In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Zamfara State security forces have successfully rescued the four remaining students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, who were abducted by suspected bandits.

The joint operation marks the latest success in efforts to secure the release of victims from the June abduction incident, where gunmen stormed off-campus student accommodations in the early hours, taking several students hostage.

Security sources confirmed that the students were recovered unharmed during intelligence-led raids. Details of the exact location and circumstances of the rescue are still emerging, but authorities described the operation as swift and coordinated.

This rescue comes amid ongoing security challenges in Zamfara State, where banditry has plagued communities and educational institutions. Earlier reports indicated that seven students were initially kidnapped, with some previously rescued or having escaped.

The Zamfara State Police Command and DSS have been praised for their collaborative efforts in tackling insecurity in the region. Families of the rescued students expressed relief and gratitude to the security agencies.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring peace in the northwest and urged residents to provide timely intelligence to security forces. Further updates on the investigation and possible arrests are expected.

This is a developing story.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to arraign three suspects before the Federal High Court on Wednesday, 23 July 2026, over their alleged involvement in the Oriire school abductions and related terrorism activities.

The suspects — Abdulrazak Umar (also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (also known as Yunusa Bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (also known as Abu Itisar) — all hail from Niger State. They face a 10-count charge bordering on kidnapping, concealment of information, and terrorism-related offences.

According to the charges, the defendants are accused of knowingly withholding vital information about individuals linked to terrorist activities, actively participating in kidnapping operations, and using a messaging platform to facilitate terrorist training.

The planned arraignment marks the formal commencement of their criminal trial. The court is expected to take the defendants’ pleas and issue further directions on the matter.

The development comes as security agencies continue efforts to hold accountable those involved in the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire and similar incidents across the region.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail of ₦500 million to Jimoh Yisawu, the former Managing Director of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited, who is facing an eight-count money laundering charge.

Yisawu pleaded not guilty to all counts when the charges were read to him before Justice Inyang Ekwo on Monday.

The Federal Government, through the prosecution, filed the charges on June 22, 2026, accusing Yisawu of violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In the first count, prosecutors alleged that Yisawu indirectly converted over $789,950, said to be proceeds of unlawful activity, contrary to Section 18(2)(b) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Act.

The second count accused him of making cash payments exceeding $789,950 to one Samaila Bala without routing the transaction through a financial institution. The fourth count alleged similar cash payments totalling $122,600 made through Rasheed Olaitan Yusuf outside the banking system.

Prosecution counsel Ekele Iheanacho (SAN) urged the court to fix a trial date, while defence counsel Wale Balogun (SAN) moved a bail application. Iheanacho opposed the bail, informing the court that a counter-affidavit had been filed.

Balogun told the court that his client had earlier been granted administrative bail by the prosecution and his international passport seized, pleading that the same terms be maintained.

After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Ekwo granted bail in the sum of ₦500 million with one surety in like sum.

Relying on Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the judge ordered that the surety must be a responsible Nigerian with landed property in Abuja and must submit proof of ownership to the court registrar.

Justice Ekwo further directed Yisawu to deposit his international passport with the court and barred him from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s permission.

Pending the perfection of his bail conditions, the former refinery boss was ordered to remain in the custody of the prosecution.

The case has been adjourned to October 26, 27, and 28, 2026, for the commencement of trial.