Local vigilante groups have successfully rescued several students of the National Examinations Council (NECO) who were abducted in Borno State, security sources confirmed on Monday.

The students were reportedly kidnapped while traveling or residing in the area for examination purposes. Details of the exact number rescued and the circumstances of the abduction remain limited, but eyewitness accounts indicate that vigilante fighters acting on intelligence engaged the kidnappers, leading to the release of the captives without major casualties reported among the students.

A community leader in the affected area praised the swift response of the vigilantes, stating that their deep knowledge of the local terrain played a crucial role in tracking the abductors. “These boys and girls were on their way to pursue their education. We thank God and our local defenders for bringing them back safely,” he said.

Borno State has faced persistent security challenges, including banditry and insurgent activities that have occasionally targeted schools and students. The rescue operation highlights the growing reliance on community-based security networks in complementing efforts by the Nigerian military and police in the region.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but sources say efforts are ongoing to reunite the rescued students with their families and provide necessary medical and psychological support. Investigations into the kidnapping are also underway to apprehend those responsible.

This latest incident comes amid broader concerns over the safety of students in northern Nigeria during examination periods.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in partnership with Rite Foods Limited will honour seven outstanding candidates who recorded exceptional academic performance during the 2025 admission exercise .

The recognition will take place at the maiden Academic Excellence Recognition Award Ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Lagos.

JAMB’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin said “the initiative is aimed at promoting academic excellence, rewarding merit and encouraging young Nigerians to strive for high educational achievement.”

Dr Benjamin said that at the ceremony, each of the seven award recipients will receive ₦5 million in recognition of their exceptional performance in both the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the respective Post-UTME or institutional screening exercises conducted by their admitting Universities.

The initiative is expected to motivate students to pursue academic distinction while reinforcing the importance of merit-based recognition in Nigeria’s education sector.

Image: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

The Federal Ministry of Works has announced a ban on commercial motorcycles and tricycles on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

The restriction, which takes effect this week, was announced in a statement signed by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mr Olufemi Dare.

Dare said that the decision was introduced “to protect the newly constructed superhighway from misuse and deterioration.”

He explained that the measures were necessary to preserve the road and ensure its long-term sustainability.