Oriire Rescue: NHRC Demands Renewed Push to Free All Kidnap Victims Across Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and staff of Oriire International School in Ibadan, Oyo State, but has warned against treating the operation as an isolated victory amid the country’s worsening kidnapping crisis.

The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu,
said while the rescue had brought relief to affected families, it should serve as a catalyst for intensified efforts to secure the freedom of hundreds of other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.

In a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Mohammed, Ojukwu praised the coordinated efforts of security agencies that led to the successful operation but stressed that every Nigerian deserves equal protection.

“Every life matters. The joy of one family reunited must become the standard for every family still waiting in anguish,” he said.

According to him, although the rescue is commendable, many Nigerians remain in captivity, with their families continuing to endure uncertainty and emotional trauma.

“While we commend this rescue, we are reminded that hundreds of Nigerians are still missing, still suffering, and still hoping. The State has a duty to protect the right to life and personal liberty of every citizen under Sections 33 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution,” Ojukwu stated.

The NHRC described kidnappings of schoolchildren, commuters, and residents as grave violations of fundamental human rights, warning that the persistent wave of abductions continues to deepen fear and insecurity across the country.

Ojukwu urged the Federal Government, security agencies and state governments to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and adopt more victim-centred rescue strategies to ensure that all abducted persons regain their freedom.

“Rescuing one is commendable. Rescuing all is the mandate. No Nigerian should be left behind in captivity,” he added.

The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of everyone living in Nigeria, while calling on all levels of government to redouble efforts to tackle insecurity in all its forms.

The NHRC’s appeal comes against the backdrop of persistent kidnapping incidents across several parts of Nigeria, where armed groups have increasingly targeted schools, highways and rural communities for ransom. Although security agencies have recorded notable successes in rescuing some victims, rights advocates continue to express concern over the growing number of Nigerians who remain in captivity and the psychological, social and economic toll the crisis has imposed on families and communities.

Oriire Rescue: NHRC Demands Renewed Push to Free All Kidnap Victims Across Nigeria

Rev. Yohanna Buru Declares ‘NCYP Now Belongs to God’ After Appointment as Patron

By: Michael Mike

Reverend (Dr.) Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of the Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, has declared that the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) “now belongs to God” following his appointment as Patron of the association.

Speaking after receiving his Certificate of Appointment and official insignia from the National Chairman of NCYP, Isaac Abrak, and the Kaduna State Coordinator, Hon. Daniel John, Rev. Buru urged the leadership of the organisation to remain steadfast in their faith and allow divine guidance to shape their decisions.

“NCYP now belongs to God. The leadership are merely instruments in His hands and must allow God to lead the group at all times,” he said.

The cleric offered prayers of dedication for the association, committing its activities and leadership to God. He admonished members to obey God’s instructions regardless of circumstances, stressing that the Scriptures must remain the foundation for all the group’s actions and decisions.

He also cautioned the leadership against engaging in any form of wrongdoing, warning that such actions could have severe consequences for the organisation’s mission and integrity.

Presenting the appointment certificate, NCYP National Chairman Isaac Abrak said the honour was in recognition of Rev. Buru’s longstanding efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and Christian-Muslim harmony in Kaduna State and across Northern Nigeria.

Abrak described the cleric as a consistent advocate of interfaith dialogue whose commitment to peace aligns with the organisation’s vision of fostering unity, youth development and national progress.

He noted that at a time when Northern Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity and developmental challenges, stronger collaboration between Christians and Muslims remains crucial to restoring peace, combating violence and driving sustainable development across the region.

The presentation ceremony was witnessed by the National Women Leader of NCYP, Madam Joan Ahmadu, alongside other members of the association.

The NCYP leadership expressed optimism that Rev. Buru’s spiritual guidance, mentorship and counsel would further strengthen the organisation’s commitment to serving God, promoting religious harmony and contributing to peace and development in Northern Nigeria and across the country.

Founded as a faith-based youth organisation, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals has consistently advocated peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment and constructive engagement on issues affecting Northern Nigeria, while promoting dialogue and collaboration across religious and ethnic divides.

Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Traffickers in Kaduna, Recover Seven Illegal Firearms intended to be supplied to bandits from Jos

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 7 have arrested suspected arms traffickers and recovered seven illegal firearms during a targeted stop-and-search operation at Samaru checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 9:40 a.m. on Monday following credible intelligence regarding the movement of illegal weapons from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State.

According to the sources, troops had received information that suspected arms racketeers were transporting the weapons in an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Acting on the intelligence, security personnel identified, tracked and intercepted the vehicle at the Samaru checkpoint in Zangon Kataf.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs) concealed inside the vehicle.

During the operation, one of the suspects reportedly attempted to escape but was shot by troops while trying to flee. He sustained injuries and was immediately evacuated to the Sector 7 Medical Centre in Kafanchan for treatment.

Preliminary interrogation of the arrested suspects indicated that the weapons were allegedly supplied by two individuals based in Jos, Plateau State, and were being transported to a receiver in Niger State.

Military sources said the suspects, along with the recovered firearms, remain in military custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities at Headquarters for further investigation aimed at dismantling the arms trafficking network and apprehending other members of the syndicate.

The interception is considered another significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt the illicit flow of weapons fueling criminal activities and insecurity across the North-Central region.

Security authorities said investigations are continuing to identify and arrest all individuals connected with the arms supply chain.

Troops Intercept Suspected Arms Traffickers in Kaduna, Recover Seven Illegal Firearms intended to be supplied to bandits from Jos