The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

2027: Forum of former lawmakers back Tinubu for second term

• Tunji-Ojo, Barau, make case for president’s reelection

The Forum of former lawmakers, and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, among other eminent Nigerians have backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term.

They made the call yesterday at the 2026 National Summit of former legislators, themed, ‘National Unity and Nation Building: Beyond 2031,’ held in Abuja.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who graced the event, described President Tinubu as a statesman who took bold and difficult decisions to rescue Nigeria from economic collapse, urging Nigerians to protect the future of the country by ensuring continuity of the current administration beyond 2027.

According to the minister, Nigeria’s economic realities before the inauguration of the Tinubu administration in 2023 demanded courageous leadership. He noted that the country spent an estimated $30 billion on fuel and foreign exchange subsidies in 2022 alone, while over 92 per cent of national revenue went into debt servicing.

“What lies ahead of us in 2027 is the future of Nigeria, and it is important that we get that point right,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He explained that Nigeria spent about $20 billion on fuel subsidy and over $10 billion on forex subsidy in 2022, describing the situation as unsustainable and dangerous for the nation’s long-term survival.

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The minister noted that President Tinubu, upon assuming office, took the politically risky decision to remove the subsidies—an action previous administrations avoided even in their second terms.

“This President came on board and took very difficult decisions—decisions that other presidents could not take even in their second term. He took them in his first term, without considering the fact that an election was ahead,” Tunji-Ojo stated.

The defining moment for leaders is when they choose between short-term political gains and long-term national legacy.

“The turning point of every nation is when leaders decide whether they will live for politics or live for posterity. He understood that leadership is not just about being president, but about being a statesman,” the minister said.

Tunji-Ojo stressed that the reforms were taken not only for the present generation but for Nigerians yet unborn, urging citizens across the 36 states of the federation to appreciate the sacrifices and support the administration’s continuity.

“That is the risk he has taken, and Nigerians must understand this as we look ahead to 2027 and repay that courage by ensuring continuity of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration,” he added.

The summit was organised by the National Forum of Former Legislators, with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, serving as convener.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, called on former lawmakers to support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 to allow him fully implement his reform agenda.

Barau argued that the rotational principle adopted since the return to democracy in 1999 should be respected, noting that it has promoted fairness and political stability.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in his first term. We should not reinvent the wheel. The rotational system is working, and he should be allowed to complete two full terms,” Barau said.

His call amplified similar calls from the NFFL National Coordinator, Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, former Senate Presidents, Speakers, and others, urging support for President Tinubu to complete two full terms in line with the rotation principle that has ensured sanity and equality since the commencement of the Fourth Republic.

“I appeal that we should abide by the principle of rotation, which has brought sanity and equality since the beginning of the Fourth Republic.

“Of course, now the president, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is in his first term, and, as noted by other speakers, let’s not reinvent the wheel.

“We’ve seen that the rotational system is working. We shall allow it to work. And so, as said by the Honourable Tunji Ojo, the president is doing well. He has said a few of the things the President is doing to bring prosperity to our nation. So, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be allowed to do two full terms,” Barau was quoted in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir.

Responding to requests from the National Coordinator and a former Senate President, Barau pledged to forward the proposal for embedding the rotational system in the Constitution to the National Assembly. “I will certainly do that,” he affirmed.

Highlighting the summit’s theme, the Deputy President of the Senate stressed the need for national unity, mentorship, and continuity in governance.

He assured of the collaboration between the National Assembly and NFFL, noting that “The leadership of the National Assembly remains open to collaboration with NFFL and similar bodies. We recognise that governance does not end with tenure, and that patriotism is a lifelong duty.”

He further commended the NFFL for the timely initiative, emphasising the enduring role of former legislators in Nigeria’s democracy.

“Former legislators occupy a unique and respected place in our national life. You are men and women who have had the privilege and the burden of lawmaking. Your experience, institutional memory, and statesmanship remain invaluable national assets,” he stated.

Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged the former members of parliament to generate ideas for a stronger Nigeria.

“I congratulate NFFL for successfully convening this National Summit. I urge you to use this platform to generate ideas, forge partnerships, and reaffirm your commitment to a stronger, more united, and more prosperous Nigeria,” he said, adding that the summit underscores the vital contributions of former legislators to democratic consolidation and nation-building.

In the communique read at the end of the summit, a vote of confidence was passed on President Tinubu. He was endorsed as the forum’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

A former Senator, Yakubu Oseni (Kogi Central), moved the motion for the adoption of the communique, while Senator Florence Ita Giwa (Cross River) seconded it.

January 25, 2026
Anambra plans pro-rata pay to curb Monday sit-at-home

The Anambra Government has announced plans to commence pro-rata payment of salaries to civil servants from February 2026 as part of measures to end the lingering Monday sit-at-home.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the decision was reached at the end of tenure retreat of the State Executive Council (SEC) held on Friday in Awka, Anambra State.

During the retreat, members reviewed the activities of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo administration over the last four years and outlined priorities for the new term beginning March 17, 2026.

The Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Saturday in Awka.

Mefor said the retreat observed that for the past four years, many public and civil servants have consistently stayed away from work on Mondays.

He noted, however, that the council agreed that those challenges no longer existed, making absenteeism on Mondays unjustifiable.

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“The government observed that some workers have taken advantage of the situation, knowing they would receive full salaries regardless of attendance.

“Although such conduct amounted to absenteeism punishable under the civil service rules, the government opted for a less drastic approach by introducing pro-rata salary payment,” he said.

According to him, under the arrangement, workers who fail to report for duty on Mondays would forfeit the portion of their salaries attributable to that day.

He said that a mechanism has already been put in place to ensure compliance.

“This includes the introduction of attendance forms that will enable workers to clock in at the start of work and clock out at closing time on Mondays,” he said.

The commissioner said that Monday absenteeism had negatively affected government productivity and the state’s economy.

Mefor added that any workday lost translated to stalled government business and loss of revenue.

“Agencies such as the Anambra Internal Revenue Service and other ministries, departments and parastatals are critical to revenue generation.

“Their absence from work on Mondays resulted in significant financial losses to the state,” Mefor said.

He explained that the decision to adopt pro-rata payment was guided by the need to ensure fairness, efficiency and sustainability in public expenditure.

The commissioner ruled out the option of shifting official workdays to Saturdays, describing it as impractical and an implicit surrender to the sit-at-home order.

He said that the state would not continue to encourage markets and the informal sector to operate on Mondays while its own workforce stayed away from duty.

Mefor disclosed that the government was already engaging market leaders to persuade traders to resume businesses on Mondays.

He added that security measures were also being strengthened to boost public confidence.

On the computation of pro-rata payments, Mefor said workers’ monthly salaries would be divided by the 24 official working days to determine the daily rate.

He added that the economic losses arising from the sit-at-home had run into trillions of naira over the years, based on a reports by an international firm.

January 25, 2026
NLC, TUC issue FG 14-day ultimatum overdelayed implementation of CONHESS

The two labour centres – Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement the report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which was submitted in 2021.

The ultimatum was contained in a statement jointly signed by the TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro and Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah on Saturday in Abuja.

The two labour centres demanded the immediate implementation of the report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of the CONHESS, which was submitted in 2021.

The unions described the continued delay as a deliberate act of injustice against health workers.

According to them, the report, chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, addressed salary distortions in the health sector.

The statement read: “Health workers have waited long enough for over five years. The Ministry must act without further delay.

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“Failure to implement the CONHESS report is a direct affront to organised labour and the hardworking health professionals who sustain the nation.”

They stated that the non-implementation shows bad faith and institutional disrespect for organised labour.

The unions recalled that similar adjustments for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) were implemented without delay.

They said that the selective application of salary adjustments exposes the government’s insincerity and discrimination.

The unions highlighted repeated engagements and interventions that yielded no response from the Federal Ministry of Health.

They warned that failure to act within the 14-day period could trigger nationwide industrial action.

The statement added: “We have exercised restraint for years, but our patience has run out. The Ministry must act now.

“Should the government fail to implement the CONHESS report within the stipulated period, organised labour will mobilise all Nigerian workers for coordinated industrial action.”

They added that industrial action could include mass protests, picketing of health institutions, and withdrawal of services across the country.

The unions said health workers’ labour sustains the nation and cannot continue to be ignored.

They added that bureaucratic excuses and promises without action will no longer be tolerated.

The statement said: “TUC and NLC therefore place all affiliates, including state councils and the FCT, on red alert for mobilisation.”

They called on the government to avert avoidable industrial action by complying within the ultimatum period.

January 25, 2026
Shettima returns to Abuja, says Nigeria back on global economic frontline

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after a week-long diplomatic and economic mission to Guinea and Switzerland, declaring that Nigeria has reclaimed a frontline position in global and regional policy conversations.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport yesterday after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea’s President, Mamadi Doumbouya, and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.

According to him, the engagements underscored Nigeria’s renewed commitment to regional solidarity in West Africa and its resolve to reposition the economy under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In Conakry, Shettima said Nigeria reaffirmed its leadership role within ECOWAS while opening new pathways for bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.

From Guinea, the Vice President proceeded to Davos, where he led the Nigerian delegation at the 2026 WEF.

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A major highlight of the visit was the commissioning of Nigeria House Davos—the country’s first-ever sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade, designed as a permanent investment hub showcasing opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture and the digital economy.

At a high-level WEF session titled “When Food Becomes Security,” Shettima outlined Nigeria’s new national food security framework, describing agriculture as a strategic pillar of national security and macroeconomic stability.

He also joined former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, to advance the Accra Reset Initiative, which advocates African industrialisation driven by domestic capital and value chains rather than foreign aid.

On the economic front, the Vice President told investors that Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators were stabilising, citing a projected 4.4 per cent GDP growth in 2026 and a decline in inflation to 12.94 per cent.

He added that Nigeria was on the cusp of becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products, anchored by the Dangote Refinery, alongside growing exports of digital talent.

January 25, 2026
Reps panel summons Ibadan, Jos Discos MDs for dodging power probe

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating Nigeria’s power sector reforms and expenditure from 2007 to 2024 has summoned the Managing Directors of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Jos Electricity Distribution Company over their absence at a hearing to probe their operations.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Al-Mustapha Ibrahim, expressed strong dissatisfaction during the hearing, stressing that the absence of the Discos’ chief executives undermined the purpose of the investigation.

According to him, the committee was constituted to address Nigeria’s persistent power challenges, which have continued to slow national development despite over a decade of power sector privatisation.

“There is no way we can move forward without hearing directly from the Managing Directors,” Ibrahim said. “We want them to tell Nigerians who they are, what they do, the investments they have made, and how they have utilised the various government interventions in the power sector.”

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He noted that while generation and transmission issues have been interrogated in previous sessions, distribution companies remain critical stakeholders whose performance directly affects electricity supply to consumers.

The chairman recalled submissions from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which revealed that Nigeria has never generated up to 13,300 megawatts of electricity at any time, with peak generation hovering around 10,000 megawatts, despite transmission capacity of about 7,000 megawatts.

“The big question is why Nigerians are still in darkness,” Ibrahim said. “Discos must explain why communities and individuals are still forced to buy transformers and other infrastructure that should ordinarily be their responsibility.”

During the hearing, officials who appeared on behalf of the Discos could not provide convincing explanations for the absence of their Managing Directors, nor present letters formally notifying the committee of any delegation.

Members of the committee unanimously rejected the representation and insisted that only the Managing Directors could adequately address the issues raised.

Following deliberations, Hon. Mohammed Olaide (Oyo State) moved a motion for the meeting to be adjourned to 5th February, directing the Discos to reappear with their Managing Directors to defend their submissions and explain their investment records, infrastructure development, and utilisation of intervention funds.

“We want to hear from the horse’s mouth. Nigerians are suffering across the country, and this is not an issue we can continue to treat lightly.”

The motion was amended by Hon. Abubakar Jajere (Yobe State), who called for the invitation of core investors in the Discos, citing what he described as a pattern of disregard for the committee’s summons.

“We have already set a precedent that agencies invited must be represented by their chief executives,” Jajere said. “If the Discos continue to respond negatively, then we should invite their core investors. That way, accountability will be enforced.”

The chairman upheld the amended motion, warning that failure to comply with the committee’s directive would attract the full instrumentality of the House.

“If they continue to evade this investigation, it raises serious questions about their capacity, commitment, and ability to deliver effective power supply after 13 years of privatisation,” Ibrahim said.

The committee adjourned proceedings to 5th February, reaffirming its resolve to uncover the root causes of Nigeria’s electricity crisis and ensure accountability in the power sector.

January 25, 2026
FG positioning youths as active partners in transforming Nigeria’s learning system – Alausa

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, says the Federal Government is positioning youths as active partners in transforming Nigeria’s learning system.

Alausa said this at the 2026 International Day of Education celebration in Abuja yesterday.

Alausa said education remained the foundation for peace, civilisation and sustainable development, in spite challenges such as access gaps, learning poverty, skills mismatch and gender disparities.

“We must recall that education is the bedrock of every civilisation. It is the cornerstone upon which we build stable, prosperous, and peaceful societies. It is the most powerful tool we possess to change the world.

“Education offers children a ladder out of poverty and a path to a promising future. However, we are currently facing a learning crisis of unprecedented proportions and education is seriously under attack.

“On access, nearly 250 million children (UNESCO) and youth are still out of school, denied the basic tools they need to navigate the modern world.

“On literacy, over 763 million youth and adults worldwide (UNESCO) lack basic literacy skills, limiting their ability to participate in the economy or advocate for their rights,” he said.

He noted that education reforms were anchored on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritising national renewal, economic growth and social transformation.

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The minister said funding for education had improved through increased budgetary allocations, innovative financing and stronger partnerships with international development partners.

Alausa listed key interventions under the Education Transformation Roadmap, including curriculum rationalisation, digital learning platforms, teacher capacity building, expanded TVET and improved infrastructure.

He added that the introduction of a National Anti-Bullying Policy would ensure safe, inclusive and learner-friendly school environments.

The minister said Nigeria’s youthful population necessitated a shift from top-down education models to participatory systems that empower learners as co-creators.

He highlighted the Federal Government’s achievements to include the Nigerian Education Sector Renewed Initiative (NESRI) rollout, expanded TVET centres, increased STEMM and medical enrolment, enhanced scholarships and strengthened education data transparency.

Alausa said access and inclusion had improved through programmes targeting out-of-school children, girl-child education initiatives and enhanced school safety frameworks.

Reaffirming commitment to SDG 4, the minister called for collaboration among parents, communities, civil society and the private sector to establish innovation and skills centres.

He commended teachers for their dedication and urged students to actively engage in shaping education policies through innovation.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to lifelong learning opportunities for all Nigerians.

January 25, 2026
BON election: M4S calls on IBAN chairman to step aside over alleged conflict of interest

The forthcoming election for the Chairman of the Broadcasters’ Organisation of Nigeria (BON) has sparked controversy, as M4S Communications Limited has formally called on IBAN Chairman Alhaji Tijani Ramalan to step aside, citing a potential conflict of interest.

The demand follows reports that Ramalan acted as a guarantor for one of the aspirants, raising questions about impartiality in the electoral process.

In a letter addressed to Alhaji Ramalan and signed by Tony Uyah, Managing Director and COO of M4S Communications, the company urged the IBAN Chairman to recuse himself from all matters relating to the BON election.

“This already indicates some vested interest in the outcome of the election. As members of the fourth estate of the realm, who are expected to hold political office holders to account in electoral matters, it behoves us to show a good example when we are involved in such issues ourselves,” the letter read.

The election, which would determine the BON Chairman for the next two years, is reserved for financial members of BON from the private sector.

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Two candidates have officially declared their interest: Senior High Chief Tony Akiotu, Chairman/CEO of M4S Communications Limited, and Chief Raymond Paul Dokpesi Jnr, Chairman of DAAR Communications PLC.

According to the letter, both aspirants meet all eligibility requirements, including up-to-date annual dues.

M4S Communications’ letter also emphasised the importance of a transparent and fair election process.

It urged that IBAN should allow the candidates to present their plans to BON members at the next Annual General Meeting, leaving the decision to the members.

“May the best candidate win,” the letter concluded.

The correspondence was copied to the Chairman of the IBAN Board of Trustees, other Board members, and all IBAN members, signaling a push for accountability and neutrality within the association.

January 25, 2026
Early rain: NiMet warns farmers against planting, drinking rainwater

The rain may have fallen unusually early in some parts of the country this year, but farmers need not rely on it for planting for the season yet, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned.

The agency brands it pseudo rain and says it could be harmful to human health if consumed.

Parts of Lagos and Ogun states experienced a heavy rainfall last week.

Contacted on the development, the Director of Weather Services at NiMet, Prof. Vincent Weli, said the rain might not last beyond two weeks.

“Farmers are discouraged from planting at this season because the rainfall currently experienced in some parts of the country is called pseudo-rain season.

“It is deceptive rain and it could lead to loss of crops,” Prof Weli said on the phone.

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“Farmers should wait, because we are still going to have a dry spell. The rains will not last more than two weeks and then dry spell will set in.

“People in areas where rains are currently falling are advised against consuming the water, because it could be very harmful to their health.”

He also dispelled the fear that the rains could lead to floods in some parts of the country.

“There cannot be any issue of flood right now, because the surface is still very dry.”

He said “Rains have not stopped falling in places like the South-South region since last year. Some people have witnessed rainfall already this year and it is due to the fact that the climate is changing, as you know already.

“However, the rains would not last more than two weeks.”

He said NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) for 2026 would be released on February 10.

The SCP details weather patterns and how various sectors and local government areas would be affected from February to December.

He said the document would aid planning and possibly prevent losses.

January 25, 2026
Seven feared killed as terrorists attack Niger community

• Military hits terrorists’ camps in Kwara, neutralise kidnappers

• Troops foil bandits’ attack in Kaduna, kill terrorist

• DHQ deploys intelligence assets to rescue abductees

It was mixed fortunes on the security landscape at the weekend as suspected terrorists killed seven people in a fresh attack a Niger community while security agents also hit some terrorists’ camps in Kwara State, neutralising many bandits and kidnappers.

In Kaduna State, troops foiled a bandit attack and neutralised one suspected terrorist during a snap ambush in the Maraban Rido general area while the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the military, in collaboration with other agencies, was conducting sustained, intelligence-driven operations to rescue the people abducted by bandits in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Among the seven people killed by suspected terrorists in Wawa, a community I Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, was a staff member of the Kainji Lake National Park, whose body had not been recovered at the time of filing this report.

The attack plunged the agrarian community into mourning, renewing fears of worsening insecurity in the Borgu Emirate.

Corpses recovered so far have been deposited at the Basic Health Centre (BHC) in Wawa.

Residents of the community confirmed the tragic loss of their kinsmen, describing the incident as devastating and traumatic for families and the entire area.

Community leaders said the violence has deepened fear among locals who now live in constant fear.

According to credible sources, the crisis began after reports emerged that a prominent youth was attacked on his farm by suspected bandits.

In response, a group of youths mobilised and ventured into the bush in an attempt to confront the attackers and rescue the victim.

While some of the youths later returned safely, others were declared missing, raising concerns within the community.

The situation later took a grim turn when bodies were discovered in the area.

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Security operatives eventually recovered six unidentified bodies from the bush and conveyed them to Wawa.

The deaths were subsequently confirmed.

Residents described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that it had caused deep pain, fear and emotional trauma, especially among families who lost loved ones or were still awaiting news on missing relatives.

Community leaders have urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, rumours or inflammatory messages that could further escalate tension in the area.

Borgu Local Government Area has witnessed a series of attacks by armed bandits in recent months, forcing many residents to flee their ancestral homes for fear of further violence.

Concerned residents have again called on both the Niger State and the federal governments to urgently intervene, curb the activities of bandits and restore peace across Borgu and its surrounding communities.

Military hits terrorists camps in Kwara, neutralise kidnappers

Military operations in Kwara State at the weekend hit terrorist camps in parts of Edu, Ifelodun and Patigi Local Government Areas.

The attacks neutralised many kidnappers and terrorists, it was gathered yesterday.

The operations targeted bandits’ camps operated by notorious kidnappers and terrorists with hideouts in Baba Sango (Ifelodun), Gbugbu (Edu) and Lata (Patigi).

A source quoting preliminary security report from the theatre said: “It is obvious that Operation India has put the bandits in disarray and displaced them from their positions.

“However, operations are impeded by the activities of moles and informants within different communities who give out information about troops’ movement.”

A military source said the ongoing operations have destroyed many of their camps while many of the bandits and terrorists sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“Residents need to be vigilant. They need to speak up about the informants who give out information about troops’ movement.

“This is important for more success,” the source said.

Troops foil bandits’ attack, kill terrorist

Troops of 1 Division/Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a bandits’ attack and neutralised one suspected terrorist during a snap ambush in the Maraban Rido general area of Kaduna State.

The operation followed a distress call received late on Monday indicating that armed bandits had rustled livestock in Anguwan Fulan village within the Rido axis.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops were deployed to the area and laid a hasty ambush to intercept the fleeing criminals.

Upon arrival, the troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray and with gunshot wounds.

The soldiers subsequently carried out aggressive exploitation of surrounding forested areas, including the Kankomi forest, where another contact was made at a suspected crossing point around Anguwan Sarki.

During the engagement, the troops again overwhelmed the bandits, compelling them to abandon their loot and flee, leading to the recovery of some of the rustled livestock.

Further exploitation of the ambush location in the early hours of Tuesday resulted in the killing of one terrorist.

Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj-Gen. Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism while urging the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

DHQ deploys intelligence asset to rescue Kaduna kidnap victims

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, was conducting sustained, intelligence-driven operations to rescue the people abducted by bandits in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The victims, reportedly about 177 in number, were abducted by armed bandits during a church service last Sunday.

The military high command, in a statement by the Director Defence Media Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Michael Onoja, reassured the affected communities and Nigerians that “the safe rescue and reintegration of all kidnapped victims remains a paramount undertaking.”

The statement said: “Contrary to assertions of a diminished response, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in close collaboration with other security agencies, has been executing sustained, intelligence driven operations within the vicinity and surrounding forested areas believed to harbour the perpetrators.

“These operations encompass a strategic amalgamation of ground patrols, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and targeted initiatives meticulously designed to locate the kidnappers and secure the hostages without jeopardising their safety.

“These operations encompass a strategic amalgamation of ground patrols, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and targeted initiatives meticulously designed to locate the kidnappers and secure the hostages without jeopardising their safety.”

According to the statement, the military recognises the distress and trepidation experienced by the affected families and underscores that operational restraint in certain instances is a deliberate strategy, guided by the imperative to safeguard the captives and avert unintended harm.

“While specific operational details must remain confidential for security considerations, substantial efforts are underway to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the abductions,” the statement added.

It stated that the Armed Forces remain unwavering in its mandate to protect lives and property and are steadfastly committed to reuniting the kidnapped victims of Kurmin Wali with their families.

The military urged sustained public support, patience and cooperation as operations advanced toward a successful resolution.

January 25, 2026
Family kicks over death of Ibadan school headmistress

• Hospitals allegedly rejected her repeatedly

The family of a school headmistress, Mrs Ajayi Omowunmi Fajuyigbe, has raised concerns over the state of health emergency services in Ibadan, following the death of their loved one.

Mrs Fajuyigbe reportedly died after she was rejected by several hospitals in the Oyo State capital.

The deceased headmistress of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Model Nursery and Primary School, Letmuck Barracks, Mokola was said to have been taken in an ambulance from a military hospital to several public and private health facilities across the city on the night of Monday, January 13 before she eventually died.

In a personal account, a sister to the deceased, Mrs. Olawore Opeyemi, described the experience as traumatic and emblematic of the failures within the nation’s health system, particularly emergency medical services.

According to her, the patient was moved overnight from one hospital to another within Ibadan, including facilities in Mokola, Odogbo, Adeoyo, Oluyoro, Basorun and other areas, but was allegedly denied admission on various grounds.

The family said the seventh hospital, a private Hospital in Idi-Ape, Ibadan—eventually admitted the patient at about 1:00 a.m. after what they described as the payment of a substantial sum of money.

However, Olawore alleged that despite the admission, the urgent surgery required was not carried out before her sister went into coma and later died.

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“It is painful that hospitals appear more interested in money than saving lives. Someone was brought in alive and she died just hours after admission?”

The incident has renewed public debate on the absence of effective emergency response systems in Nigerian hospitals and the growing shortage of medical personnel, largely attributed to the ongoing exodus of doctors and other health professionals from the country.

She wondered why hospitals would turn away emergency patients at night and expressed concern that silence over such experiences would only allow avoidable deaths to continue.

“This is unacceptable in Ibadan, a city often described as a pacesetter. My sister’s life could have been saved if she had received prompt attention,” Olawore said.

She however called on government authorities to urgently address gaps in emergency medical care and tackle the manpower crisis in the health sector.

January 25, 2026