Crime
BREAKING: Abducted FirstNews Editor, Olatunji in DIA Custody – IPI Nigeria Reveals
***Says Tinubu Should direct Military Authorities to produce FirstNews Editor Segun Olatunji
The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) on Wednesday called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to activate the powers of his office as Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces to free the detained Editor of FirstNews Online, Segun Olatunji, who was abducted in Lagos by gunmen on Army Uniform about two weeks ago.
According to Multiple checks by the International Press Institute, it was confirmed that Mr Olatunji is in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The organization however urged President Tinubu to direct the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, to produce Segun Olatunji, the Editor of FirstNews, who was abducted from his home in Lagos twelve days ago.
A statement by the President, IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed and Legal Adviser/Chair, Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, obtained by Arise News in Abuja said its multiple investigations, reveal that Olatunji is in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The statement reads, “Multiple checks by the International Press Institute reveal that Mr Olatunji is in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), an agency under the command of Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, who, in turn, reports to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa.
“For the past eleven days, the abducted journalist has been kept incommunicado, with his family, employers, and colleagues unaware of his whereabouts. IPI Nigeria has received inquiries about this matter from all over the world.
“The Institute has also contacted the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Defence Headquarters, and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation seeking information on Mr Olatunji and demanding his release. All efforts in this direction have so far failed.
“That has triggered speculations among journalists and human rights activists around the world that the Nigerian military may be keeping some vital information away from the public concerning the journalist’s safety.
“IPI is therefore calling on President Tinubu to direct the Nigerian military authorities to immediately release Mr Olatunji or charge him to court if he has committed any offence. The international community should also pay attention to the unjust detention of Mr. Olatunji by the Nigerian military.
“The rule of law demands that an accused person is allowed to defend himself in a court of law within a reasonable time. This also conforms with the provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which forbids the detention of any citizen or resident beyond 48 hours, except with a valid court order.
“According to reports, armed men in two unmarked vans arrived at Mr Olatunji’s home in Lagos on March 15. The men, two of whom wore military-style uniforms, introduced themselves as officers of the Nigerian Army and forced Mr. Olatunji to go with them. They declined to tell his wife, who witnessed the abduction, where he was being taken.
“As a matter of urgency, the military should tell the world why Mr. Olatunji was arrested, where he is being kept, and why he has not been charged in court.
“IPI Nigeria is reminding the Nigerian authorities that when it comes to upholding human rights, Nigeria continues to rank low in the comity of nations. Keeping a citizen beyond the period allowed by the Constitution will only worsen Nigeria’s standing in the International community. The time to act is now.”
as Kidnappers Demand Release of Gang Membersetired Major General Rabe Abubakar has died while in captivity after being abducted by kidnappers, the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security has announced.
The retired senior officer passed away from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while being held alongside his wife, Amina Abubakar.
The couple was kidnapped within Matazu Local Government Area while travelling to Katsina.
A video recently circulated online showed the retired army general nursing a wound on his left foot during his time in captivity.
Reports indicate that the mastermind of the abduction demanded the release of three members of his gang, as well as some cattle, as conditions for freeing the couple.
The tragic development comes amid ongoing security challenges in parts of the North-West region.
Suspected bandits have killed 19 people and injured 12 others in a fresh attack on Gora Namaye district in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to Bello Hussaini, the councilor representing the Faru/Magami ward, the attackers stormed the community on motorcycles in large numbers and opened sporadic fire on residents, mostly farmers.
Hussaini said the bandits initially killed 18 people during the assault. One of the injured victims later succumbed to injuries, bringing the death toll to 19.
Efforts to get confirmation from the Zamfara State Police Command proved unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that an unauthorised incursion by Cameroonian Armed Forces personnel into Danare Community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State is now fully under control.
According to a statement issued by the 82 Division Nigerian Army, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Danare swiftly responded on June 9, 2026, after reports of the foreign military presence reached them. The Nigerian forces immediately contacted their Cameroonian counterparts, leading to the peaceful withdrawal of the Cameroonian troops from Nigerian territory in line with established border protocols. The situation was contained without any escalation or confrontation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a dispute over the collection of levies on farmland situated between Danare Community in Nigeria and Dadi Community in Cameroon.
In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations and prevent recurrence, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division has directed the Commander of 13 Brigade to engage his Cameroonian counterpart. The planned visit aims to enhance border coordination, clarify operational procedures, and build confidence between the two militaries.
The Division reassured residents of Danare and surrounding areas that the situation is calm and under full control, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance along the border.
“Residents of Danare and adjoining areas are reassured that the situation is calm and fully under control,” the statement added.
The Army urged members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary tension in the area.
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