Army, Police, DSS launch aggressive operation to rescue 20 abducted NYSC members in Imo

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies have intensified search-and-rescue operations to secure the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Oct. 1 around Umunoha, with security forces subsequently launching coordinated operations to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abductees.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, alongside personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local vigilantes, launched an offensive operation in Amakohia Forest at about 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The operation followed intelligence gathered during efforts to trace the kidnappers and establish their possible locations.

The sources said the kidnappers had contacted the families of seven victims using telephone numbers belonging to the abducted persons and demanded a ransom of N50 million for each victim.

Operatives of the DSS reportedly geolocated the telephone numbers used for the ransom calls, providing intelligence to support efforts to track the suspects.

In a related development, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to provide operational direction for the rescue mission.

The DIG arrived in the state with two commissioners of police and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and ongoing search-and-rescue efforts by the Imo State Police Command.

The assessment involved the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso; Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; and other service commanders and members of the command’s management team.

The police delegation reviewed operational strategies, personnel deployment and available operational assets, while issuing additional directives to strengthen the coordinated response.
The Police said tactical teams and operational assets had been deployed across identified areas, with intelligence-led tracking efforts being intensified in collaboration with other security agencies.

DIG Nadada assured the public that the Police would sustain the operation until the abducted persons were safely rescued and the perpetrators apprehended.

He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, while encouraging anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the Police or the nearest security formation. He added that information received would be treated confidentially.

As of the time of filing this report, the joint operation was ongoing, with security agencies yet to announce the rescue of the 20 abducted prospective corps members.

The authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing operations.

Army, Police, DSS launch aggressive operation to rescue 20 abducted NYSC members in Imo

Zulum commends Tinubu for reviving Kolmani oil exploration, urges Borno’s oil field work revived

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor and Chairman of North-East Governors’ Forum, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reviving oil exploration activities at the Kolmani wells while urging that work on Borno State’s own oil fields be similarly revived.

Zulum made the commendation on Saturday at the 13th regular meeting of North-East Governors’ Forum, held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri.

The two-day meeting, which began on October 2 and ends on October 3, 2026, brought together governors from the six northeastern states to deliberate on regional development, security, and economic cooperation.

Other governors in attendance were Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, and Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe. The Governors of Bauchi and Yobe states were represented at the meeting by their deputies.

In his address, Zulum noted that the resumption of oil exploration in the northeast, particularly Kolmani and the Lake Chad basin, was a critical component of the region’s economic revival strategy.

He said, “Distinguished colleagues, I wish to begin by expressing our sincere appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the Federal Government’s continued commitment to the development of the North-East.”

“We particularly welcome the renewed efforts towards reviving exploration activities at the Kolmani Oil Field in Bauchi State. The revival of this important project represents more than an investment in the oil and gas sector; it offers an opportunity to unlock new economic possibilities, create employment, stimulate infrastructure development and broaden the revenue base of our states and communities.”

The Forum Chairman, however, urged that the momentum be extended to Borno State’s oil fields, stressing that reviving exploration activities there would complement military operations and accelerate development across the sub-region. He emphasised that renewed federal support for oil exploration in Kolmani and Lake Chad would help diversify the region’s economy and create much-needed jobs.

“In the same spirit, we respectfully urge the Federal Government to revisit the exploration activities earlier commenced but subsequently stalled in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State.”

“Responsible exploration and development of our natural resources can complement ongoing reconstruction efforts, strengthen local economies, restore livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for our rapidly growing population,” Zulum stated.

Also speaking, Gombe State Governor, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, listed achievements since the forum’s creation, including establishing the North-East Education Council.

He said, “Our states are addressing the Almajiri and out-of-school children challenge through practical models, from Borno’s Tsangaya Commission to Taraba’s Almajiri Model Education Centres and our own Integrated Almajiri Education Centres in Gombe. Our Commissioners of Health also came together in 2024 to form a regional health platform to increase intra-regional responsiveness and share best practices.”

The 13th North-East Governors’ Forum meeting is expected to issue a communiqué outlining measures on security, economic integration, and infrastructure development.

Dignitaries present include the Deputy Governor of Borno, Umar Usman Kadafur; APC Gubernatorial Candidate Mustapha Gubio; his deputy, Ali Isa Abdullahi; APC Deputy National Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori; and APC State Chairman Bello Ayuba.

Also in attendance were members of the traditional councils of the states in the region, led by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elakanemi.

Zulum commends Tinubu for reviving Kolmani oil exploration, urges Borno’s oil field work revived

FG, World Bank inaugurates skills acquisition training for 670 trainees in Adamawa

Federal Ministry of Education with the support from the World Bank has inaugurated skills acquisition training to no fewer than 670 trainees implemented under the IDEAS-TVET initiative in Adamawa State.

Blessing Ogwu, Coordinator, National Project Coordinating Unit (NPCU), said the training is about creating opportunities, building human capital, strengthening Nigeria’s technical and vocational education ecosystem.

Ogwu who was represented by Salisu Abuubaida, procurement officer, Gombe’s office added that the training is also to equip young people with the practical skills they need to participate meaningfully in the economy.

She said that the Project has continued to demonstrate that skills development is a powerful pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

She advised the beneficiaries to actively participate in the training programme maximum benefit in the future.

“I wish to remind every trainee that you are expected to maintain at least 65 percent attendance every month to be eligible for the N30,000 promised by the federal government”, she said.

Dr. Muhammed Yusuf, coordinator for the IDEAS-TVET programme, Cohort -3 Training Services Providers (TSPs) in Adamawa listed the skills to include fashion design, fishery, garment making.

Others are building construction, catering and hospitality management.

He described the skills as an investment in human capacity, entrepreneurship, employability, self-reliance, and the future of the society.

He congratulated the participants for being among the beneficiaries of the programme.

“You have been presented with an opportunity to learn, grow, and acquire skills that can open doors to meaningful employment and entrepreneurship.

“I encourage you to approach the training with discipline, commitment, curiosity, and a strong determination to succeed”, he said.

Yusuf further appreciated the government instructions, World Bank and all stakeholders for making the programme possible.

In his address Dr Garba Pella, Adamawa Commissioner Ministry of Education represented by his Deputy Director Science, Technology and Innovation appreciated the federal government for the initiative.

He encouraged the participants to take advantage of the opportunity to be job creators rather than job seekers.

Pella urged them to step down the training to at least three persons for multiply impact in their respective communities.

Dr Nami Gaila, Director Centre for Vocational Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi called on the beneficiaries to take the skills serious as white collar jobs are not readily available.

She advised them to also take the internship programme seriously, where to get the practical aspect of the skills.

“This is not a shortcut programme, you have to go through all the steps before giving you the certificate which is an international certification”, she said.

Folashade Olutola who is among those who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries appreciated the federal government for giving them the opportunity to participate in the training.

She assured to use the opportunity to acquire skills and apply them into practice for selves employees and employers of labour.

FG, World Bank inaugurates skills acquisition training for 670 trainees in Adamawa