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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped victims and arrested four suspects in connection with an abduction incident in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.

According to the command, the victims, a 40-year-old woman and her 25-year-old son, were abducted by gunmen who invaded their residence in Kwarin Gadali Hamlet, Pali District, Alkaleri LGA, in the early hours of June 2, 2026.

Spokesman of the command, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the incident was reported to the police at about 11:46 am on the same day.

He said operatives attached to the Pali Outstation immediately visited the scene and launched intelligence-led operations aimed at tracking the kidnappers and securing the victims’ release.

Habib stated that a joint team comprising police personnel, soldiers and local security operatives, acting on credible intelligence, arrested three suspects identified as Mainasara Alhaji Umaru, 23; Buba Alhaji Umaru, 20; and Muhammadu Usman, 19, at Kuka Village in Duguri District of Alkaleri LGA.

He added that further investigations led to the arrest of another suspect, Ahmadu Umaru of Dalgade, after one of the suspects allegedly confessed to having knowledge of the kidnapping and the location of the victims.

The police spokesman said the victims were successfully rescued unhurt at about 7:45 pm on June 3, 2026, following sustained intelligence-driven operations.

“The victims have since been taken to the General Hospital, Alkaleri, for medical examination and attention,” the statement read.

Habib said all the suspects are currently in police custody, while the case has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation.

He noted that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover weapons allegedly used during the operation

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The leadership of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) has directed all its branches and ministries across Nigeria to suspend vigils and ensure that all church programmes end by 8:00 pm until further notice, citing prevailing security challenges in the country.

The directive was contained in an internal circular dated June 5, 2026, and signed by the Director of Administration (International Headquarters and Nigeria), Temitope A. Olawale.

According to the circular, the precautionary measures were introduced to safeguard members and church workers amid growing security concerns nationwide.

The church instructed all Principal Regional Overseers, Senior Regional Overseers, Mega Regional Overseers, Zonal Pastors, Branch Pastors, and other church leaders to ensure strict compliance with the directive.

Under the new measures, all church services, meetings, programmes and activities at every level of the ministry are to be concluded no later than 8:00 pm.

The leadership also announced the suspension of vigils, overnight prayer meetings, and similar programmes across all branches until further notice.

However, the ministry stated that where necessary, vigils could be converted into evening prayer programmes, provided they end on or before 8:00 p.m.

MFM explained that the decision was taken solely as a precautionary measure and was not intended to disrupt worship activities but rather to protect the lives and well-being of members in light of the country’s security situation.

The circular further directed Mega Regional Overseers to ensure that the information is communicated to all regions, zones, branches, and relevant departments under their supervision for immediate implementation.

The directive takes immediate effect and will remain in force pending further review by the church leadership.

(Tribune News)

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has ordered the restriction of motorcycle operation between 10:30 pm and 5:30 am to curb insecurity in the state.

The governor issued an Executive Order on the restriction, on Friday, stating that the state government would not relent until the kidnapped teachers and school children return home safely.

According to him, every day the victims remain in captivity is a painful day for their families and the entire state.

He assured Oyo residents that efforts were ongoing around the clock, stressing that the safe return of those abducted remains a tough conversation for his administration.

Makinde added that the victims have not been forgotten and they have not been abandoned.

“We may not be able to disclose every step being taken because of the sensitive nature of the operations involved, but I ask our people not to mistake our silence for inaction. A great deal of work is being done behind the scenes,” he said.

Source: Channels TV