A positive development has emerged in the aftermath of last weekend’s violent protest in Ekpoma, where 52 individuals, including students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), were arrested and remanded in custody.

According to a statement from Hon. Comrade Asefon Sunday Dayo, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, 38 confirmed AAU students among those detained are set to be released shortly.

The announcement credits the swift resolution to collaborative efforts by key stakeholders, including Edo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, who has directed the release of bona fide students after meetings with the AAU Students’ Union Government (SUG) leadership; Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayo Olawande; the dedicated Commissioner for Education in Edo State; the SUG President of Ambrose Alli University**; and the broader comrade community.

The protest, initially sparked by concerns over rising kidnappings and insecurity in Ekpoma and surrounding areas, reportedly escalated into violence, with reports of property destruction, looting, and vandalism—including at the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma. Authorities, including the Edo State Government, have attributed the unrest to a group known as the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community” (primarily non-students or former students), insisting that genuine AAU students did not organize or lead the demonstration.Governor Okpebholo has emphasized that while peaceful protests are protected, criminal acts will face consequences, with ongoing investigations into the violence.

The state has deployed officials, including the Commissioner for Education, to the Ubiaja Correctional Centre to facilitate the verification and release process for confirmed students.

The statement praises the commitment to dialogue, due process, and student welfare, highlighting a peaceful resolution through multi-level interventions.

This update comes amid widespread calls from groups such as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), opposition parties like the PDP, and rights activists for the unconditional release of the detainees, amid concerns over insecurity in the region.

The Edo State Government continues to urge calm as efforts focus on restoring peace and addressing underlying security challenges in Ekpoma.

The United States has delivered critical military supplies to Nigerian security agencies in Abuja, bolstering the country’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other security threats amid persistent insecurity.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced the handover on Tuesday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja.

This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasizes our shared security partnership.”

The announcement included an image of sealed equipment being offloaded from an aircraft.

This latest support comes weeks after U.S. forces conducted a Christmas Day airstrike in Sokoto State targeting Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants, an operation carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

The strike followed heightened U.S. attention to security challenges in Nigeria, including President Donald Trump’s earlier designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” over reported violence against Christian communities—a claim Nigeria has rejected, emphasizing that attacks affect citizens across religious and ethnic lines.

The delivery underscores deepening bilateral security cooperation between Washington and Abuja. Nigerian officials have previously highlighted ongoing structured collaboration with the U.S., including enhanced intelligence sharing, expedited defense equipment processing, and potential provision of excess defense articles to reinforce counterterrorism operations.

While specific details on the type or quantity of supplies were not disclosed, the gesture is seen as a timely boost for Nigerian forces engaged in intensified operations against insurgent groups in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central regions, and other violent threats nationwide.

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani described the development as “a welcome development and commendable,” urging other countries to emulate the U.S. gesture in helping Nigeria address insecurity.

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria was tagged in AFRICOM’s announcement, signaling continued partnership.

Neither the Nigerian Ministry of Defence nor the Presidency had issued a formal statement on the delivery as of Tuesday afternoon, though broader security engagements between the two nations remain active.

This move aligns with long-standing U.S.-Nigeria defense ties, which have included previous major provisions such as A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and training programs focused on counterterrorism and civilian harm mitigation.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed a total of N161.97 billion in student loans, benefiting 864,798 students across the country since the scheme’s launch in May 2024.

This milestone was announced by NELFUND Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. The initiative, a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to eliminate financial barriers to higher education and ensure no qualified Nigerian student is denied access to tertiary institutions due to lack of funds.

According to Sawyerr, NELFUND has received 1,361,011 loan applications to date. Of the total disbursed amount:

– N89.94 billion was paid directly to 263 tertiary institutions to cover tuition and other institutional charges.

– N72.03 billion was released directly to students as upkeep allowances to support their living expenses during studies.

The scheme provides interest-free loans to eligible students in public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and vocational institutions. Sawyerr emphasized that the growing numbers demonstrate the program’s tangible impact, gradually dismantling financial obstacles and creating new opportunities for young Nigerians.

The agency has conducted widespread sensitization campaigns across tertiary institutions over the past year to boost awareness and participation.

NELFUND is also pursuing partnerships with philanthropists, corporate organizations, and government bodies, including a N20 billion collaboration with the Ministry of Education focused on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Applications for the 2025/2026 academic session began in November 2025, with more than 200 institutions submitting updated data. So far, around 280,000 applications have been received for the new session, and loans have already been disbursed to over 150,000 students.

Sawyerr urged financially challenged students to apply, describing the scheme as a vital lifeline for completing their education. He reiterated NELFUND’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and expanding access to quality higher education nationwide.