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Oyo Prison Attack: NCoS Solicits Intelligence To Capture 575 Fleeing Inmates
After the attack on Abolongo correctional centre, Oyo, by yet to be identified gunmen Friday night, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has said that it has deployed more armed guards to secure the facility as well as launched a manhunt for the attackers and fleeing inmates.
Francis Enobore, the public Relations Officer (PRO) of the service at the headquarters in Abuja, said the service is already making effort to capture fleeing inmates and is appealing to members of the public to provide them with credible intelligence to help in this regard.
He also said a high-powered delegation has already left Abuja for Oyo to do an on-the-spot assessment of the attack.
Meanwhile, the command public relations officer, Oyo state, Olanrewaju Anjorin who spoke with The Guardian, said a search and capture mission has been initiated ahead the arrival of officials from the NCoS head office in Abuja for assessment of the situation for more action following the directives of the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa.
In an earlier communique, Anjorin said the invaders arrived the centre heavily armed with sophisticated weapons and after a fierce encounter with officers on guard, gained entrance into the yard using dynamite to blast the wall.
“While all the awaiting trial detainees were forced out of custody, the cells housing the convicts and the female inmates were not vandalised.
Meanwhile, a total of 262 of the escapees have been recaptured leaving 575 still at large.
Nababa assured that no effort would be spared in recapturing the fleeing inmates even as he solicited credible intelligence to aid Security agencies in tracking down the fugitives.
Oyo Custodial Centre was established in 2007 with a capacity of 160 inmates but at the time of attack, had a total population of 907. Of this number, awaiting trial persons were 837 representing 92% with just 64 convicts.
The attack on the Abolongo correctional facility is one in a series of prisons attacks that has taken place this year alone even as the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, said that the government has taken all necessary precaution to prevent further attacks and has declared all prisons facilities in the country red zones.
It could be recalled that last month, gunmen attacked the Kabba custodial centre leading to the escape of hundreds of inmates and the loss of prisons officers who fought to repel the attacking gunmen
Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has condemned the attack of the Oyo correctional facility, saying the invasion was a national embarrassment.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Kehinde Aderemi, the Aare Onakankanfo said the invasion of Oyo town prison by bandits has exposed the poor security situation in the country.
“Following the attack on the Abuja-bound train, and the Oyo prison attack, it is certainly no doubt that the bandits are playing out a script that will later engulf the entire nation.”
Adams, however, blamed the Oyo state security service for its failure to beef up security in the prison.
“I am also using this opportunity to urge the Inspector General of Police to look into the security situation in Oyo and address the problem in the most professional manner. Oyo state is very sensitive to the southwest and we cannot continue to live in fears,” he said.
Southwest socio-political group, Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum also condemned the prison break.
President of the Forum, Akin Malaolu said the new style of attacking prisons and state officers in the country is a confirmation that institutions such as barracks, schools, police formations and others like airport vicinities and rail tracks could no longer be secured by security institutions.
The forum emphatically blamed President Muhammadu Buhari, saying, “Apart from the fact that his security architecture and composition is wrong, lopsided and does not really reflect national outlook, never in the history of our country have we witnessed so much calamities offloaded on all sectors, including farmlands.”
Source: Guardian
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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