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UN Demands Immediate Release of Abducted Nigerian Pupils, Teachers
UN Demands Immediate Release of Abducted Nigerian Pupils, Teachers
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations (UN) has expressed deep concern over the recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, calling for the immediate and safe release of all victims while urging Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to secure schools across the country.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, condemned the attacks, which also resulted in the killing of two educators, describing the incidents as a grave assault on children’s right to education and safety.
Fall said the continued captivity of the schoolchildren and their teachers was deeply troubling, stressing that educational institutions must remain safe spaces for learning rather than becoming targets of violence and fear.
“The recent incidents underscore the urgent need to strengthen the protection of children, educators and learning environments,” he said.
The UN official acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government and security agencies to address the situation but insisted that more must be done to secure the swift return of all abductees and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
He emphasized that children should never become victims of armed conflict or criminal violence, noting that attacks on schools threaten not only lives but also the future of communities and the nation’s development.
Fall reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to supporting initiatives aimed at creating safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments across Nigeria. He stressed the importance of protecting children’s rights and guaranteeing access to education in conditions of safety and dignity.
The UN also called for the full implementation of the country’s Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, stronger emergency response systems and improved use of data-driven strategies to identify and mitigate threats against schools and vulnerable children.
The remarks followed a meeting between the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre led by Commandant Samuel Umanah in Abuja on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on the worsening security situation affecting schools and provided an opportunity for the United Nations to express solidarity with affected families, school authorities and communities grappling with the trauma of the abductions.
The latest incidents have renewed concerns over the safety of schools in Nigeria, where repeated attacks on educational institutions over the years have disrupted learning, displaced thousands of students and heightened fears among parents and teachers.
Observers say the UN’s intervention highlights growing international concern over the persistence of school-related insecurity and the need for stronger measures to protect children and educational facilities nationwide.
UN Demands Immediate Release of Abducted Nigerian Pupils, Teachers
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected military impostor during a fighting patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:30 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi while conducting routine patrols within Malumfashi town.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while wearing a woodland camouflage three-quarter short, raising suspicion among the troops.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, one woodland camouflage three-quarter short, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦17,000.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb impersonation of security personnel and other criminal activities within the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Hybrid Forces, have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 1:00 p.m. on July 4 to reports of a confrontation between local residents and a suspected terrorist at a Ruga settlement behind Obajana community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly intervened and arrested one suspect at the scene.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of a terrorist group led by an individual identified as Haruna, which allegedly operates within the Okene general area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to establish the extent of his involvement and identify other members of the group.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks across Kogi State.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
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