President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday ordered the Nigerian Air Force to enforce a total security cordon around forests in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger States where kidnappers and terrorists are believed to be hiding.

The President directed the security to maintain a 24 hour surveillance and link up with the booths on the ground.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, disclosed this via a post on his X handle on Tuesday.

The operation, he noted, will run round the clock, with air assets maintaining constant communication and coordination with ground troops.

Dare explained that the directive will be in all axes, where joint operations are expected to facilitate the rescue of kidnapped victims.

Communities in the affected regions have also been urged to provide timely intelligence on suspicious movements to aid security forces in restoring safety, Dare added.

Image: AFP

The Federal Government has banned open grazing of cattle by cattle rearers nationwide.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, made the declaration today at the inauguration of the 1st National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State.

The government is convinced that the ban will curb the persistent farmers-herders conflicts across the country.

The minister lamented that the ongoing farmers-herders clashes have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands of Nigerians.

“Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardships, including the killing of innocent farmers and herders, as a result of open grazing.

There is an urgent need to put a stop to this problem,” Maiha said.

He emphasized that open grazing is now considered a capital offense, urging cattle rearers to embrace ranching as a safer and more profitable method.

“Ranching will not only prevent conflicts but also improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business,” the minister added.

At least 11 residents of Isapa, a community close to Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been abducted.

The attack happened barely 24 hours after victims abducted during a church service were released.

A Christ Apostolic Church in Ekuru was holding a thanksgiving service to celebrate the freedom of 18 worshippers kidnapped about a month ago when gunmen broke in and abducted 38 persons after gunning down three.

The fresh attack, which occurred around 6:00 p.m. yesterday, it was gathered, was carried out by an estimated 20 to 30 terrorists.

They reportedly fired sporadically as they advanced, forcing residents to flee for safety.

An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the incident.

A community leader, who confirmed the development under strict anonymity, said “eleven people were kidnapped, seven of them from the same household.

“The victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children”, he said.

Those abducted were identified as Talatu Kabiru, 20; Magaji, 6; Kande, 5; Hadiza, 10; Mariam, 6; Saima, 5; a housewife, Habibat; another housewife, Fatima Yusufu; a pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday, 22; a nursing mother, Lami Fidelis, 23; and another nursing mother, Haja Na Allah.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen moved through sections of the town, leaving bullet holes in walls and doors.

Expended AK-47 shells were later recovered from several points in the community after the attackers retreated with their captives.

It was gathered that the situation has heightened tension across Isapa and surrounding settlements as security agencies and local vigilante groups intensify efforts to locate the kidnappers and rescue the victims.

Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident, saying, “Yes, there was an incident, but I cannot say much now. I am about to enter Isapa from Ilorin. I will update you when I get there.”

Nigeria is currently witnessing one of its worse security crisis in history.

This has led to mass closure of schools, especially in the North.