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AANI Celebrates Safe Return of Kuriga school Children, Calls For Increased School Security

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The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), has rejoiced with the Kaduna state government on the successful return of the Kuriga school children kidnapped by gunmen, calling for increased school security.

According to the National President of the Association, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, the release is a great move towards ensuring that kidnapped school children are returned safely.

The statement reads:

“The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) wishes to convey its heartfelt jubilation and congratulations to all Nigerians over the swift and successful rescue of the Kuriga school children from the clutches of bandits. We are profoundly grateful to all those who played pivotal roles in ensuring the safe return of these innocent children, marking a beacon of hope amidst the shadows of terror that have plagued our nation in recent times.

We particularly commend the unwavering dedication and leadership exhibited by His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose decisive actions and directives paved the way for this triumphant rescue operation. Additionally, we express our appreciation to the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, whose steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of his constituents has been quite exemplary. We note and appreciate the tremendous role of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu mni, in facilitating this commendable feat. Our sincere gratitude to the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and security forces, deployed in the northwestern of the country, whose bravery and determination in executing the rescue mission underscore their unwavering resolve to protect our citizens and defend our nation’s integrity.

The safe return of the Kuriga school children stands as a testament to the efficacy of proactive governance and the prioritisation of the safety and security of our people. It is a stark departure from the tragic events of the past, notably the abduction of the Chibok school girls in 2014, reminding us that progress is indeed possible when leadership is resolute in its duty to safeguard its citizens. We call on all those in authority to be more proactive and decisive in a bid to make Nigeria better.

While we celebrate this significant victory, we must however remain more vigilant and resolute in our efforts to prevent such atrocities from occurring again. Consequently, AANI urges the government at all levels, and security agencies to implement the Safe School Initiative and robust measures aimed at fortifying our schools and communities against the scourge of banditry, kidnapping and other criminalities. AANI strongly believes that every child deserves the fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure that this right is upheld without compromise.

Furthermore, we call upon the government to expedite efforts to secure the release of all individuals held in captivity by terrorists and bandits since 2014. The scourge of banditry kidnapping and other forms of insecurities must be decisively tackled to restore peace and stability to our beloved nation.

We would like to reiterate our deepest gratitude to all those who played a role in securing the release of these children, including the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Kaduna State Government, local law enforcement agencies, intelligence officers, negotiators, and medical personnel. Your courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment brought these children home safely. We also recognise the bravery of the schoolchildren themselves, who faced this terrifying experience with resilience. Our thoughts are with them and their families as they recover from this ordeal. Everything humanly possible should be done to ensure their well-being and ease the trauma induced by the sad experience in captivity.

It will be recalled that AANI recently cautioned against the increasing insecurity in the country. We should underscore the need for the Government at all levels, to undertake a vulnerability assessment of all schools especially those in remote areas to ensure that such incidents will not occur again, as the security authorities including the traditional leadership will be held accountable in the future.

AANI stands ready to collaborate with governments, agencies, and all stakeholders committed to forging a safer, more secure Nigeria and developing effective strategies to safeguard our schools and protect our future generations. Together, we can overcome the challenges that beset us and build a future where every citizen can thrive without fear or apprehension.

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BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Sacks All Lawyers, To Represent Himself

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The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he will personally conduct his defense in the ongoing terrorism case brought against him by the Federal Government.

This declaration came during Thursday’s proceedings, following the withdrawal of his legal team, led by senior advocate Kanu Agabi (SAN), alongside other Senior Advocates of Nigeria who had been representing him.

The courtroom was thrown into mild surprise when Mr. Kanu told Justice James Omotosho that he intended to take charge of his own defense, stating his decision to act as his own counsel moving forward.

Justice Omotosho, in response, offered to assign a court-appointed lawyer to assist him, but Mr. Kanu declined the offer, insisting that he would proceed without any legal representation.

The court subsequently adjourned to allow Mr. Kanu to prepare for his defense under the new arrangement.

Mr. Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021, faces multiple charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement.

The self-proclaimed IPOB leader has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that his movement’s agitation for the independence of Biafra is rooted in self-determination and not in violence or terrorism.

The case, which has drawn both national and international attention, is expected to resume in the coming weeks as Mr. Kanu opens his defense without a legal team.

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Indonesia to Repatriate British Grandmother on Death Row, Says Official

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Indonesia will sign an agreement on Tuesday to repatriate two British nationals convicted of drug-related crimes, including Lindsay Sandiford, a grandmother sentenced to death, according to a senior Indonesian government source.

“The practical arrangement will be signed today. The transfer will be done immediately after the technical side is agreed,” the official told AFP, naming Sandiford and Shahab Shahabadi, 35, as the individuals to be returned to the UK.

Sandiford was sentenced to death in 2013 after she was caught smuggling cocaine worth over $2.1 million into Bali from Thailand. The drugs were discovered concealed in a false bottom of her suitcase. Shahabadi, arrested in 2014, is currently serving a life sentence for separate drug offences.

Although the Indonesian source listed Sandiford’s age as 68, public records indicate she is 69.

A joint press conference with Indonesian officials and the British ambassador to Indonesia was scheduled for later Tuesday, according to the Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Affairs.

Tabloid Attention and Personal Testimony

Sandiford’s case received widespread attention in the UK after she admitted to the offences but claimed she was coerced by a drug syndicate that threatened to kill her son. In a 2015 article published in The Mail on Sunday, Sandiford wrote from prison about her fear of imminent execution:

“My execution is imminent, and I know I might die at any time now. I could be taken tomorrow from my cell. I have started to write goodbye letters to members of my family.”

Originally from Redcar, in northeast England, she also wrote that she planned to sing the Perry Como hit “Magic Moments” before facing the firing squad.

During her time in prison, Sandiford reportedly became close friends with Andrew Chan, one of the “Bali Nine” Australian drug smugglers who was executed in 2015.

Policy Shift on Repatriation

The planned transfer follows recent moves by the Prabowo Subianto administration to repatriate foreign nationals serving harsh sentences for drug crimes. In December 2024, Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina who spent nearly 15 years on death row, was allowed to return home. In February 2025, Serge Atlaoui, a French national, was repatriated after 18 years on death row.

Indonesia, known for having some of the world’s strictest drug laws, last carried out executions in 2016, when three Nigerian citizens and an Indonesian were executed by firing squad. As of early November 2025, more than 90 foreign nationals remain on death row in the country, all for drug-related offences.

The British Embassy in Jakarta declined to comment, directing inquiries to the Indonesian government.

Indonesian authorities have recently signalled the potential resumption of executions, after nearly a decade-long de facto moratorium.

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Bauchi: Boy,17, plucks sister’s eyes for money ritual

The victim’s father told investigators that the suspect lured his daughter, who shares the same parents, into the bush, where he attacked her and forcefully plucked her eyes.

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Bauchi State Police Command, has arrested a teenager, Auwal Dahiru, aged 17, and five others for having forcefully plucked her sister’s eyes for money ritual.

His accomplishes are Mohammed Rabiu, aged 19; Saleh Ibrahim, aged 20; Nasiru Muhammad of Soro town, Ganjuwa LGA; Hassan Garba of Soro town, Ganjuwa LGA; and Garba Dahiru, aged 43, of Soro town.

The Command PPRO, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, in a statement made available to journalists in Bauchi on Monday, stated that Auwalu lured his seven-year-old sister to the bush, where her eyes were forcefully removed for ritual purposes.

The PPRO added that on 17 October 2025, at about 18:00 hours, one Muhammad Adamu of Bayan Dutse Village, Wailo, Kubi Ward, Ganjuwa LGA, Bauchi State, reported at the Soro Divisional Police Headquarters that on the same date at about 20:00 hours his daughter, Rukayya Muhammad, aged seven years, was attacked with the intention of killing her and an attempt was made to pluck out her eyes.

“Upon receipt of the report, a team of detectives led by CSP Aliyu Mohammad Goni, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Soro Division, immediately dispatched to the scene, where the suspects were arrested.

At the same time, the victim was quickly evacuated to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, for medical treatment.”

A preliminary investigation’s findings revealed that the seven-year-old girl, Rukayya Muhammad, tragically lost her eyesight permanently after her elder brother allegedly removed both of her eyes in a money ritual, reportedly in a desperate attempt to gain wealth.

The victim’s father told investigators that the suspect lured his daughter, who shares the same parents, into the bush, where he attacked her and forcefully plucked her eyes.

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