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Kidnappers of UNIABUJA lecturers to be arraigned May 13

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 13 for the arraignment of four suspects arrested in connection with the abduction of the University of Abuja lecturers and their children in 2021.

Gunmen, on November 2, 2021, invaded the Senior Staff Quarters of the University of Abuja at the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and abducted no fewer than six lecturers.

The gunmen numbering over 20 were said to have shot their way into the compound and whisked away their victims.

The kidnapped victims were Bassey Ubom (including his son and daughter), Prof Joseph Adavani; Dr Ferguson Tobins; Mohammed Sambo; Offiong Ubom; John Obansa and Fidelis Obansa

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The kidnappers’ arraignment, which was slated for Monday, could not hold because the court was on vacation.

The matter, which is before Justice Donatus Okorowo, was adjourned till May 13.

The defendants in the matter are Adamu Abubakar; Nura Muhammed Ahmadu; Ismailia Abubakar and Abdulrahman Ado, also known as Yellow.

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, preferred two charges of terrorism against the defendants.

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The defendants and others at large were accused of conspiring among themselves to take Profe Joseph Adavani; Dr Ferguson Tobins; Mohammed Sambo; Offiong Ubom; John Obansa and Fidelis Obansa from their homes at the University of Abuja Staff Quarters, Giri, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja and took them into captivity in the coercive environment of the forest for three days and demanded ransom of N300m for their release.

They were said to have committed an offence contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention)(Amendment) Act 2013.

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Fire guts recycling facility in Lagos

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A fire outbreak on Monday afternoon engulfed a recycling facility operated by Jincheng Company at 11B Eric Moore Road, Surulere, Lagos.

The fire, reported at about 12:15 p.m., drew a prompt response from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters from the Sari-Iganmu Fire Station were the first on the scene, but the intensity of the blaze required reinforcements from the Ajegunle Fire Crew.

Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, stated that the fire began at the rear of the main building and was suspected to have been caused by negligence.

The affected section reportedly housed large quantities of cardboard materials used in the recycling process.

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Although the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, the facility—which spans three acres—suffered significant losses.

“No casualties have been reported so far,” Adeseye confirmed, adding that the situation was under control by the time of reporting, with damping down operations still ongoing.”

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NSCDC’s mining marshals shut illegal site in Kaduna

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Mining marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have shut an illegal mining site in Damau community in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

NSCDC’s spokesman Babawale Afolabi said the affected site is in a tin-rich area belonging to Trobell Minerals Limited but allegedly overrun by illegal miners.

Afolabi said the corps Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, had instructed that effective strategy and approach be put in place to stop illegal miners and address insecurity.

The spokesman noted that the illegal activities of the miners had led to serious economic losses, environmental degradation, and persistent insecurity in the area.

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He added that besides reaching out to community leaders, the marshals also adopted non-kinetic means through community engagement to address some challenges.

In a statement in Abuja, Afolabi said the NSCDC engaged traditional leaders and community youths in a series of deliberations to allow the miners to vacate the site under supervision without resistance.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, hailed the mining marshals for peacefully resolving previous clashes at illegal sites in other parts of the country, where enforcement had often turned confrontational.

The minister urged communities across the country to support the Federal Government to stamp out illegal mining.

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He sought cooperation with the mining marshals to fish out culprits.

“The Kaduna operation could serve as a model for future interventions, if we get the buy-in of locals and community leaders. Illegal mining and insecurity remain major obstacles to the development of the mining sector.

“However, the outcome in Damau offers a glimpse of how a mix of enforcement and dialogue can turn the tide. I urge communities to cooperate with us to deal with this menace and restore investor confidence in the sector,” he said.

Also, a member of the community, who spoke in confidence, praised the marshals for doing a good job.

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“The diplomatic approach is commendable. The activities of the dislodged illegal miners posed a serious threat to lives, livelihoods, and investment. This intervention brings long-awaited relief,” he said.

During the commemoration of the maiden anniversary of the Mining Marshals, Alake had reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering the squad for greater effectiveness.

“The reward for hard work is more work,” he told the operatives, pledging more support.

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Bandits kill NSCDC officer attached to Zamfara First Lady

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An operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Isah Yunusa, who was attached to the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal has been killed by suspected bandits in Kaduna State.

The tragic incident occurred on the night of Sunday, May 4, 2025, along the Kaduna–Kachia highway, when gunmen reportedly mounted a barricade on the road and attacked unsuspecting travellers.

Yunusa, was said to have been caught in the ambush and fatally shot.

His death was confirmed on Monday by conflict journalist and security analyst, Bakatsine, who shared the development via his social media handle.

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As of the time of filing this report, the NSCDC is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

It remains unclear whether Yunusa was on official duty or travelling privately when the attack happened.

The Kaduna–Kachia road has long been considered a hotspot for banditry and kidnappings, with repeated calls by residents and stakeholders for increased security presence along the route.

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