects.

Fresh Abductions in Kwara, Kano Overshadow Rescue of Kebbi Schoolgirls, Eruku Worshippers The celebrations following the rescue of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State have been short-lived, as armed bandits launched fresh attacks in Kwara and Kano just hours after the presidency hailed improved security operations. Barely a day after the federal government announced the release of 38 captives from the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku — a victory credited to “pressure from the DSS and the military” — gunmen returned to the same local government to abduct more residents. Isapa Attack: Bandits Strike Again, 5km From Eruku On Monday evening, assailants stormed Isapa, a community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, located about five kilometres from Eruku where the earlier rescue took place. Local sources said the armed men moved with a large herd of cattle to blend into the environment before launching the attack. The Kwara State Police Command confirmed 10 abductees, but community leaders insist the number is closer to 20, including children, nursing mothers, and a pregnant woman. “The bandits went after a businessman who had previously paid ransom. When they couldn’t find him, they took his family and neighbours instead,”— Abayomi Daramola, community leader Kano, Niger Also Hit as Wave of Abductions Spreads The insecurity ripple extended to Kano State, where gunmen abducted 10 residents in Tsanyawa Local Government Area on Monday night. Locals believe the incident is linked to bandit activity spilling over from neighbouring Katsina State. Meanwhile, in Niger State, tension persists over the abduction of more than 265 students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri. Their situation contrasts sharply with the joyful reunification of Kebbi victims, highlighting the uneven outcomes of security interventions across the country. A Win, Then a Setback President Bola Tinubu had earlier praised security agencies for the rescue of the Kebbi schoolgirls and Kwara worshippers, but the latest attacks have muted national relief and raised concerns over the sustainability of recent gains in the fight against kidnapping and rural banditry.