Crime
AANI Celebrates Safe Return of Kuriga school Children, Calls For Increased School Security
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.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, to February 27, 2026.
The adjournment was announced on Friday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik during proceedings in the case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS), also known as the State Security Service.
The case, which involves allegations including terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms, could not proceed as scheduled due to a public holiday declared by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The holiday was proclaimed ahead of the scheduled area council elections in the FCT set for the following day.
Following the declaration, the court ordered that the defendants remain remanded in the custody of the DSS pending the next hearing date.
Malami and his son had earlier pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge when they were arraigned before the same judge. The matter had previously been adjourned to February 20 for consideration of bail applications and the potential commencement of trial.
This development marks another delay in the high-profile legal proceedings against the former chief law officer of Nigeria and his son. The case continues to draw significant public attention amid broader anti-corruption and security-related probes in the country.
The court is expected to reconvene on February 27 for further proceedings.
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has been arrested following a shooting incident at his residence in the upscale Hyde Park suburb.
According to reports from South African media outlets including eNCA and IOL, as well as Gauteng police investigations, an employee—described variably as a security guard or gardener—was shot during an apparent dispute at the property.
The victim is in critical condition and receiving medical treatment.Police responded to the scene, where Mugabe was reportedly taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
Some unconfirmed social media accounts and early reports mentioned police negotiators attending amid claims the suspect had barricaded himself, but he was subsequently arrested.
This marks the latest in a series of legal troubles for Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, who has previously faced charges related to assault in Zimbabwe, including incidents involving security personnel and law enforcement.
The investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) is ongoing, with more details expected as the case develops. Authorities have not yet released an official statement on charges or motives.
The incident has drawn significant attention online and in regional media, given the family’s prominent political legacy.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is currently in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued late Wednesday by the commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the ICPC stated: “Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, is in our custody as at close of work today, Wednesday the 18th day of February, 2026. Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the Commission in connection with investigations.
“The confirmation comes amid earlier widespread reports suggesting that El-Rufai had been taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) following his release on administrative bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) around 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
Witnesses and initial sources indicated that operatives from another security agency—widely reported as the DSS—were waiting at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja and immediately detained him upon his release after two nights in EFCC custody.
However, the ICPC’s statement clarifies that El-Rufai is now under its authority, addressing the confusion in initial media accounts that attributed his latest detention to the DSS.
Details of the specific allegations under ICPC investigation were not disclosed in the statement, though El-Rufai’s earlier EFCC questioning reportedly related to financial matters during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023, including probes linked to substantial state funds.
The sequence of events began on Monday when El-Rufai honored an EFCC invitation over alleged corruption, leading to his detention for questioning. After being granted bail on Wednesday evening, the rapid transfer to another agency has sparked fresh developments in what appears to be a multi-agency scrutiny of the former governor.
Further details on the handover process—whether involving the DSS or direct ICPC action—remain unclear, as the ICPC has not elaborated beyond confirming custody. El-Rufai, a prominent political figure and former ally of President Bola Tinubu, has faced multiple probes in recent months.
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