The Federal Government has arraigned three suspects in connection with the high-profile kidnapping of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.

The suspects, whose identities were not immediately disclosed for security reasons, were brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges, including conspiracy, aiding and abetting kidnapping, and links to the armed group responsible for the abduction.

The dramatic school attack saw heavily armed gunmen storm Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, abducting around 46 pupils, students, and teachers, including a two-year-old toddler. One teacher was killed in captivity, heightening national outrage.

Security operations led by the military, police, DSS, and other agencies resulted in the rescue of all surviving victims after 56 days. Eight suspects were arrested in total during the operation, with several others neutralized. The three now facing formal arraignment are believed to be key figures or accomplices linked to the network, possibly including informants or logistics providers.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had earlier confirmed that no ransom was paid and no prisoner swap occurred, despite demands from the abductors for the release of detained Ansaru commanders Mahmud Usman and his deputy. The government maintained a firm stance, emphasizing justice for the victims and the slain teacher.

The arraignment underscores ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to dismantle criminal networks behind school attacks and banditry in the region. The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court adjourned the case for further hearing while remanding them in DSS custody.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies have been commended for their roles in the rescue, even as communities call for sustained vigilance and improved school security in vulnerable areas. The incident has reignited debates on protecting educational institutions from such threats.

In a successful security operation, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and forest guards have rescued two kidnapped children in Kwara State.

The children — 16-year-old Fatima Azeez and her five-year-old brother, Ibrahim — were freed on Thursday from a forest between Oba Isin/Owa Onire in Isin and Ifelodun Local Government Areas of the state.

According to government sources, the joint security team eliminated two armed kidnappers during the operation, while several others sustained fatal injuries and fled. More rescue operations are said to be ongoing in the area.

Items recovered from the kidnappers include one AK-47 rifle, a single-barrel gun, one fully-loaded magazine, nine empty magazines, a mini-solar charger, and food items.

The operation is part of the Kwara State Government’s multi-agency counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping efforts.

The rescue comes just days after a similar intelligence-led operation in neighbouring Oyo State, where pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire were successfully freed.

Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) TinCan Island Command have made a major drug bust, seizing a massive consignment of cannabis valued at an estimated ₦18.96 billion cleverly concealed inside imported vehicles from Canada.

The interception was announced by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, during a press briefing at the command. The operation was intelligence-driven and carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to Onyeka, the seizure involved a 40-foot container (marked HAMU 429961) falsely declared as containing only used vehicles. A 100% physical examination revealed 185 jumbo bags of cannabis — commonly known locally as “tiga” — hidden inside two vehicles: a 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet.

Further inspection uncovered a total of 9,450 packages weighing 4,729 kilograms. The street value of the drugs was placed at ₦18.96 billion.

“This underscores the scale of the criminal attempt and the effectiveness of our enforcement strategies,” Onyeka stated. The seized drugs and vehicles have been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

The bust comes shortly after a formal cooperation agreement signed between the NCS and NDLEA on April 27, 2026, aimed at enhancing intelligence sharing and joint operations against drug trafficking.

Customs officials have reiterated their commitment to zero tolerance for smuggling, warning that such activities pose serious threats to public health, national security, and the economy. No arrests were detailed in the briefing, but investigations are ongoing.

This operation highlights the continued vigilance of Nigerian border agencies in combating sophisticated smuggling tactics involving containerized imports.