President Tinubu, who hosted the Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 governors at his Lagos home for the Eid el-Fitr, said that he had followed up on support for modern security interventions with French President Emmanuel Macron.

“Your presence here today and the number show your sincerity, commitment and value for friendship and togetherness.

“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country.

“I am making all the efforts to ensure that we collectively share the joy of our victory over tyranny. Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity. I am glad you are all mindful of the challenge.

“For me, I have committed to strengthening further the contacts and networks that are necessary. One of the major discussions in the United Kingdom was on equipment and support.

“I can report to you that yesterday, again, I had a lengthy discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. They are collaborating with us for equipment and support. I am also making frantic efforts to contact other nations,’’ he stated.

President Tinubu and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, returned on Friday from a three-day State Visit to the United Kingdom, where King Charles III and Queen Camila hosted them.

The president also held a meeting with the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, before his return to Nigeria for the Eid-el-fitr.

“We should care more for the vulnerable. I know this Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power. The labour union and others will be gearing to ask us to support more due to the effect of the Middle East war and crisis,’’ the president added.

The president urged the state governors to remain steadfast and resilient in translating their ideas and visions into policies and programmes that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods, and to support the government in tackling the “tyranny” of criminals.

President Tinubu advised the governors to provide further incentives to cushion the inflationary impact of the war in the Middle East on energy and transportation prices.

He thanked Vice President, Kashim Shettima, for the condolence visit to Borno State, assuring the people of the state of stronger protection through new technology.

In his remarks, the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, thanked the president for his intervention in the states with the visionary Renewed Hope Agenda.

“On behalf of my colleagues, the governors, we bring your excellency, season greetings from the people of our various states. We thank the Almighty God for His mercies that saw us through the month of Ramadan.

“We pray that the Almighty God will see us through the period of Lent, and grant us sustainable peace,’’ he said.

The chairman of NGF congratulated the president on the successful State Visit to the United Kingdom and the investment agreements reached.

“While our mission has been to have a good relationship with the United Kingdom, the State Visit, first in 37 years, is bold and significant. It speaks to new levels of relationship with Nigeria, and we thank you for it.

“Together, we must see that the issue of insecurity comes to an end. Regarding state police, discussions are ongoing with various security agencies led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contributions. The NGF will take the document to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for the state police,’’ the governor noted.

Governors at the meeting were Sen. Hope Uzodimma, Imo State; Alex Otti, Abia State; Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State; Douye Diri, Bayelsa State; Hyacinth Alia, Benue State; Bassey Otu, Cross River State; Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State; Francis Nwifuru, Ebonyi State; Monday Okpebholo, Edo State; Peter Mbah, Enugu State; Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe State; and Umar Namadi, Jigawa State.

Others: Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State; Dikko Umaru Radda, Katsina State; Ahmed Usman Ododo, Kogi State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State; Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa State; Caleb Mufwang, Plateau State; Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State; Agbu Keffas, Taraba State; Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State.

The deputy governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, was also at the meeting.

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The high-profile ceremony, attended by governors, National Assembly members, party leaders, and key stakeholders from across the country, signalled the party’s renewed push for grassroots mobilisation, inclusion, and internal cohesion in the nation’s capital.

While inaugurating the council, APC national chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, charged members to work relentlessly toward delivering total victory for the party.

He expressed strong confidence in the council’s leadership, headed by Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, describing the team as capable and battle-ready.

Professor Yilwatda disclosed that three governors, Hope Uzodimma, Mai Mala Buni, and Mohammed Umar Bago, were appointed as co-chairmen of the high-powered council.

Responding to questions on the political activities of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who are reportedly campaigning for ADC candidates, Yilwatda dismissed their efforts as inconsequential.

He stressed that the APC’s mobilisation strategy was deeply rooted at the grassroots and spanned all regions of the country.

“Our campaign is not selective. It is ongoing across communities, cutting across tribes and regions. Governors from every geopolitical zone are engaging directly with the people. We are mobilising more than any other party, and we are confident of victory,” he said.

In his remarks, the Campaign Council Chairman, Governor AbdulRazaq, thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in the council, describing the assignment as both a responsibility and an opportunity to deepen democratic dividends for FCT residents.

“This campaign is not just about rallies; it is about results, winning through strategy, effective mobilisation, and genuine grassroots engagement,” he said.

A major highlight of the inauguration was the deliberate inclusion of representatives and governors from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting Abuja’s status as a melting pot of Nigerians.

AbdulRazaq explained that the structure would ensure effective mobilisation of residents across communities through coordinated outreach.

Acknowledging the party’s performance in the last FCT elections, he noted that renewed momentum, expanding support, and the return of key stakeholders now signal a stronger APC poised for success.

He assured that the council would adopt a people-centred approach, including community-level engagement, house-to-house mobilisation, and efficient deployment of resources to reach every voter.

“With dedication, discipline, and unity, we are confident of victory across all six area councils,” he affirmed.

Other members of the council include governors such as Uba Sani, Peter Mbah, Hyacinth Alia, Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday Okpebholo, Biodun Oyebanji, Francis Nwifuru, and Umo Eno, among others.

Also named to the council are Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen.

The FCT Area Council Elections will determine chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors for Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.

A total of 570 candidates will contest 68 chairmanship/vice positions and 62 councillorship seats.

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That became their undoing, as the terrorist group got wind of the move and decided to teach the people a lesson. On Tuesday last week, just a little after 6pm, the terror group struck, killing everybody on sight and razing the entire community to the ground. Although the village head escaped, his family, consisting of his two wives and several of his children were murdered in cold blood. His palace and most of the buildings in the community were set on fire.

The fire was still burning on Wednesday when the State Governor, AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, paid a condolence visit to the community and the Emir of Kaiama. On Thursday, a distraught Abdulrazaq headed for Abuja, where he met with and briefed President Bola Tinubu on the destruction and mindless killings in his state. President Tinubu has ordered the deployment of soldiers and other security agencies to the state, particularly the affected communities. A mass burial has been conducted for most of the deceased while the survivors and citizens of a perplexed nation is again, forced to dust themselves off and move on in stoic silence.

Nigeria has, rather unfortunately, become a killing field. We no longer place any value on human life. It is now so easy to kill or get killed. Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher, in his famous book, ‘’Leviathan’’ (1651), argued that without a sovereign power and social contract, life would be a constant struggle for survival, characterized by fear and violence. According to him, life in such a state would be ‘’poor, nasty, brutish, and short.’’ It was to avoid such a doomed prophesy that we gave consent for some amongst us to lead. In their leadership, they would guarantee the protection of life and property for us all. However, in spite of the fact that we have elected leaders, death is so cheap and common in Nigeria now. It is both worrisome and scary.

Again, politicians must address multi-dimensional poverty in the land. If the poor are hungry, they would eventually come for the rich.

That you are within the four walls of your own home does not guarantee your safety anymore. In the now popular street ‘lingo’ in the country, Nigeria has happened to the people of Woro and Nuku. It could be any of us at any time. This is why the citizens have a popular prayer almost turned greeting that “may Nigeria not happen to us”. How sad! Death is now so cheap that is being hawked by mindless terrorists across the country. Whether it is the Mamuda terror group, their cousins, the Lakurawa, or their big brother, the Boko Haram group that carried out the killings in Woro and Nuku on the pretext that their activities were reported to security agents, they should be told that they are not practising Islam as prescribed by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). They are children of hate and they would meet their waterloo on the Day of Judgment.

Islam is a religion of peace, and whosoever deviates from that path should not be regarded as a true Muslim. The Qur’an strictly forbids forcing one’s religious beliefs on others, and even more so, it abhors the killing of an innocent soul, equating it to the killing of all humanity. It describes the intentional murder of a believer as a grave sin deserving hellfire while emphasizing the sanctity of every individual life. Qur’an 5:32 states that: ‘’Whoever slays a human being unless it be (in punishment) for murder or for spreading corruption (sedition) on earth, it shall be as though he had slain all of mankind…’’ The Qur’an elevates the value of each human life, stressing that harming an innocent person is a profound violation against God and humanity – a deed so severe that it can’t overshadow other sins except worshipping the creation over the Creator.

The Bible also condemns the killing of an innocent soul, often referring to it as the ‘’shedding of innocent blood’’ and labelling it as an abomination to God. Proverbs 6: 16-17 lists: ‘’hands that shed innocent blood’’ as one of the seven things the Lord finds detestable. Again, Exodus 23: 7 commands: ‘’Do not kill the innocent and the righteous, for I will not justify the wicked’’. In Deuteronomy 27: 25, a formal curse is pronounced on anyone who accepts payment to kill an innocent person.

If the two religions that we so much believe in could be this explicit on why human life should be sacred, I wonder how we find it so easy to kill a fellow human being. If the intention is to convert others into your religion, which, in itself, is prohibited, should it then be to the extent of taking their life?

It begs to be emphasized that Islam has expressly stated that there is no compulsion in religion to those hiding behind the banner of religion to perpetrate crime. The Qur’an explicitly prohibits forcing anyone to accept the faith. Belief must stem from free will, sincerity, and personal conviction, not coercion. Quran 2: 256 stated that: ‘’There is no compulsion in religion: true guidance has become distinct from error.” In Qur’an 10:99, it is stated thus: ‘’If your Lord had so willed, all who are on earth would have believed, all of them entirely. So, would you then compel people until they become believers?’’ This verse highlights that even God chose not to force belief on humanity, providing free will to choose instead. Qur’an 109:1-6 also stated: ‘’To you be your way, and to me, mine’’. This chapter underscores a principle of coexistence and mutual respect for different beliefs. The responsibility of Muslims is to convey the message of Islam with kindness, wisdom, and good manners, leaving the ultimate choice of belief to the individual.

I have gone to this extent simply to show that the true believers are those who fear God and His Commands and show their respect to Him through perfect character to His creation, as exemplified by our holy Prophet Muhammad, SAW, and all the Prophets and Messengers that preceded him and preached the same message of love and peaceful coexistence. Those who are on a mission to kill are not doing so in the name of any religion. They are children of hate and they should be condemned by all well-meaning individuals in the society. Those supporting them or who are sympathetic to their cause are not doing any faith or humanity any good. This is the time for all of us to come together and rid the land of killers hiding under the cover of religion.

From what has been pieced together so far, the assailants in Woro were apparently not “bandits”, which often connote an ethnic definition. State authorities have linked the massacre to doctrinal excesses on the part of a “Boko Haram faction”. That group was said to have fanned out of the Kainji Lake National Park. It means that a very active faction of Boko Haram has taken advantage of the manner that our national parks seem to have transitioned into ungoverned spaces in recent years.

In the past couple of months, the Office of the National Security Adviser has actively worked on the training and equipping of forest rangers for Nigeria’s national parks. However, there is a national imperative to rethink the budgeting for national parks as well as their security. These are genuine national treasures that were a product of patriotic thinking and execution when they were created in the 1970s.

Today, they are ghost institutions in many instances. They are not properly budgeted for, and until recently, they were not effectively policed. They became sanctuaries for the likes of Boko Haram and other non-state actors who live outside of a lawful relationship with the state and civil society.

Kwara state is in a particularly difficult situation. It is the location of the Kainji Lake National Park, the Old Oyo National Park, which is not far from the Kamuku National Park, and it is also home to very expansive, very difficult to govern, natural forested regions of Kwara North, in the Baruten, Kaiama, and into the Edu, and Moro local government areas. While Abdulrazaq was on a condolence visit to the two communities, he was on the road for more than six hours. Yet, these are same territories within the same state. While Tinubu has approved the deployment of a military battalion to that part of Kwara State, now is the time for the Federal Government to take charge of all the forests in the country. Even though it may be expensive, no part of Nigeria should be left as ungoverned spaces. Once there is an expanse of land left unattended to, criminal elements are always ready to take advantage of such areas to perpetrate their criminality.

The people in vulnerable communities need the reassurance of visible security presence with regular route assessment patrols; territorial surveys; area dominance exercises; forest patrols, etc. These will help to properly target the non-state actors that violently attack residents of vulnerable communities. They will then, hopefully, be neutralized, captured, or eliminated. That will impose the peace that can allow peasant communities and pastoralists to go back to their livelihoods.

Again, government needs to pay closer attention to the needs and aspirations of Nigeria’s youths. Our neoliberal capitalism has transferred public wealth into the hands of private individuals in a string of dubious privatisation programmes that didn’t improve national productive forces. Indeed, our bizarre form of capitalism is not creating the jobs to absorb millions of young people who are frustrated and angry, and have become the reserve army of a hopeless underclass available for recruitment by different non-state groups.

If we don’t create a caring society that works for the young people who constitute the majority of our population today while we continue to prioritize elite privileges, our country will not stop the harvest of emboldened criminality, the type that led to the massacre of so many innocent people in the Woro community. Benue, Kogi, Borno, Sokoto, Niger, Katsina, Kano, and several others states in the North have had their fair share of mass killings and terrorists’ attacks, and it is high time that the government found a lasting solution to the madness.

Innocent souls of thousands of our people that have been killed in the last 15 years are enough. While the Federal Government seems helpless and has invited help from outside the country, which should be commended, it is time for us as a nation to identify the root cause of the problem, which is that we pay little attention to education in the North and we have allowed religion to hold the masses down for several decades. Once we get it right in ensuring that all children of school ages are in the classrooms, we create jobs for our teeming youths, and enhance security across our borders and communities, insecurity and terrorists’ activities in the North would be significantly curtailed. We cannot have over 10 million children out of school and be going about business as usual. We are only toying with the future of our nation by sitting on kegs of gunpowder.

Again, politicians must address multi-dimensional poverty in the land. If the poor are hungry, they would eventually come for the rich. May the souls of all innocently killed across the country rest in peace, and may God give us leaders that would have our interest at heart. Amin.

See you next week.

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Terrorists belonging to the Mamuda sect reportedly carried out the deadly attacks on Nuku and Woro communities in Kwara on Tuesday night into the early hours of Wednesday.

The attack led to the death of scores with property destroyed.

The vice-president was accompanied by Gov. Umara Zulum of Borno, the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, Sen. Ali Ndume, and the Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd. (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije.

Others are former Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo Agege, and Sen. Emmanuel Udende.

On arrival at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport Ilorin, the vice-president was received by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, members of Kwara State Executive Council, and other top government functionaries.

President Bola Tinubu recently ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama local government area of Kwara following the attack on Worro community.

Tinubu said the battalion would spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to check the terrorists and protect vulnerable communities.

The president condemned the attack, describing it as cowardly and barbaric, and vowed that the perpetrators would be tracked and brought to justice.

He expressed anger that the attackers killed residents who rejected their attempt at indoctrination, choosing to practise Islam that is neither extreme nor violent.

Source: NAN

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President Tinubu said the new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate the barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a press statement.

He said Tinubu condemned the cowardly and beastly attack and described the gunmen as heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror.

President Tinubu expressed rage that the attackers killed the community members who rejected their obnoxious attempt at indoctrination, choosing instead to practice Islam that is neither extreme nor violent.

“It’s commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue,” he said.

The president urged collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide succour to members of the community and ensure those who committed the atrocities do not go scot-free.

President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and condoled with those who lost family members.

He also commiserated with the people and government of Kwara State.

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A younger brother to the traditional ruler of Woro, Mr Ali Umar, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday that the attackers invaded his community shortly after 5:00 p.m.

He said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and surrounded the community before opening fire from different directions.

“They came around 5:00 p.m. and completely surrounded the community.

“They started shooting sporadically from all angles so nobody could escape,” he said.

He explained that residents, who attempted to flee were shot while those who surrendered were gathered at the palace of the village head where they were tied up and shot.

Umar further revealed that the wife of the traditional ruler of the community, Hauwa Umar, his mother and three of his children were among those abducted during the attack.

“The chief’s wife, his mother and three of his children are missing.

“That makes five people from his household unaccounted for,” he added.

Umar said the community was thrown into panic, with many residents fleeing their homes and leaving the town almost deserted.

“The people were scared and the community is now nearly empty.

“What we need now is increased security presence to restore confidence and allow people to return,” he said.

He noted that there had been prior intelligence report of possible attack which was reportedly communicated to the local government authorities and shared with higher levels of government.

Umar added that some soldiers had earlier patrolled the area on the day of the attack, saying that had initially deterred the terrorists.

There were killings in Nuku community in the local government area.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who arrived Kaiama on Wednesday night in company with service chiefs and cabinet members, also confirmed that 75 local Muslims were massacred simply for refusing to surrender to extremists who preached a strange doctrine.

The governor, who commiserated with the communities, announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved immediate deployment of an army battalion to prosecute counter offensives in the area.

He said the security initiative was codenamed ‘Operation Savannah Shield’.

“The injured were later taken to the General Hospital, but some were referred to the Teaching Hospital,” he added.

The governor, who condemned the attack, described the incident as a cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells following the ongoing counterterrorism campaigns in parts of the state and the successes so far recorded.

He expressed his heartfelt condolences to Woro and Nuku communities on the incident, especially the families affected in Tuesday’s attack

Meanwhile, the Speaker of Kwara House of Assembly, Mr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has also condemned the killings in Woro and Nuku communities.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdukadir Shehu, on Wednesday, the speaker called for an immediate escalation of military operations in the axis bordering Niger to flush out criminal elements.

Danladi-Salihu condemned the senseless violence in the strongest terms and expressed condolences to the Emir of Kaiama, Dr Muazu Omar, and the families of those affected in the incidents.

“I commiserate with the Emir of Kaiama and the families of the victims of this horrific attack.

“I am calling for intensified military action against the perpetrators and I urge our communities to cooperate fully with security agencies to bring an end to these killings once and for all,” he said.

The Speaker further issued a note of caution to residents, urging them to remain vigilant and alert.

He noted that as military pressure increased across various parts of the state, “elements of destabilisation” might attempt to divert attention or seek refuge in new areas.”

He, however, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in Kwara.

Source: NAN

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That was as she charged them to embrace innovation amid government pledges to revamp education under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Delivering the keynote address at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, themed “Empowering Teachers; Strengthening the Education System,” at the State House Conference Center, Abuja, Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasised that “meaningful educational and national progress can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated, and supported.”

As a former classroom teacher and educationist, the First Lady drew from personal experience to underscore teachers’ pivotal role.

“Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations, shaping young minds, instilling values, and nurturing hope”.

“I understand firsthand the demands of teaching and the enduring impact of teachers in shaping societies.”

The First Lady commended the Federal Ministry of Education’s new “Edu Revamp Portal,” launched to drive continuous professional development.

“I congratulate the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of the ‘Edu Revamp Portal’, an initiative that will ensure continuous professional development for our teachers. The framework of this initiative will no doubt improve learning outcomes across the country. I say, well done.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, education remains an essential pillar of national development with a clear recognition that sustainable development begins with quality teaching and learning. The administration is committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the skills needed to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.

“To my fellow teachers, I thank you for your hard work, commitment, and dedication. I charge you to continue to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and uphold integrity as you shape the next generation of leaders.”

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, and Kwara State governor, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described teachers as “nation builders, character shapers, and custodians of our collective future”.

Represented by Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, he said: “No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, professionalism, and welfare of its teachers.”

Noting teachers serve over 70 million learners in urban, rural, conflict zones, riverine, and nomadic areas, he called empowerment “a strategic imperative for national development, social stability, and economic growth.”

Earlier, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced cash rewards for top educators and announced the launch of EduRevamp portal at the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026, declaring teachers the “foundation of national development.”

“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported, and respected. When teachers thrive, learners succeed, systems grow stronger and nations move forward.”

He revealed a merit-based awards process, with three nominees from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT at basic and senior secondary levels.

After rigorous selection, 12 finalists emerged – six from basic education and six from senior secondary.

“These educators represent the very best of this profession: professionalism, integrity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to learners,” the minister said.

Each will receive ₦25 million, with the overall Best Teacher of the Year winning ₦50 million.

“This is more than a reward. It is a national signal that teaching is a noble, respected, and valued profession in Nigeria.”

The highlight of the summit was the emergence of Solanke Francis Taiwo from Ogun State as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, scooping ₦50 million, a two-bedroom flat as promised by Ogun Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun (to be built  in any area of his choice in the state), and a car pledged by Borno Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum.

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The announcement was made on Sunday by the

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has announced the release of the 38 worshippers who were abducted by bandits from the Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq made the announcement in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye.

“After many days of hard work by security forces and government representatives, HE AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) is excited to announce the freedom of 38 persons who were recently abducted in an attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Eruku, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State,” the statement reads in part.

The governor, Ajakaye said, credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the success, saying he personally led the efforts to free the abductees.

The statement reads further: “The abductees were freed today, November 23. The Governor is immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his direct initiative that made this happen.

“The President had called off his scheduled trip for the G20 Meeting in South Africa to attend to the breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States. He had also directed heightened security deployments to Kwara, in what underlined his firm commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our people and Nigerians as a whole.

“The Governor also expresses appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigerian Army; Nigeria Intelligence Agency; and, of course, the Nigeria Police, which has graciously deployed four new tactical teams to Kwara State on the directive of the President.

“The Governor also thanks members of the security forces across board, thought leaders, religious institutions, and all Kwarans for their support and goodwill since the unfortunate incident.”

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The governor received briefings from security commanders following the Tuesday attack on Eruku community in Ekiti local government area of the state.

Addressing a press briefing on the council meeting on Friday, Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, told reporters that the council meeting “harvested insights from the security commanders on recent happenings and field intelligence in the aftermath of the Eruku incident, including efforts of the security agencies to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.

“The meeting also commended heightened security deployments, especially air interdictions which have dislodged the kidnappers from their former hideouts, especially in Ifelodun. It calls for continuous air bombardment of areas identified as criminal hideouts.

“The meeting specifically commended the Military, Police, and DSS for new deployments in the state. In line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, a few days ago, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, has deployed four different tactical teams (Special Weapons and Tactics, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad) to Kwara to neutralise further threats.

“The Police and DSS reported several arrests of food and fuel suppliers linked to the criminals as well as a man from Makurdi who confessed to fixing weapons for the kidnappers.

“The meeting commended the government’s strategic security decision on schools in parts of the state. Measures may be relaxed, sustained, or extended based on actionable security intelligence. This is particularly instructive in the light of the new development in Niger earlier today. As security agencies work for safe returns of the girls, the council calls for continuous vigilance and early reporting of any suspicious movement in any parts of the state.

“The meeting approved joint patrols of security forces in different parts of the state especially as the Yuletide approaches. It recommended heightened security measures around vulnerable spots.

“The meeting observed the damaging impacts of social media in the country’s fight against violent non-state actors. It expresses concern with how security information is disseminated, including demand for ransom and amplification of information that exposes citizens to more danger. For public safety, it calls for caution in the exercise of freedom of expression.

“The meeting urged citizens to avoid night farming and social activities that expose them to any harm. It urged citizens for prompt report of suspicious movements of any kind to the security agencies, government agencies, and traditional rulers.

“The meeting observed a minute of silence for the victims of the Eruku CAC attack and again commiserated with their families and the larger community.”

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The commission urged the stakeholders to make early preparation as there will be no deadline extensions for visa processing, payments or contractual agreements.

NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, said this in a statement issued by its Principal Information Officer, Malam Shafii Mohammed, in Abuja on Thursday.

Elegushi said this at the Post-Hajj Stakeholders’ meeting with Licensed Tour Operator Companies in Abuja.

The commissioner issued a strong caution to stakeholders to strictly follow the official Saudi Hajj calendar and make early preparations.

“The Saudis have made it very clear — the dates on their calendar will not be extended by even a minute.

“Gone are the days when you could beg for extra weeks to process visas. For 2026, if the portal closes today, it closes today,” Elegushi said.

He reminded stakeholders of the 2025 experience, where many intending pilgrims assumed that Saudi authorities would grant extensions but missed deadlines and consequently lost participation slots.

Elegushi also reflected on the unexpected challenges during Arafat 2025, calling the experience a valuable lesson for the upcoming season.

“What happened in 2025 has given us insight and direction. We must learn from it, plan better, and work faster.

“The Saudi system has changed, and we must adapt quickly,” he said.

Speaking on the financial preparations, Prince Aliu AbdulRazaq, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management and Finance (PPMF), briefed participants on refunds, pending complaints and payment processes.

AbdulRazaq urged licensed tour operators to make timely payments for all Hajj-related obligations, noting that Saudi authorities would not grant extensions for contractual agreements or visa processing in 2026.

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The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, expressed appreciation to the state pilgrims’ welfare boards, private tour operators and service providers for their immense contributions to the success of the 2025 Hajj operations.

Usman also acknowledged the support of the federal government, which enabled Nigerian pilgrims to perform Hajj with dignity, comfort and peace of mind.

“The commission is committed to collaboration, fairness and transparency. But the same time, we expect total compliance from all stakeholders as we work together to improve service delivery and meet global best practices.”

Similarly, Commissioner Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, PRSILS, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal commended tour operators on their successful outing and conduct during the 2025 Hajj. P

Yagawal also called for continued cooperation with the commission by all stakeholders, and urged intending pilgrims to ensure early payment and preparations for an improved 2026 Hajj experience.

Source: NAN

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