Ibadan – President Tinubu orders 24-hour aerial surveillance, tightens security cordon over Kwara, Kebbi forests
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued fresh offensive directives to the Armed Forces, ordering a full security cordon over forests in Kwara, Kebbi and parts of Niger State in response to recent spikes in kidnappings and terrorist activities in the affected areas.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, disclosed the development on Tuesday in a message posted on his verified X handle.
Under the new directive, the Air Force is to maintain an uninterrupted 24-hour aerial watch over the troubled zones and synchronise operations with ground troops already deployed for rescue missions and counter-terrorism actions.
24 Girls Abducted in Kebbi School Have Been Released
Twenty-four schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State have been released, according to a statement by the state governor’s media aide. The rescue comes after a wave of violent attacks on educational institutions — a moment of relief for parents and communities affected.
Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson to the President, said that Tinubu has applauded the security agents for their efforts in securing freedom for all the victims taken away by the terrorists.
Tactical team rescued 24 abducted Kebbi schoolgirls – Matawalle
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has confirmed the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Matawalle, who arrived in Kebbi last Friday following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been coordinating with security agencies to ensure a swift rescue operation. The minister provided regular updates on the progress of the operation until the girls were successfully rescued.
Food Insecurity Looms — North Faces Severe Hunger Crisis in 2026
The humanitarian situation is deteriorating. The World Food Programme (WFP) warns that roughly 35 million people in northern Nigeria will likely face acute food insecurity in 2026 due to insurgent attacks and aid-shortages.
Rural communities — especially in conflict-affected states — are under extreme pressure, with growing reports of malnutrition and displaced populations.
Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Threatens Withdrawal Amid Security Collapse in Schools
NUT has issued a stark warning if the wave of kidnappings and killings continues, teachers may withdraw from classrooms nationwide.
The union described the recent attacks — including abduction of 300+ students and killing of school staff — as an “assault on the foundation of education in Nigeria.”
Insecurity: Tinubu has lost control of his government — SDP Chieftain Adebayo
The Social Democratic Party, SDP presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Adewole Adebayo, said President Bola Tinubu has lost control of his administration following the wave of insecurity ravaging the country.
Adebayo made the statement on Tuesday while responding to questions in an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television. He stated that Nigeria cannot pretend to lack the tools to fight violent crime and tackle rising insecurity.
16 banks have met new capital requirements, says CBN
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the bank recapitalisation exercise is progressing steadily, with 16 banks already meeting the new capital requirements ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline. Another 27 banks have also raised capital through various channels as the sector moves toward one of the most extensive reforms since 2004.
Governor Olayemi Cardoso disclosed the development on Tuesday in Abuja while briefing journalists at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. He described the exercise as orderly and consistent with the regulator’s expectations.
I was so furious, I felt like assaulting Obasanjo at my birthday party — Fayose
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has revealed that he was so angered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks at his 65th birthday celebration that he briefly felt like grabbing the microphone and hitting him with it.
Fayose made the revelation in a recent interview in which he recounted the behind-the-scenes events leading to the controversial remarks Obasanjo delivered at the ceremony.
The former president had used his speech to revisit his long-running political feud with Fayose, describing him as “not the best” of his protégés, even while acknowledging his political resilience.
