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Crime

Gun Battle Claims Three Kidnappers of Ogun Poly Students

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Three suspected kidnappers who abducted students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, have been killed in a gun battle with security operatives. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the victims were rescued unharmed following sustained security operations. According to Iniedu, operatives of the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Department of State Services later tracked the kidnappers to their hideout, where they engaged them in a gun battle. Three suspects were killed during the encounter, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, three mobile phones and N2.3 million from the operation. The State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced further investigation into the incident. The students were among residents abducted in the state and were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the police, military, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters. A police helicopter was also deployed for aerial surveillance during the rescue operation.

Crime

33 Abducted Passengers Regain Freedom in Zamfara

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Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The victims were travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe when they were reportedly abducted. According to the Media Information Officer of the JTF, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2, alongside Nigeria Police Force personnel deployed in Tsafe, responded after receiving information about the incident on Saturday. Danja said the troops quickly mobilised to the area and encountered the terrorists while they were moving the abducted passengers to an unknown destination. He said the troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into nearby bushes. All 33 passengers were subsequently rescued. The troops also launched an operation to search the area and track the fleeing terrorists. Danja said the operation was conducted without any casualties, adding that the Theatre Command remained committed to protecting civilians, restricting terrorist activities and securing major transportation routes across the North-West.

Metro

NDLEA Raises Alarm Over Drugs Hidden in Cookies, Gummies

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has warned parents to monitor their children’s consumption of cookies and gummies following the discovery of cannabis-infused products being smuggled into Nigeria. The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, issued the warning on Sunday, saying recent seizures had exposed attempts by criminals to disguise illicit drugs as ordinary snacks. Babafemi urged parents to pay closer attention if their children frequently crave cookies and gummies, noting that some of the products could contain prohibited substances. The warning followed the seizure of two 40-foot containers by the Nigeria Customs Service at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. The containers reportedly contained thousands of cannabis-infused products, including Delta-8 pre-roll cookies, cannabis gummies and other infused cookies, concealed among legitimate imports such as used vehicles, generators, batteries and fabrics. The seized items, which originated from the United States, were packaged as colourful vegan and hemp-derived snacks in flavours such as pineapple guava and Thai mango. The consignment was estimated to have a street value of about 373.8 million naira before it was handed over to the NDLEA. The agency described the products as an emerging public health concern, particularly because their attractive packaging could appeal to children, students and other young people, potentially increasing the risk of accidental consumption of concentrated cannabis.

Education

Insecurity: Schools Shut Down Across 40 LGAs

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At least 65 primary and secondary schools have been shut down or rendered non-functional across several northern states due to insecurity. The affected schools are in Sokoto, Benue, Plateau, Borno, Kaduna and Kebbi, while insecurity has also disrupted academic activities in Katsina, Adamawa and other parts of the North. The closures followed terrorist and bandit attacks, abductions, displacement and fears of further attacks on students and teachers. Sokoto has recorded one of the most widespread disruptions, with schools in 20 of its 23 local government areas shut indefinitely, following a Federal Government directive. However, schools in Sokoto North, Sokoto South and Wamakko were exempted. Benue has also been heavily affected, with 35 schools identified as shut across Kwande, Gwer West, Guma and Logo LGAs. Some pupils have relocated to safer communities, while others have dropped out following the displacement of their families. In Borno, two schools in Askira-Uba were recently closed following attacks and student abductions. In Plateau, seven schools across Riyom and Barkin Ladi have also experienced disruptions. Education experts have warned that prolonged school closures could worsen Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, while exposing children to risks including child labour, early marriage and recruitment by criminal groups. The Federal Government says it is strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative through a dedicated department and a new national framework involving security agencies. The plan includes perimeter fencing, solar lighting, security personnel, technology and monitoring systems. Experts, however, say urgent action is needed to restore security and reopen affected schools, warning that continued disruption could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s education system and the future of millions of children.

Foreign Affairs

UN Chief Raises Alarm Over Attacks on Nigerian Religious Communities

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The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has raised fresh concerns over attacks on religious communities in Nigeria, with its newly elected chairman, Asif Mahmood, naming the country as his top priority. Mahmood, speaking in an interview with OSV News, said the commission remained deeply concerned about violence linked to Islamic extremist groups, including Boko Haram, as well as conflicts between farmers and herders that have contributed to insecurity and displacement across parts of Nigeria. He said the commission’s focus was on seeing tangible improvements, including the recovery of kidnapped victims and ensuring that Nigerians could worship safely without facing violence. The USCIRF had previously called on the United States to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged systematic violations of religious freedom. Former US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria under the classification in 2025. Mahmood also criticised the Nigerian government, accusing it of failing to adequately respond to attacks on religious communities by non-state actors. He said USCIRF’s assessment was based on conditions faced by families and communities, including whether people could attend churches and other places of worship safely. Meanwhile, Mahmood said the commission had resumed its work after securing a quorum, but urged the Trump administration to fill three outstanding commissioner vacancies and appoint an ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. He stressed that USCIRF’s mandate covered people of all faiths facing religious repression and said its goal was to help anyone experiencing persecution because of their religion.

Sports

Falcons Fully Prepared for Quarter-Final — Babajide

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Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide says Nigeria are fully prepared for their crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Cameroon. The defending champions will face the Indomitable Lionesses at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca at 6pm on Sunday, with a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake. Nigeria finished second in Group C after a difficult start, while Cameroon topped Group D unbeaten. Babajide said the team understands the importance of the encounter and is ready for the challenge. “We are very excited to face Cameroon. We have played against them a couple of times before; we know their strengths, we are prepared, and ready to face them,” she said. The forward described the match as the biggest game of her career because of the opportunity to secure a World Cup ticket. She added that the team’s priority is to win, whether it is to defend their WAFCON title or secure qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Nigeria are aiming for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, but must defeat Cameroon to keep their title defence alive. A victory will also guarantee the Super Falcons a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Metro

Kwara Gov Receives 163 Rescued Kidnap Victims

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Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has received 163 residents who were abducted from communities in the state and recently rescued by combined security forces. The victims were handed over to the governor by the Nigerian Army on Friday in Ilorin, the state capital. Speaking during the handover, Abdulrazaq congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the successful rescue operation and commended the security agencies involved for their collaboration, bravery and commitment to restoring peace and security across the state. The Kwara State Government had on Wednesday announced the release of residents abducted from Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area. The governor’s media aide, Olayinka Fafoluyi, announced the development in a Facebook post, praising the President, security forces and others involved in the operation. The victims were abducted on February 3 after armed assailants launched coordinated attacks on Woro, Nuku and other neighbouring communities in Kaiama LGA. The attacks reportedly claimed the lives of at least 75 people, displaced several residents and left the affected communities severely impacted. Although the exact number of people abducted was initially unclear, reports estimated that about 170 women, children and other residents were taken hostage during the attacks. In April, a video circulated on social media showing one of the abducted women appealing to the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts to secure their release.

Entertainment

‘Loan I took for my girlfriend almost destroyed me’ — Baami

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Content creator Samuel Adegbeyi, popularly known as Baami, has recounted how a ₦30,000 loan he took to support his former girlfriend’s business eventually grew into more than ₦300,000 in debt and left him struggling financially and emotionally. Speaking about his journey, Baami said his difficult childhood experiences shaped his determination to succeed. His father died while he was in secondary school, after which he lived with relatives and neighbours who helped him continue his education. Although he initially wanted to become a chartered accountant, Baami began creating content in 2024 while in his final year of HND. He said his manager encouraged him to venture into content creation despite his initial reluctance to become publicly known. As his popularity grew, several skit makers began inviting him to feature in their content. He has since worked with personalities including Oluwadolarz, Nasboi, Shank and Cute Abiola. Baami said his financial struggles began while he was in a relationship. Wanting to support his girlfriend in starting a business, he borrowed about ₦30,000 from an online loan platform and added some of his savings before giving her the money. According to him, her attitude towards him changed after she received the money, while the short repayment period and accumulating interest pushed him into a cycle of debt. He said the initial ₦30,000 loan eventually rose to more than ₦300,000, forcing him to borrow from other loan platforms to repay the previous debts. For almost a year, Baami said he battled serious financial and emotional difficulties. At one point, he spent about four months mostly indoors and relied on a friend who provided food and cared for him. He described the period as one of the most difficult experiences of his life but said he eventually recovered and continued his education and content creation journey. Baami said TikTok became his first major source of income. His manager encouraged him to host regular live sessions, where viewers sent gifts that could be converted into money. He recalled receiving about ₦500,000 as his first major TikTok income. He later expanded to Facebook, where his first payout in January was about $200. The content creator currently has about 1.3 million followers on Facebook. His main TikTok account, which had about 1.4 million followers, was reportedly banned, leaving him to continue with a backup account. Baami said he has no specific content niche at the moment, explaining that he creates different types of content and portrays characters such as bosses, businessmen and mechanics. He also spoke about facing discrimination because of his physical condition, particularly during his school years. However, he said some people eventually changed their attitudes after discovering his abilities. He acknowledged that hurtful comments about his appearance sometimes affected him deeply and contributed to periods of depression, but said he chose to focus on self-improvement rather than dwell on the negativity. Baami said his experiences have influenced his outlook on life and that he believes the challenges he faced ultimately led him to content creation. He explained that the debt prevented him from returning to school at the time he had planned, but the delay allowed him to meet his manager and begin his career as a content creator. Although he studied for a qualification that could have led to a career in accounting, Baami said he currently has no plans to seek employment with his certificate because content creation is already providing for his needs. He said he hopes to expand his YouTube presence and eventually become a global content creator with an audience across different countries. On marriage, Baami said he remains open to settling down but wants to find someone who genuinely loves and supports him rather than being attracted to his money or fame. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that his content creation career would take him beyond Nigeria, saying he hopes to become a globally recognised creator within the next three to five years.

Elections, Politics

EFCC-Osun account dispute raises fresh questions over agency’s independence

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President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to withdraw the court order freezing the Osun State Government’s bank account has sparked renewed debate over the independence of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria. The controversy followed the President’s instruction on Thursday that the EFCC return to court and vacate the freezing order. Tinubu said that although the commission acted within its legal powers, the timing of the action, coming days before the August 15 governorship election, was inappropriate. The President said he was “deeply embarrassed” by the development, noting that actions taken by federal agencies are often attributed to his administration. The EFCC had earlier defended the account freeze as a routine action and denied any political motive. Its Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said the commission had the legal authority to restrict an account for up to 72 hours without a court order, citing a similar action involving Edo State ahead of its 2024 governorship election. The President’s intervention has, however, triggered questions about whether the EFCC is truly independent of the executive. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oba Maduabuchi, argued that the President does not have the legal authority to direct the EFCC or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in their operations. However, he said the President’s intervention could be considered understandable given concerns that the account freeze might be perceived as an attempt to influence the Osun election. Maduabuchi criticised the manner in which the directive was issued, arguing that it should have been handled through the Attorney-General rather than through a public presidential directive. He also questioned the decision to freeze the entire state account, saying the EFCC should instead focus on funds allegedly diverted to private companies. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also questioned the President’s reference to a court order authorising the account freeze. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the EFCC had not previously mentioned obtaining such an order when defending its action. Abdullahi questioned whether the President had been misinformed about the existence of the order or whether the facts had been misrepresented, describing either possibility as troubling. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticised the account freeze, describing it as a threat to democracy. He argued that freezing a state government’s main operating account shortly before an election could disrupt salaries, essential services and governance. Atiku further warned that the selective use of anti-corruption agencies could undermine public confidence and create the perception that state institutions were being used to influence political outcomes. He also challenged Tinubu to apply the same authority to the ICPC over the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. According to Atiku, the President’s intervention in the Osun matter raises questions about the extent of executive influence over anti-corruption agencies and whether their independence is genuine. The controversy has therefore renewed broader concerns about the relationship between the presidency, anti-corruption agencies and the rule of law, particularly when their actions have potential political implications.

Entertainment, Music

‘I’d rather stay true to my sound than chase trends’ — Ladé

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Nigerian singer Ladé has said she would rather focus on creating authentic and relatable music than constantly chase viral trends. Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, the “Adulthood Na Scam” singer acknowledged the pressure artistes face in an era where songs can quickly go viral on social media. According to her, however, virality is temporary, while building a lasting music career requires consistency, authenticity and a strong connection with fans. Ladé said, “I’d rather focus on making honest music that people can keep coming back to than chase trends all the time.” She advised emerging artistes to appreciate viral moments when they happen but warned against making them the sole measure of success. She encouraged them to continue improving their craft, remain authentic and build careers designed to last. Reflecting on how her understanding of adulthood has changed since the success of her hit song, “Adulthood Na Scam,” Ladé said she initially thought adulthood was mainly about paying bills. She said she later realised that adulthood comes with continuous responsibilities, challenges and lessons. The singer noted that every stage of life brings new responsibilities and versions of oneself, adding that the challenges may not necessarily become easier, but people become stronger and wiser in handling them. Ladé said she still considers adulthood overwhelming but has learnt to appreciate small victories, give herself grace and enjoy the journey.