….. Police Rescue One, Arrest Suspect

Suspected gunmen stormed a branch of the Celestial Church of Christ in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, in the early hours of Wednesday, abducting six worshippers during an ongoing midnight service.

The attackers reportedly invaded the church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway at approximately 12:50 a.m., forcefully taking the victims to an unknown destination while the service was in progress.

Confirming the incident to journalists in Akure on Wednesday, the Ondo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, stated that the command received prompt reports of the abduction and swiftly responded.

“Upon receiving the report, operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” Jimoh said.

He disclosed that sustained joint efforts have yielded positive results: one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued, and one suspect linked to the incident has been apprehended.

The arrested individual is assisting investigators with useful statements.

“Operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of all perpetrators involved,” the police spokesperson added.

Jimoh urged residents of the area to remain calm and vigilant while cooperating fully with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information to aid the ongoing efforts.

The incident has heightened tension in the agrarian Uso community, amid recurring security challenges in parts of Ondo State. Authorities have not yet released details on the identities of the victims or the motive behind the attack.

Further updates are expected as rescue operations continue.

•AbdulBasit Muhammad

The family of a 20-year-old, AbdulBasit Muhammad, has appealed to the public for assistance in locating him after he went missing while attempting to register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examination.

Muhammad was last seen on Thursday, February 12, 2026, when he left his uncle’s residence in Igbede to complete his JAMB registration in the Ajangbadi area of Lagos.Speaking on behalf of the family, his uncle, Taiwo Adesina, said he reported the case at the Ajangbadi Police Division on Friday, February 13, 2026, but had yet to receive any update.“

He left home around 8 a.m. for his JAMB capturing in Ajangbadi. I expected him back at night because he usually goes to work afterwards and returns by 9 p.m.

“I waited from 9 p.m. till late, but he never returned. This has never happened before, so I immediately reported to the police.

“Before I reported to the Police, some people called demanding N40,000 for his release. I told them I only had N20,000 and sent it. Since then, their numbers have not been reachable.

I informed the police about everything.”He described AbdulBasit as quiet and reserved, noting that he rarely socialised.

He described AbdulBasit as quiet and reserved, noting that he rarely socialised.

“He was wearing a polo shirt and shorts, with a bag across his shoulder, when he left home.

“I am appealing to the public to help us find him. I can be reached on 09037316811,” he said.

(Source: The Punch)

In a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have captured the sixth suspect linked to the deadly June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of over 40 worshippers and left many others injured.

The suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), had evaded capture for nearly four years, making him one of Nigeria’s most wanted fugitives in connection with the massacre.

According to security sources, Yusuf was apprehended in the Iguosa community along Powerline in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, where he had been hiding in a relatively quiet village setting.

Following the Owo church attack, Yusuf reportedly fled to Kano State temporarily before relocating to Edo to lay low. Sources revealed that he has since confessed to his direct involvement in the planning and execution of the Owo church massacre.

In addition to the Owo incident, Yusuf allegedly admitted to participating in other ISWAP operations, including the July 2022 attack on the Suleja military barracks, the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault that killed five soldiers, and multiple kidnapping incidents in Kaduna State and surrounding areas.

He further disclosed serving under prominent ISWAP figures, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024.

The DSS is already prosecuting five other suspects in the Owo attack case: Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47).

They face charges related to terrorism and are currently standing trial.

“This arrest represents a significant step forward in delivering justice for the victims of the Owo church attack, the soldiers slain at Zuma Rock, and others affected by ISWAP’s reign of terror,” a security source stated. “It highlights the DSS’s unwavering commitment and persistent efforts in combating terrorism across the country.

“The development comes amid ongoing court proceedings in the Federal High Court in Abuja, where witnesses, including DSS operatives, have provided evidence linking the earlier suspects to the crime through technical intelligence, confessions, and forensic analysis.

Authorities have not yet released further details on when Yusuf will be arraigned or additional charges he may face, but the arrest is seen as a boost to national security operations targeting ISWAP remnants.