Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Friday night arrested three more persons suspected to be members of the kidnapping ring that abducted the dean of agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Professor Samuel Avengbe Okunsebor.

The university don was rescued by DSS operatives two days after some gunmen kidnapped him in the wee hours of Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Mile Uku, a border community between Lafia and Nasarawa-Eggon LGAs. Two suspects, including a lady, were arrested by the DSS at the time.

DSS operatives arrested the three other members of the kidnapping gang on Friday night at a local brothel on the Mararraban Akunza, Lafia – Makurdi highway

According to report, “the suspects were identified as 25-year-old Yakubu Abubakar (aka Black/Starboy), of the Doemak tribe in Plateau State;

37-year-old Usman Abubakar Mairiga,

and 27-year-old Sale Babauro Abubakar. Mairiga

and Abubakar are Hausa and Fulani respectively.

It was disclosed that the suspects are in the custody of the State Command for further investigations. The move, however, followed a valid detention warrant from a magistrate’s court.

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapaade, has confirmed that five students were abducted following an attack by suspected armed bandits on a private student hostel.

In a joint statement signed by SUG President Comr. Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Comr. Salau Boluwaduro Saidat, and Public Relations Officer Comr. Amb. Matthew Francis Sonayon (Sonat), the union said the incident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. at a hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara.

The hostel is located in a remote area surrounded by thick bush, which the SUG described as vulnerable and unsuitable as a safe residential environment for students. The attack lasted about 30 minutes. Because of the isolated location, nearby residents were unable to hear or respond in time.

The assailants fired gunshots during the assault, but no student was killed. Several students managed to escape through the POP ceiling, while others were unable to flee. Five students were taken by the attackers.

The matter has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies. The SUG expressed confidence that efforts are underway to secure the safe rescue of the abducted students.

The union urged students, parents, guardians and the public to ignore false, exaggerated and unverified reports circulating on social media. While acknowledging that the incident is real and deeply unfortunate, it said many of the circulating stories do not accurately reflect the facts and only fuel unnecessary fear and panic.

The SUG called on everyone to remain calm, rely solely on verified information from the institution, the Students’ Union Government and security agencies, and avoid spreading rumours that could hinder ongoing rescue and security operations.

It also advised students seeking off-campus accommodation to prioritise hostels in secure, well-populated areas and avoid isolated locations that increase security risks.

The Students’ Union Government said it stands in solidarity with the affected students and their families and remains committed to working with school management and security agencies until the abducted students are safely reunited with their loved ones.

The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned the President of the Borno State Youths Association (BOSYA), Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, on terrorism charges before Justice Salim Ibrahim of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kaigama, who was recently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), had last week admitted during an interview on Channels Television that he held discussions with Boko Haram terrorists over alleged ransom payments for kidnapped victims.

Security sources said the secret police is in possession of strong evidence linking Kaigama to the extortion of families of the abducted persons.

Justice Ibrahim adjourned the case to September 25, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that the self-styled youth leader remain in DSS custody.