The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the registration process for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will commence in the first quarter of 2026.

The disclosure was made in the Board’s latest bulletin, which confirmed that all preparatory processes ahead of the exercise had been concluded.

JAMB said the move was aimed at ensuring a smooth, secure, and well-coordinated registration process nationwide.

What JAMB is saying 

In the bulletin, JAMB said it had concluded all accreditation, validation, and security checks for centres, personnel, and other stakeholders involved in the 2026 UTME registration exercise.

The Board explained that extensive preparations had been undertaken to ensure the process is secure, transparent, and largely free of irregularities.

JAMB noted that insights from the post-registration and examination reviews of the 2025 UTME informed a range of technological and operational enhancements now being deployed for the 2026 exercise.

It also issued a strong warning to individuals or groups intending to engage in registration or examination malpractice, stressing that such actions would attract severe legal consequences.

“The management of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has concluded all necessary accreditation, validation, and security checks for centres, personnel, and other stakeholders to be involved in the registration exercise for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME),” the bulletin read in part.

It added, “Consequently, individuals or groups intending to perpetrate registration or examination infractions are warned to stay away from the 2026 UTME registration process, scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026.” 

The Board noted that these measures were designed to strengthen system integrity and prevent attempts at manipulation or malpractice.

More insights  

The bulletin also revealed that more than 30 suspects linked to previous registration and examination infractions are currently being prosecuted, with nearly 20 already in correctional custody.

JAMB warned that arrests could occur during or even after the 2026 UTME, as investigations are ongoing and continuous.

The Board further urged the public to steer clear of all JAMB processes unless they are duly registered candidates or accredited stakeholders.

It reassured candidates that application documents for the 2026 UTME would be released early in the year, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the examination system.

What you should know  

JAMB’s reassurance for a more transparent 2026 UTME stems from investigations conducted after the 2025 examination. The Board disclosed that 6,458 UTME results from 2025 were found to be linked to suspected high-tech cheating.

• A 23-member special committee set up by JAMB investigated technology-driven malpractice during the 2025 UTME. The committee uncovered 4,251 cases of finger blending, a biometric fraud technique, and 192 instances of AI-assisted impersonation through image morphing.
• While these infractions highlighted vulnerabilities in the system, JAMB emphasized that actual malpractice during the exam remained relatively low. In response, the Federal Government approved a three-year ban for candidates caught engaging in examination malpractice.

JAMB has now stated that the lessons learned from these investigations will guide improvements for the 2026 UTME. The Board plans to deploy enhanced technological and operational measures to make the registration and examination process smoother, more secure, and largely free of infractions.

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Some prominent Nigerian politicians who welcomed 2025 with optimism did not live to see the end of the year, as death claimed several influential figures across the country.

While a number of the leaders died early in the year, others passed away towards its close, leaving behind political legacies that stirred national reflection.

Below is a recap of seven notable Nigerian politicians whose deaths shook the nation in 2025.

House of Representatives’ Deputy Chief Whip, Adewunmi Onanuga

The first major political loss of 2025 was Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives.

Onanuga, who represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, died on January 15, 2025, after a brief illness.

She was re-elected in 2023 and appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly. She died at the age of 60.

Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo

Barely two months into the year, Nigeria lost a respected nationalist and leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

Adebanjo died peacefully at his Lekki residence in Lagos State on February 14, 2025, aged 96.

He was buried on May 3, 2025, at his hometown of Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.

Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark

Former Federal Commissioner for Information and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, died on February 17, 2025, at the age of 98.

He passed away after a brief illness at a private hospital in Abuja, following breathing complications the previous night.

Clark was buried on May 13, 2025, in Kiagbodo town, Delta State.

Doyin Okupe

Veteran politician and media strategist, Doyin Okupe, died on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72.

Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson to Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, died in Lagos after a prolonged illness.

He was buried on March 28, 2025, in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Former Kwara governor, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo

Former senator and ex-governor of Kwara State, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, died on June 25, 2025, aged 84.

Adebayo served as governor during the Second Republic and later as Minister of Communications and Transportation between 2003 and 2006.

He was buried in his hometown in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari

Nigeria’s immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, died in London on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82.

He passed away after a brief illness and was buried on July 15, 2025, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

Local and foreign dignitaries, including sitting and former presidents, attended his burial.

Bayelsa Deputy Governor

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, died on December 11, 2025, after slumping in his office.

Governor Douye Diri ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death and declared a three-day mourning period.

He also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the state.

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Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado-Ekiti

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State and President of the Southwest Professional Forum, Chief Segun Ajibulu, has described the newly introduced federal and state tax laws as long-overdue reforms aimed at promoting fairness, widening the tax net and protecting low-income earners from undue financial burden.

Ajibulu spoke with journalists during a community outreach programme he personally organised for widows and children in Ipao-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the tax reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu, alongside complementary measures by state governments, represent one of the most significant policy shifts in Nigeria’s fiscal management in recent years.

He maintained that the new tax framework would not negatively affect poor Nigerians, stressing that clear exemptions were deliberately built into the laws to shield vulnerable groups.

The former senatorial aspirant in Ekiti State explained that the reforms are designed to improve transparency and ensure that government officials and high-income earners pay their fair share, while closing loopholes that have historically enabled tax evasion.

Ajibulu noted that increased tax compliance, if properly implemented, would enhance government’s capacity to fund social programmes and critical infrastructure, ultimately benefiting ordinary citizens.

He therefore urged Nigerians to take time to understand the new tax rules—particularly as they relate to banking transactions—to avoid misinformation and unnecessary anxiety.

In his words: “This is one of the best things that has happened to this country. The tax law is long overdue. 

“There is no way these reforms will affect poor people because anyone earning below N800,000 annually is not taxable. In addition, many essential items and categories of income are exempt.

“For too long, tax evasion has deprived the country of resources needed for development. These reforms are designed to ensure government gets its rightful revenue while promoting accountability.

“People need to understand how the system works. Not all money in the bank is taxable. Gifts are not taxable. Transfers to friends are not taxable. Even money returned after a loan is not taxable. There are clear guidelines.”

Ajibulu disclosed that he spent not less than N30 million on the outreach programme, explaining that the gesture was meant to spread joy during the festive season and had no political, ethnic or tribal undertones.

Items distributed, apart from cash, included clothes, shoes, books for students and foodstuffs, among others.

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Former Senate Leader and Senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has called on the Federal Government to take urgent humanitarian steps to support the Borno State Government in resettling, reconstructing and rehabilitating victims displaced by over a decade of insurgency.

Ndume made the appeal at a Christmas luncheon he organised in collaboration with the Coalition of Christian Youths (Youth-CAN) for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) taking refuge at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Centre in Borno State.

A statement from his office in Abuja said the event attracted hundreds of displaced persons, traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, youth representatives and other community stakeholders.

The lawmaker commended Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, describing him as a leader with exceptional commitment to humanitarian recovery, particularly in conflict-affected areas such as Gwoza Local Government Area.

“Out of the 27 local governments in Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has shown uncommon love, courage and dedication to Gwoza and other communities affected by insurgency,” Ndume said.

Responding to appeals by the displaced persons for assistance to return to their ancestral homes, the senator assured them that he would convey their requests to Governor Zulum.

“It pleases me to hear that you personally requested my support to take you back home. We will ensure your return. We are fortunate to have a governor who truly cares about his people, and I will engage him directly on this matter,” he said.

Ndume also pledged to facilitate the safe and dignified return of IDPs currently taking refuge at the Minawao Camp in Cameroon to their communities in Borno State.

At the event, the senator announced the distribution of 200 bags of rice and cash assistance. 

According to him, 30 bags were given to Youth-CAN, 20 bags used for the Christmas luncheon, 100 bags distributed to IDPs at the CAN Centre, while 50 bags were shared among IDPs in other camps across the state.

He added that similar Christmas engagements would be extended to Bayan Dutse, noting that many of the displaced persons originated from Ngoshe, Ashigashiya, Pulka and other communities in Gwoza Local Government Area.

Earlier, the Chairman of Indigenous Pastors of Borno State, Rev. Waziri Dibal, thanked Ndume for organising the luncheon and appealed for sustained legislative and governmental support to ensure the return of displaced persons to their homes.

Also speaking, Chairman of Borno State Christian Youths, Barr. Ephraim Yidawi, commended the senator for identifying with the youths and urged greater involvement of Christian youth organisations in the repatriation and reintegration of refugees from Cameroon.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dr. Yohana expressed appreciation to Ndume for his material support and for personally attending the event, describing his presence as a symbol of unity, inclusion and empathy.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the APC Assistant Financial Secretary, Hon. Luka Apagu Mussa, and the Camp Chairman, Mr. John Gwoma Haghaya, who praised the senator’s intervention and acknowledged Governor Zulum’s sustained humanitarian leadership.

The event ended with the symbolic serving of meals, traditional dance performances and communal celebrations, leaving the displaced persons with renewed hope and confidence in ongoing efforts to restore dignity and stability to affected communities.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has blamed the lingering crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on what he described as the presidential ambition of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

Wike stated this on Monday during his end-of-year media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he accused Makinde of actions that destabilised the party’s leadership structure and deepened internal divisions.

“Now he said he wants to be president,” Wike said. “It is Seyi Makinde’s ambition that brought PDP into this crisis.”

The former Rivers State governor alleged that Makinde deliberately orchestrated events aimed at undermining the party’s national leadership, particularly the office of the National Secretary.

“He went and arranged with some people to make sure the National Secretary is absent,” Wike claimed.

According to him, Makinde and his allies also sought judicial backing from a court that lacked the jurisdiction to intervene in party affairs.

“He lured people to the State High Court in Enugu when he knew that the State High Court has no jurisdiction over the party,” Wike said. “They got the judgment and we said, no problem.”

Wike explained that despite internal disagreements, efforts were made to resolve the matter amicably, noting that Senator Samuel Anyanwu eventually emerged as the PDP National Secretary. “Sam Anyanwu won,” he stated.

“We told him that the convention is coming, just hold on. It is remaining one year. After that, those that we don’t want to come back will not come back.”

He accused Makinde of rejecting the proposed political compromise and escalating the matter to the Supreme Court, where the case was eventually lost.

“He refused and went to the Supreme Court, then he lost,” Wike said.

The FCT minister further noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) later affirmed Anyanwu as the legitimate National Secretary of the PDP.

“Until when they went to INEC, INEC told them that Sam Anyanwu is the Secretary of PDP,” he added.

Wike said several reconciliation meetings were held involving key party leaders in an effort to maintain unity, but alleged that Makinde consistently acted contrary to agreements reached.

“Senator Bukola Saraki can bear me witness,” he said. “We have gone to his guest house several times. Governor Fintiri was there.”

“There is nothing we agreed to do that Makinde will not go and do a different thing,” Wike added, “and that is why we are where we are today.”

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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has refuted claims by the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, that heavy taxes imposed by the government are responsible for the increase in domestic airfares.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said in a statement posted on X on Sunday that repeated allegations of excessive taxation on domestic flights are untrue.

His response followed Onyema’s comments during an interview on Arise Television, where the airline boss blamed high airfares on multiple taxes, warning that fares could rise further if the country’s new tax laws are implemented from January.

According to Onyema, the introduction of the new tax regime could push airfares even higher.

Reacting, Achimugu argued that no domestic airline pays 18 different taxes in Nigeria.

“Any domestic carrier operating domestic flights that says they are paying 18 taxes is a liar. No domestic carrier pays 18 taxes for domestic flights,” he said.

Achimugu noted that the current high airfares are driven largely by market forces, particularly demand and supply, questioning why fares have risen sharply in December.

“We understand that the high airfares this period are down to market forces, demand and supply. Even if we assume there are 18 taxes and that those taxes increased recently, why is it different in December?” he asked.

He added that, given the level of support provided to domestic airlines by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, there was no justification for repeatedly blaming the government.

“With the kind of support domestic carriers have received, I see no reason why the government keeps getting thrown under the bus through statements like this,” Achimugu said.

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The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has charged newly trained forest guards in the state to conduct themselves professionally and avoid all forms of intimidation and harassment while discharging their duties.

The governor gave the charge at the graduation ceremony of 987 trained forest guards held in Yola, the state capital.

Naija News reports that Fintiri, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Kaletapwa Farauta, urged the guards to see their appointment as a privilege and a call to service.

In a statement released after the ceremony, the governor stressed that the forest guards must uphold discipline, diligence and professionalism in their engagement with members of the public.

He said the guards were expected to work closely with host communities and earn their trust through responsible conduct.

“You should see yourselves as privileged citizens called to serve your communities and the nation. Discharge your duties with diligence, discipline and professionalism,” Fintiri said.

The governor commended the Office of the National Security Adviser for coordinating and supervising the forest guard initiative, describing it as a strategic intervention to address security challenges in forested areas.

He also appealed to residents of Adamawa State to cooperate with the guards deployed to their various communities, assuring them of the state government’s continued support for the programme.

“On my part, I wish to assure you of the continuous support of the Adamawa State Government for this initiative. May God increasingly grant us peace and security in Adamawa, Nigeria, and the world,” the governor added.

Forest Protection Key to National Security – Ribadu

Speaking at the event, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the forest guard initiative as a fusion of environmental protection and national security objectives.

Ribadu noted that safeguarding Nigeria’s forests was critical to reclaiming ungoverned spaces, protecting lives and securing the future of communities affected by criminal activities.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the success of the programme and its alignment with the Federal Government’s security agenda.

“I assure President Bola Tinubu of our absolute commitment to ensuring that this programme delivers measurable security, environmental and socio-economic outcomes, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Ribadu said.

The NSA disclosed that he had ordered the immediate payment of salaries and allowances for the graduating forest guards, alongside their deployment to ensure operational readiness and boost morale.

“I have ordered the immediate payment of salaries and allowances, and deployment of the graduating forest guards to guarantee operational readiness and boost their morale,” he stated.

Ribadu further explained that the recruitment of the forest guards followed a nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, who directed the military and police to recruit additional personnel to strengthen security across the country.

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…Demands full weight of the law against perpetrators

The Nigerian Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has condemned, in the strongest possible terms, “The disgraceful, dehumanising, and utterly unacceptable humiliation meted out to Dr Don Pedro Obaseki, fta, a respected cultural worker, politician, and intellectual.”

NANTAP, in a statement signed by the National President, Adeniran Makinde, fta., called for the identification and prosecution of all persons involved, directly or indirectly, in accordance with the full weight of the law.

Makinde noted that this act represents a gross violation of human dignity, a shameful abuse of power, and an affront to the values of civility, justice, and respect upon which any sane society must stand, stressing, “No individual—regardless of circumstance—deserves to be subjected to public humiliation, physical or psychological abuse, or treatment that strips them of their humanity.

“Dr Don Pedro is not merely an individual; he is a symbol of Nigeria’s creative and intellectual community—a man who has invested all his creative energies into promoting culture. An attack on his dignity is an attack on the entire cultural sector and the nation’s conscience.

“NANTAP therefore demands: an immediate, transparent, and thorough investigation into the incident by the appropriate authorities; the identification and prosecution of all persons involved, directly or indirectly, in accordance with the full weight of the law; public accountability from institutions or agencies found complicit in this inhuman act; concrete assurances that such barbaric conduct will not be tolerated or repeated against any Nigerian citizen; and that since our country Nigeria is in a constitutional democracy, we demand that the rule of law be adhered to always and in all circumstances.”

He also emphasised that Nigeria must not become a place where intimidation, humiliation, and lawlessness are normalised.

“The rule of law must prevail over impunity, and justice must not be selective.

“NANTAP stands in solidarity with Dr Don Pedro, his family, colleagues, and all advocates of human rights, dignity, and freedom of expression. We call on the government, civil society, the creative community, and all well-meaning Nigerians to speak with one voice against this injustice.

“An injury to one is an injury to all,” he further stated.

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The Gombe State Police Command has revealed gunmen have killed two people and kidnapped six others in Pindiga town, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State. 

The attack happened in the early hours of Sunday, December 28, 2025, at about 3:30 a.m. 

Confirming the incident, the police spokesman in Gombe State, DSP Buhari Abdullahi said the armed men first entered a house along the Pindiga–Kashere Road, where they shot Yusuf Mohammed, 31, and Faiza Mohammed, 28.

They also took away a 16-year-old girl, Zainab Mohammed Yusuf.

The two people who were shot were rushed to the Cottage Hospital in Pindiga, but doctors later confirmed them dead.

The attackers then went to another nearby house owned by Alhaji Yayaji Abdullahi and kidnapped his wife, Summai Yayaji, 35, and two of their children, Al’amin, 11, and Fatima, 14.

DSP Buhari Abdullahi further revealed six empty AK-47 bullet shells and one live bullet were found at the scene.

The police said security operations have been increased, with hunters and local vigilante groups joining efforts to rescue the kidnapped victims and arrest the perpetrators.

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the alleged leader of the gang responsible for the kidnapping and murder of a renowned professor of neurology, Ekanem Philip Ephraim, nearly two years after the incident.

Naija News understands that the prime suspect, identified as Patrick Essien Etim, 23, was arrested alongside his accomplice, Bassey Antiha Asuquo, 40, at a medical facility in Cross River State.

According to Daily Trust, a security source disclosed that the arrest followed sustained intelligence-led investigations by the DSS, which had been tracking the activities of the kidnap syndicate since the professor was killed in July 2023.

The source further said the suspects had posed as patients before abducting the professor from her private medical facility in Calabar.

“The DSS had been on the trail of the gang since the unfortunate killing of the professor in 2023,” the source said.

Investigations revealed that the suspects collected multiple ransom payments from the victim’s family but still went ahead to kill her.

The duo reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, admitting their involvement in the abduction and murder of the professor.

A DSS source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the arrest had brought relief to the victim’s family after years of uncertainty.

“It has been two years of torment for her loved ones, not knowing what happened to the professor. I believe that, with this arrest, her family and loved ones will be able to finally have some peace and the much-needed closure that they deserve,” the source said.

The suspects also reportedly admitted to other criminal activities, including the kidnapping of additional victims and the vandalisation of electricity cables in parts of the state.

Another suspect, Isaac Ekpeyong, was also arrested in connection with the crimes, according to security sources.

Recall that Professor Ephraim was abducted on July 13, 2023, by armed men who disguised themselves as patients at her private clinic located along Atimbo Road, Calabar.

Her abduction sparked outrage across Cross River State, particularly within the medical community.

Following her disappearance, the Nigeria Medical Association, Cross River State chapter, staged statewide protests and embarked on an indefinite strike to pressure the government and security agencies to secure her release.

The industrial action crippled healthcare services in the state for over one week, as doctors withdrew their services in solidarity with their abducted colleague.

Security sources said the suspects would be arraigned after the conclusion of investigations, as efforts continue to dismantle the remaining members of the criminal network.

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• The NCAA has rejected claims by Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema that multiple taxes are responsible for high domestic airfares, describing the narrative as misleading.
• The aviation regulator said recent fare hikes are driven by market forces of demand and supply, not government taxes, and accused airlines of unfairly blaming the government for price increases during the festive season.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a sharp rebuttal to claims by Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema, who suggested that a “regime of multiple taxes” is responsible for the recent spike in domestic airfares.

Speaking through the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the regulator described the “18 taxes” narrative as a “lie” and insisted that the government is being unfairly “thrown under the bus.”

The NCAA challenged the airlines to provide evidence of the alleged tax burden, noting that recent internal engagements with domestic carriers contradicted their public statements.

“Any domestic carrier operating domestic flights that says that they are paying 18 taxes is a liar. No domestic carrier pays 18 taxes for domestic flights… They all admitted to not paying the volume of taxes being bandied around.”

Achimugu questioned the logic of blaming taxes for the December surge, pointing out that statutory charges have not changed recently. He argued that if taxes were the primary driver of the ₦150,000–₦200,000 base fares, they could not explain why prices jumped to ₦500,000 during the festive season.

“We understand the high air fares this period are down to market forces—demand and supply. Let us assume there are 18 taxes, where those taxes increased recently, so why is it different in December? It is market forces. It is Nigerians on Nigerians. This is not government.”

Responding to Onyema’s claim that airlines only retain ₦81,000 from a ₦350,000 ticket, Achimugu expressed confusion over the math, reiterating that the Tinubu administration has provided “unprecedented support” to local carriers, including new reforms for dry-leasing aircraft.

“I don’t understand this 350k and 81k narrative, but I know that, for the kind of support that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu… have given to domestic carriers, I see no reason why the government keeps getting thrown under the bus via statements like this.”

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• Pastor Chris Okafor’s recent public apology has been met with widespread skepticism online following fresh allegations from actress Doris Ogala and claims by an alleged former wife.
• Critics argue the apology was an attempt to manipulate sympathy and protect his ministry rather than a genuine act of repentance, even as some supporters continue to defend him.

The recent apology released by Pastor Chris Okafor has faced a wave of skepticism following explosive allegations from actress Doris Ogala, who claimed the cleric had a long-term affair with her before marrying another woman.

While some congregants stood by their leader, many online observers, including vocal critics on X (formerly Twitter), have dismissed the video as a strategic move to save his ministry rather than a sincere act of repentance.

An X user, @bissiriyu, gained significant traction for his blunt critique of the pastor’s defense. He specifically addressed the cleric’s attempt to link his alleged indiscretions to past marital trauma.

“He was only out to guilt-trip his church members not to abandon him and his church. So because he saw his wife having sex with another man, it affected his own behaviour that he had to also have sex carelessly outside? Does this even make sense? He should own up his shits without manipulating anyone.”

This reaction comes at a difficult time for the cleric, who is currently facing:

• A ₦1 Billion Lawsuit filed by Doris Ogala for breach of promise.
• Public Outcry from his alleged former wife, Agnes, who accused him of hiding a previous marriage and treating her as a “baby-making machine.”

Despite the backlash, Pastor Okafor’s core supporters continue to defend him, citing the biblical principle of “touch not my anointed.”

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For about 30 days, 130 students and staff of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Niger State, lived away from home, family and classrooms after Boko Haram terrorists stormed their school in the early hours of 21 November. The students ranged in age from 6 to 18.

The abduction, one of the largest school kidnappings in recent months, unsettled the authorities and kept security forces on their feet. It revealed a dire security failure in the North-central state, where two jihadi groups have tightened their grip on local communities surrounding the Kainji Lake National Park.

Day 1: The abduction (21 November)

The terrorists under the command of Mallam Sadiku attacked the Catholic boarding school before dawn, rounding up 315 people, including students and staff from their dormitories. While about 50 people escaped, 265 were taken away, according to school officials.

A PREMIUM TIMES and The New Humanitarian investigation revealed how the terrorists moved the students through seven villages for two days, before disappearing into the Kainji forest reserve, where they split the captives.

By morning, the scale of the attack had become clear. Parents, church leaders and local authorities converged in Papiri, as school officials declared 315 people abducted. Subsequently, the school stated that 50 people returned to the community, declaring that 265 had been abducted.

The state authorities had tried to politicise the abduction and blame the school for it. The state governor, Mohammed Bago, stated that the school disregarded the security warning to shut down and avoid an impending attack.

But the school authorities countered his claims.

Days 2–13: Silence and anxiety

For nearly two weeks, there was little public information on the captives’ whereabouts. Families waited anxiously as negotiations and security operations reportedly took place behind the scenes.

One of the parents, Anthony Musa, died three days after the abduction. Although he had sustained injuries from a motorcycle accident, his aged mother, Hannatu, believes her son died of pain and grief.

During this period, conflicting figures continue to emerge from officials, the school management and religious groups, creating confusion over the exact number of those abducted.

Day 14: First breakthrough (7 December)

Fourteen days after the abduction, the Nigerian government secured the release of 100 captives. They were escorted by military personnel and formally handed over to the Niger State government the following day.

A list released at the time showed that 99 were students, while one was a staff member. This offered the first concrete sign of progress and hope to families still waiting.

Days 15–29: Uncertainty over those left behind

After the initial release, attention shifted to the fate of those still in captivity. The school management and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said that 165 people were still being held.

But the more the government made efforts to release the remaining captives, the more tension grew among parents and school management.

One of the parents whose children were abducted that night told PREMIUM TIMES that there was “confusion” about the figures of the remaining captives.

The school invited the parents twice—the first time, only those whose children were still in the forest.

“The school told us that the government disagreed with the list they had provided,” one parent, who asked not to be named, said. “We were then asked to register our names and the names of our children.”

The second invitation had both parents whose children had been released and those still waiting. The school did another head count and asked them to go home.

While this went on, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met with school authorities and assured them that the remaining captives would be freed before Christmas.

Day 30: The final release

On 22 December, about one month after the abduction, another 130 students and staff were released at a location near Nigeria’s border with the Benin Republic.

They were transported through Wawa, Mokwa and Bida en route to Minna, from where they are expected to be reunited with their families.

A presidential spokesperson, Sunday Dare, announced that no victim remained in captivity. Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun also confirmed the release, saying further details would be communicated.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, which owns the school, confirmed the latest release in a statement dated 21 December, and signed by its secretary, Jatau Joseph. It did not disclose the number of captives released.

ALSO READ: UPDATED: Niger governor receives 100 students released by terrorists

But after a final reconciliation and verification exercise, the school proprietor, Bulus Yohanna, confirmed that 230 pupils and staff members were abducted, contrary to the 265 mentioned earlier. He said all the captives were now free.

Mr Yohanna, who doubles as the bishop of Kontagora, explained that the abducted persons comprised 12 staff members, 14 secondary school students, and 204 nursery and primary pupils.

He, however, noted that the discrepancies were neither deliberate nor misleading.

Meanwhile, authorities have not officially named the abductors. The conditions under which the captives were released have also not been disclosed, amidst allegations of prisoner exchanges and ransom payments. In response to these concerns, President Bola Tinubu said, “The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means.”

A broader crisis

The Papiri abduction is the latest reminder of Nigeria’s enduring school safety crisis. A decade after the Chibok schoolgirls were kidnapped, mass abductions have spread across northern Nigeria.

While some of the Chibok girls (now women) have regained freedom, more than 80 are still unaccounted for.

According to media reports, there have been at least 10 mass abductions, targeting more than 1,700 students in formal and tsangaya [Islamiya] schools since the Chibok abduction.

For the students of St Mary’s, the 30 days in captivity may be over, but the memories remain fresh with them and their families.

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Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Monday tackled the African Democratic Congress, ADC, spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s latest trip to Europe, stressing that “Nigeria is not governed from a village square.”

Spokesman of the party, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said when faced with serious governance, strategic leadership, and results-driven diplomacy, the ADC predictably resorted to “noise, misinformation, and pedestrian politics.”

In a statement he signed, Oladejo said: “In an interconnected world, serious leadership entails constant engagement with global partners, investors, development institutions, and strategic allies. President Tinubu’s Europe trip is firmly rooted in this reality.

“It is about advancing Nigeria’s economic interests, strengthening bilateral relations, attracting investment, and reinforcing Nigeria’s standing in the comity of nations-not embarking on sightseeing excursions, as the opposition would like Nigerians to believe.

‘Only the intellectually lazy would assume that leadership is confined to physical presence within national borders. President Tinubu governs with intent, structure, and continuity. The machinery of government remains firmly in motion at all times, driven by clear policy direction, delegated authority, and institutional strength. Nigeria does not grind to a halt simply because the President is engaging the world on behalf of her people.”

Oladejo said the ADC’s fixation on travel once again exposes its chronic lack of ideas, noting that “Having nothing concrete to offer Nigerians-no roadmap, no credible economic alternative, no security blueprint-it has resorted to monitoring flight schedules and issuing press releases rooted in envy and ignorance. This obsession betrays a party still struggling to understand the demands of modern governance.”

He added: “Ironically, many of those now feigning outrage were silent, complicit, or enthusiastic cheerleaders during years of wasteful foreign trips that yielded little or nothing for the nation. Today, however, under President Tinubu, international engagements are clearly aligned with Nigeria’s economic recovery agenda, foreign direct investment drive, energy transition goals, infrastructure financing, and renewed global relevance.”

Reminding the ADC that “Nigerians are not deceived,” he said “They can clearly see the difference between a President working tirelessly-both at home and abroad-to reposition the nation, and an opposition permanently trapped in the politics of distraction and cheap headline-chasing.”

Oladejo stressed that as the year winds down and Nigerians look positively to a new one with renewed hope and cautious optimism, the opposition must be advised to urgently up its game.

“Empty, meaningless noise-making has reduced it to a caricature and a running joke in the public space. Serious times demand serious alternatives, not recycled outrage and shallow theatrics.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a slogan; it is an unfolding process that requires bold domestic reforms and purposeful international engagement. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains firmly in charge-decisive, deliberate, and globally engaged-for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians,” he added.

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• A Nigerian man who is an engineer watched the viral video of a popular Islamic scholar and issued a warning to him
• He heard the things Sheikh Ahmad Gumi said in the viral clip just days after the US military bombed ISIS terrorists in Sokoto
• The engineer’s statement also contained advice he gave to the president of Nigeria on what he should do to Gumi

Since the US military bombed ISIS terrorist bases in Sokoto State on the order of President Donald Trump, there have been many reactions from Nigerians over the targets of the US missiles and the locations hit.

As the news continued to trend, a notable Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, condemned the move by the US military and openly voiced his opinion about it.

Engineer reacts to Gumi after US bombing in Sokoto. Photo Source: Twitter/FestusBrave, Premium Times, Punch Newspapers
Source: Twitter

Man slams Gumi over comments

A young engineer who came across one of the viral videos of the Islamic scholar, however, spoke his mind. He offered advice to Sheikh Gumi and also urged the president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, on what to do.

Read also

Man predicts fate of popular bandit after US bombed ISIS bases, mentions his name: “Very soon”

In his post, @FestusBrave advised the Islamic scholar to keep his opinions to himself and stop speaking for the North or commenting on the activities of bandits in the country.

He mentioned that as Gumi continues to speak, people might begin to see the US mission as a bad thing.

Man tells Sheikh Gumi to stop talking after US strike. Photo Source: Premium Times
Source: Twitter

He said:

“Sheikh Gumi should stop louding this whole thing. Bola Ahmed Tinubu should stop him now. The more he keeps talking, the more Northerners might start seeing the US Army intervention as a bad thing.”“He should be quiet and allow the Commander in Chief to act. Terrorists can never be anyone’s friend, except you’re a part of them. So he should stop speaking for the entire Northerners. Those are just his opinions.”

Reactions as engineer speaks about Gumi

@Proudly_Naija01 noted:

“Since our own commander in chief isn’t saying anything. Let someone speak for him then.”

Read also

US attack on ISIS in Sokoto: soldier flaunts military kits, shares plan against deadly terrorists

@kryptobiony stated:

“Maybe Gumi thinks he’s the real Commander in Chief. Silence isn’t his strong suit, clearly.”

@veried001 shared:

“We don’t need any more of Sheikh Gumi’s nonsense. Let’s focus on strengthening our army with some help from the US. That’s how we keep our families safe and tackle the real issues.”

@OnyeonuChr82021 Wrote:

Omo everything about Nigeria is just so tiring.”

@__sina__1 stressed:

“Why is her still walking freely.”

@puss_babyy noted:

“Which security dey him back?”

@diamondhighbee1 said:

“This man is just painting Muslim bad photo. He dey shame me.”

Read the post below:

In a similar story, Legit.ng recently reported that a pastor sparked reactions online after condemning comments made by Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi following the US airstrike on alleged ISIS bases in Sokoto State.

Nigerian soldier backs US strike on ISIS

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian soldier stirred reactions online after openly supporting US President Donald Trump’s airstrikes on alleged ISIS bases in Sokoto State.

The soldier shared photos of his military kits and revealed plans to head north to protect communities and support fellow troops, stressing that there should be no hiding place for terrorists in Nigeria.

Source: Legit.ng

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