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General, Politics, Recently Added

Kwankwaso Urges FG to Absorb State Security Groups Into Military to Tackle Insecurity

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Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the Federal Government to formally integrate state-backed security outfits into Nigeria’s security framework as a way of boosting troop strength and confronting the country’s worsening insecurity. Kwankwaso made the call on Tuesday at the inauguration of 2,000 members of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps. According to him, Nigeria needs a much larger and better-supported military to effectively deal with security threats across the country. The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) said Nigeria should have at least one million military personnel, insisting that the major challenge is a lack of political will at the federal level. “What we are lacking is political will from our leaders, especially the Commander-in-Chief,” he said. “He should ensure that our troops are properly trained and retrained, fully equipped, and provided with the right arms and ammunition.” Kwankwaso argued that existing security outfits in both northern and southern states should be absorbed into the military to strengthen national security and curb what he described as the growing wave of violence across the country. “I advise the Federal Government to do whatever it takes to absorb these corps in states like Sokoto, Katsina, Kano and Zamfara. This will significantly increase the number of security personnel we have,” he said. “We need not less than one million men and women in uniform to secure this country.” He also said the Federal Government owes Nigerians an apology, stressing that protecting lives and property remains its primary responsibility. In addition, Kwankwaso addressed the security situation surrounding the Nassarawa Palace, urging the Kano State Commissioner of Police to withdraw officers currently guarding embattled Emir Aminu Bayero and redeploy them to areas where residents need protection. “I advise the Commissioner of Police in Kano State to withdraw all police officers guarding the Nassarawa cemetery and redeploy them to protect the people of Kano,” he stated. Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf charged the newly inaugurated Neighbourhood Watch Corps to work closely with conventional security agencies, especially in border communities facing persistent threats. “Our conventional security agencies need partners who understand the terrain, and that is where the neighbourhood watch plays a critical role,” Yusuf said. “No single agency can secure Kano on its own.” The governor warned the corps against overlapping the duties of established security agencies, stressing that cooperation and coordination are key to success. “Your effectiveness will depend on how well you complement, not duplicate, the efforts of conventional security agencies,” he said. Governor Yusuf also revealed that Kano State is engaging neighbouring states to tackle cross-border criminal activities, noting that insecurity does not respect boundaries. “We are working with sister states to ensure criminals have no safe haven or escape routes. Together, we will respond to emerging security challenges,” he added.

Nigerian Soldier
Exclusive News, General

DHQ Assures Nigerians of Tight Security Nationwide During Christmas Celebrations

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has assured Nigerians that comprehensive security measures are in place to prevent attacks and ensure a peaceful Christmas season across the country. In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the DHQ said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified operations in areas identified as vulnerable. According to him, troops have been deployed to key locations and major routes, while special forces units and air support assets have been placed on high alert to guarantee swift response to any threat. Major General Onoja said surveillance activities, including aerial monitoring and intelligence gathering, have been stepped up to track the movements and communications of suspected criminal groups. He added that unit commanders have been instructed to increase patrols, establish fortified checkpoints and work closely with community leaders, local vigilante groups and state security outfits. “As we approach the festive period, the Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirm their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said. The DHQ spokesman stressed that national security and stability remain top priorities, assuring citizens that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure they celebrate Christmas in peace, unity and joy. He also called for the cooperation of the public, describing it as essential to the success of ongoing security operations. “Citizens are urged to remain calm but vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest security formation. All reports will be treated with urgency and confidentiality,” Onoja said. The statement also conveyed the goodwill message of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, who wished Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.

Exclusive News, General, Health, Politics

US Commits Nearly $2bn to Boost Nigeria’s Health Sector, FG Pledges $3bn More

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‍The United States has pledged nearly $2 billion in grant funding to support Nigeria’s health sector over a five-year period, from 2026 to 2030, in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and improving health security across the country. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of Nigeria and the United States. Under the agreement, the US government will provide close to $2 billion in grants between April 2026 and December 2030 to support Nigeria’s health priorities. In addition, the Nigerian government has committed to raising about $3 billion in domestic resources for the health sector within the same period. According to the statement, Nigeria plans to dedicate at least six per cent of executed annual federal and state budgets to health. This commitment, already reflected in the proposed 2026 budget, is expected to generate roughly $3 billion in local health financing over five years. The joint funding is aimed at expanding access to quality primary healthcare services nationwide, while also strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies. The Federal Government said the partnership reflects Nigeria’s determination to build a resilient and sustainable health system, gradually reduce dependence on foreign aid, and ensure consistent long-term investment in healthcare. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the MoU as a major milestone in safeguarding the health of Nigerians and boosting the country’s overall resilience. Beyond funding, the agreement sets out a framework for cooperation in tackling infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. It also covers improved disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and response, stronger laboratory systems, and enhanced biosafety standards for handling pathogen samples. The MoU further provides for increased support for frontline health workers, upgrades to health data systems, and better access to essential medicines and health commodities across the country.

Tinubu
Events, General, Politics

Tinubu Presents N58.18trn 2026 Budget, Prioritises Security, Jobs and Economic Stability

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday presented the N58.18 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly, declaring that the budget is built around macroeconomic stability, job creation and poverty reduction. Unveiling the proposal titled “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” the President described it as a turning point in Nigeria’s reform journey. He acknowledged that the economic reforms of the past two and a half years have been tough on citizens but insisted that the sacrifices are beginning to yield results. “Today, I present a budget that consolidates our gains, strengthens our resilience and takes Nigeria from survival to growth,” Tinubu told lawmakers, stressing that economic expansion must translate into real improvements in people’s lives through better jobs, rising incomes and improved living standards. According to the President, the 2026 budget is guided by four key goals: sustaining macroeconomic stability, improving the business climate, promoting job-rich growth while reducing poverty, and strengthening human capital development with protection for vulnerable Nigerians. He assured that government spending would be purposeful, debt managed responsibly and growth pursued in a sustainable and inclusive way. The budget proposes total expenditure of N58.18 trillion against projected revenue of N34.33 trillion, leaving a deficit of N23.85 trillion, equivalent to 4.28 per cent of GDP. Capital spending is estimated at N26.08 trillion, recurrent non-debt expenditure at N15.25 trillion, while debt servicing will consume N15.52 trillion. “These figures are not just numbers. They reflect our national priorities,” Tinubu said. Sectoral allocations show a strong focus on security and social development, with N5.41 trillion earmarked for defence and security, N3.56 trillion for infrastructure, N3.52 trillion for education and N2.48 trillion for health. Tinubu explained that without security, investment cannot thrive; without education and healthcare, productivity will remain low; and without infrastructure, businesses and jobs cannot grow. On security, the President announced a major overhaul of Nigeria’s national security framework, including the introduction of a new counterterrorism doctrine based on unified command, intelligence coordination, community stability and counter-insurgency. He declared that all armed groups operating outside the authority of the state would be treated as terrorists, including bandits, militias, violent cults and foreign-linked mercenaries. Tinubu also warned that those who fund, sponsor or facilitate violence for political or sectarian reasons would be pursued relentlessly, vowing that the government would show “no mercy” to terrorists, bandits and kidnappers. On budget implementation, the President promised stricter discipline in 2026, saying he had directed finance and budget officials to adhere strictly to approved timelines and allocations. “The most important budget is not the one we announce, but the one we deliver,” he said. Earlier on Friday, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, approved a slightly higher aggregate expenditure of N58.47 trillion for 2026 and endorsed a revision of the exchange rate assumption in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to N1,400 per dollar. Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Council approved the budget after detailed deliberations. The Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, explained that the approved framework includes N4.98 trillion in projected spending by government-owned enterprises and N1.37 trillion for grants and donor-funded projects. Statutory transfers are estimated at N4.1 trillion, while debt service remains at N15.52 trillion, including N3.39 trillion set aside for a sinking fund. Personnel costs, including pensions, are projected at N10.75 trillion, while overhead costs stand at N2.22 trillion. Capital expenditure under the approved framework is pegged at N25.68 trillion, slightly lower than in 2025, reflecting a focus on completing ongoing projects rather than starting new ones. Non-oil revenues are expected to account for about two-thirds of total government income, signalling a continued shift away from oil dependence. The Council also approved amendments to the MTEF, including the revised exchange rate assumption, which informed adjustments to the overall budget size before its transmission to the National Assembly for consideration.

police
Events, Exclusive News, General, Trending

Nigeria Police Uncover Global Phishing Ring Targeting Microsoft 365 Users, Make Key Arrests

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The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has launched a major investigation into an international cybercrime network accused of targeting Microsoft 365 users across several countries through phishing and related digital fraud. The probe began after Microsoft Office in the United States, working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), shared intelligence indicating that a sophisticated phishing toolkit known as Raccoon365 was being used to create fake Microsoft login pages. These fake portals were designed to steal user credentials and gain unauthorised access to email accounts belonging to corporate organisations, financial institutions and educational bodies worldwide. According to the Police, the NPF-NCCC immediately partnered with Microsoft, the FBI and the United States Secret Service to track the perpetrators and dismantle the operation. Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said that between January and September 2025, numerous cases of compromised Microsoft 365 accounts were traced to phishing emails disguised as legitimate Microsoft login requests. These attacks reportedly led to business email compromise, internal phishing campaigns, data breaches and other forms of cyber-enabled fraud. He explained that advanced digital forensics and cryptocurrency tracking helped investigators identify suspicious digital wallets linked to the illegal operation. Based on this intelligence, police teams were deployed to Lagos and Edo States, leading to the arrest of Joshua James on September 20 and Okitipi Samuel on October 4, 2025. Searches conducted at their residences uncovered mobile phones, laptops and other digital devices connected to the scheme. Investigators identified Okitipi Samuel also known as “Raccoon0365” and Moses Felix as the main suspect behind the operation. He is alleged to be the developer and operator of the Raccoon365 phishing infrastructure. Police said Samuel allegedly ran a Telegram channel where phishing links were sold in exchange for cryptocurrency and hosted fake Microsoft login pages using Cloudflare, often relying on stolen or fraudulently obtained email addresses. Further findings revealed that he unlawfully used the personal email details of one of the arrested individuals to register some of the phishing accounts. Blockchain analysis traced the cryptocurrency proceeds to Bitnob and Exodus wallets, with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) data reportedly linking Samuel as the sole beneficiary. The phishing links he generated were said to have enabled multiple unauthorised intrusions into Microsoft 365 accounts across different countries, resulting in financial losses and exposure of sensitive information. The police clarified that investigations found no evidence that Joshua James was involved in creating or running the Raccoon365 scheme. Instead, his personal information and devices were allegedly exploited without his consent by the principal suspect. According to the NPF-NCCC, a prima facie case has been established against Okitipi Samuel on charges including identity theft, unlawful access to computer systems, creation and distribution of malicious software, aiding and abetting fraud, and unauthorised interference with network data. He is expected to be charged under relevant sections of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024.

Events, Exclusive News, General, Politics, Trending

Timi Frank Welcomes NMDPRA Boss’s Resignation, Demands Full Probe Over Dangote’s Allegations

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Political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank, has welcomed the resignation of Engr. Farouk Ahmed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), but insists that stepping aside must not mark the end of the serious allegations hanging over him. In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Frank said resignation alone does not amount to accountability, stressing that the matter must be thoroughly investigated and, if proven, prosecuted. “Resignation is not an admission of guilt. It is only the first step. What must follow is a full investigation and, where necessary, arrest and prosecution,” Frank said. The former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who now serves as ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and Senior Adviser to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately take up the case. Frank expressed concern that more than 72 hours after Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, publicly raised the allegations, the anti-corruption agencies had largely remained silent, apart from the ICPC’s acknowledgement of receiving a petition. “More than 72 hours after these weighty allegations became public, the silence of our anti-corruption agencies is deeply troubling and unacceptable in a country that claims to operate under the rule of law,” he said. He warned that failure to act swiftly and transparently could further erode public trust in government institutions. “If someone of Aliko Dangote’s standing cannot get justice in a matter of this magnitude, then one must ask what hope ordinary Nigerians have,” Frank noted. Highlighting the seriousness of the claims, Frank pointed out that the alleged amount involved about $7 million, estimated at roughly N10 billion was enormous, especially at a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship. “This is enough money to transform entire communities, yet Nigeria is often paralysed by strikes over much smaller financial demands, especially in the education sector,” he said. Frank also questioned how a public official, reportedly earning about N50 million annually, could afford to spend such a huge sum on the secondary education of four children. “What example does that set in a country where many parents struggle to pay N100,000 in school fees?” he asked. “If public funds are being used to finance personal luxury, then every Nigerian should be worried.” He warned that leaving the allegations unresolved could damage Nigeria’s image and discourage foreign investment. “No serious investor will commit funds to a country where allegations of corruption involving a key regulator are ignored or left unresolved,” he said. Noting that Engr. Ahmed has reportedly expressed willingness to submit himself to investigation, Frank urged the EFCC and ICPC to act without delay. “Now that he has stepped aside and indicated readiness to cooperate, there should be no excuses. Investigations must be thorough, independent and free from political influence,” he added. Frank also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene if the anti-graft agencies fail to act promptly. “A government that is serious about fighting corruption must prove it through action, not prolonged silence,” he said. He concluded by stressing that Nigerians are watching closely and will not allow the case to be swept under the carpet. “Only a transparent investigation and, if necessary, prosecution can restore public confidence in our institutions and in the fight against corruption,” he stated.

Events, General, Recently Added

Lagos Govt Praises Leadway Group for Inspiring Young Readers Through Festember Initiative

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The Lagos State Government has applauded Leadway Group for its Festember Initiative, following the successful hosting of the 2025 Lagos Festember Read-Along in collaboration with Ouida. The event, designed to make arts, literature and creative experiences more accessible to children, brought together pupils from various schools and learning centres across Lagos for an engaging reading session. This year’s edition featured Guinness World Record holder and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, alongside award-winning author and publisher, Lola Shoneyin. Both guests led a lively reading of Shoneyin’s book, Tunde Onakoya, The Chess Champion, which tells the inspiring story of Onakoya’s journey, highlighting resilience, vision and impact beyond the chessboard. The session allowed children to connect with the story in a relatable and meaningful way, sparking curiosity and imagination. The partnership reflects Leadway Group’s commitment to promoting education, creativity and community development. By blending storytelling with real-life role models, the initiative aims to nurture a love for reading while encouraging young learners to dream big and think critically. Speaking on the programme, Leadway Group’s Brand Communication Manager, Niyi Abiola, said the Read-Along reinforces the company’s long-standing focus on education and cultural preservation. “Our goal is to reignite children’s love for books by connecting them with influential innovators, creatives and storytellers,” Abiola said. “When children engage with stories like Tunde Onakoya’s, they begin to imagine broader possibilities, build empathy and strengthen critical thinking. These are the building blocks of responsible future citizens, and we are proud to support that journey.” Representing the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Busola Williams commended Leadway Group and Ouida for championing an initiative that promotes literacy using relatable Nigerian stories. She noted that the programme aligns with the state government’s efforts to improve reading culture and educational outcomes, particularly in public schools. Beyond the reading session, the initiative also gave pupils the opportunity to explore carefully selected books, take part in guided discussions and share ideas shaped by storytelling. Organisers say these efforts are aimed at improving learning outcomes and expanding access to knowledge for children across Lagos and beyond.

Exclusive News, General, Technology

Airtel Africa Partners SpaceX to Bring Starlink Mobile Connectivity to Remote Communities

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Airtel Africa has announced a landmark partnership with SpaceX to roll out Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite technology across its 14 African markets, a move aimed at extending mobile coverage to millions of people in remote and underserved areas. With this agreement, Airtel Africa’s 174 million customers using compatible smartphones will be able to access mobile services even in places without traditional network infrastructure. The service, which relies on satellite-to-mobile connectivity, is expected to begin in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals in each country. At launch, the satellite-powered service will support text messaging and data for selected applications. The partnership also covers Starlink’s first broadband Direct-to-Cell system, powered by next-generation satellites designed to deliver data speeds up to 20 times faster than earlier versions. Airtel Africa will be the first mobile network operator on the continent to offer Starlink Direct-to-Cell services. The solution will use a network of about 650 satellites to provide seamless connectivity, particularly in hard-to-reach rural and remote locations where building traditional infrastructure is often difficult or costly. The collaboration reflects Airtel Africa’s broader mission to close the digital divide and ensure reliable, continuous mobile connectivity across Africa. Both companies also revealed plans to explore additional areas of cooperation to further advance digital inclusion on the continent. Commenting on the partnership, Airtel Africa’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to improving service access for customers. “Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology complements our existing terrestrial infrastructure and allows us to connect areas where conventional networks are hard to deploy,” Taldar said. “This collaboration sets a new benchmark for service availability across our 14 markets.” Starlink’s Vice President of Sales, Stephanie Bednarek, described the deal as a major step toward connecting communities beyond the reach of traditional networks. “For the first time, people in remote parts of Africa will be able to stay connected where terrestrial coverage cannot reach,” she said. “Together with Airtel Africa, we are delivering next-generation technology that enables faster, more reliable access to essential digital services.” The rollout of the service will take place in phases, in line with regulatory requirements in Airtel Africa’s operating countries.

NYSC
Events, General, Recently Added

NYSC Revamps Skills and Community Service Programmes to Better Prepare Corps Members for the Future

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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced major reforms to its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, as part of a broader push to better equip Corps Members with practical, future-ready skills and reduce youth unemployment. The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this at the 2025 second SAED stakeholders’ summit held in Abuja. Speaking under the theme “Empowering a Generation: Building Competence for the Future Workplace and Enterprise Through Impactful Partnerships,” Nafiu said the scheme is standardising the SAED curriculum to ensure deeper impact and consistent training nationwide. According to him, the revamped programme is undergoing a full digital transformation and now includes modern skills such as artificial intelligence, mobile app development and other technology-driven competencies. He explained that Corps Members are also being integrated into key Federal Government initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, as well as global remote work platforms including Outsource to Nigeria, NYSCjobs.ng and the SAED SME toolkit. Describing SAED as a cornerstone of youth empowerment, Nafiu revealed that over 3.18 million Corps Members have received entrepreneurship and workplace readiness training since 2012, with more than 30,000 businesses formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. “These young entrepreneurs are employing others and contributing to the economy. They have shown that Nigerian youths are capable agents of change,” he said. He stressed that beyond participation, the focus must now be on competence, mastery and digital fluency, so Corps Members can compete effectively in a fast-changing global economy. He also highlighted the recently launched ₦2 billion MSME loan fund for Corps entrepreneurs, established in partnership with the Bank of Industry, as a major milestone. Nafiu praised the vision of the NYSC’s founding fathers for embedding entrepreneurship into the scheme’s objectives, noting that while unemployment was just 1.9 per cent in 1973, it now stands at about 6.9 per cent. “Empowering young people is not just a programme; it is a national assignment, and NYSC is fully committed to it,” he said, calling on stakeholders to renew strategies that build creativity, confidence and enterprise among Corps Members. Earlier, the Director of SAED, Kehinde Aremu-Cole, thanked partners for their continued support across sectors such as technology, creative industries, agriculture and financial empowerment. He said past trainings, grants and mentorship initiatives were already shaping Nigeria’s future and urged stakeholders to create special funding pathways to turn skills into viable businesses. “We are not just running a programme; we are building a generation,” he said. In a related development, the NYSC also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its Community Development Service (CDS) programme to better respond to emerging societal needs. Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for CDS officers in Abuja, themed “Strengthening Community Development Service for Sustainability in a Changing Society,” Nafiu said the scheme would continue to equip officers with tools to guide Corps Members in identifying community needs, mobilising resources and executing impactful projects. Represented at the event by the Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Chukwu Chinwendu, the DG noted that CDS remains central to the NYSC mandate, helping to promote grassroots development, social cohesion and national unity. He urged officers to collaborate closely with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and community associations to ensure the sustainability of projects, while commending Corps Members for executing life-changing initiatives that continue to strengthen the relevance of the NYSC across the country.

Events, Exclusive News, General

Agony, Hope Mixed as 165 Niger Schoolchildren Remain in Captivity Despite Rescue of 100

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Parents of 165 pupils, students and staff of St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State are living in deep anguish, unsure of the fate of their children still held by bandits, even as 100 abductees have been rescued. Last Tuesday, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, formally handed over 100 rescued victims 99 pupils and one teacher to the Niger State Government. While families of those freed celebrated with relief and gratitude, parents of the remaining captives were left with renewed anxiety, asking the same painful question: when will our children come home? The handover ceremony, held at the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, brought together security officials, government representatives and community leaders. It was led by the Chairman of Agwara Local Government Area and ALGON Chairman in Niger State, Hon. Iliyasu Zakari, who assured parents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining 165 victims. “Today is a day of hope for our people,” Zakari said. “We thank God for the safe return of these 100 children. Our security teams and community members have worked tirelessly. We will not rest until every remaining child and staff member is brought home safely.” The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the release, noting that 100 out of the 265 abducted pupils and staff were now safely back. He praised God for sustaining the families through the ordeal and called for continued prayers. For some parents, the day brought joy and tears of relief. Dauda Gwanja, whose son was among those freed, said he could barely contain his happiness. “I couldn’t even force my wife to eat since the abduction. Today, joy has returned to our home,” he said. Others, however, left the ceremony heartbroken. John Isaac said he searched desperately for his son among the rescued children but could not find him. “I am worried and confused. I came with hope, but my child was not among them. We are trusting the government, but our question remains: when will they return?” Parents whose children remain in captivity described terrifying accounts relayed by the freed pupils. Dauda Shekula, who still has three children with the bandits, said the children were forced to sleep in swampy areas, drink muddy water, and eat only once a day. “They cooked for themselves, hardly bathed, and were bitten by mosquitoes. These are children between seven and ten years old,” he said tearfully. Many parents fear the conditions could seriously damage the children’s health, in addition to the emotional and psychological trauma they are enduring. Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, reassured families that the remaining abductees would be rescued soon. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, security agencies and other stakeholders for their efforts so far, and urged parents to remain patient. “While we celebrate the return of these 100 children, we must continue our prayers and efforts for the safe return of the others,” the governor said. “The state government will not relent until every child and teacher is brought back unharmed.” For the parents still waiting, hope remains but it is weighed down by fear, unanswered questions, and the desperate longing to see their children again.

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