North Central Nigerian state, largest by area, Minna capital
Armed groups have abducted a Kebbi State judge and later abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State. Nigerian security forces have conducted multi-agency operations to rescue the kidnapped victims, while investigations continue into the perpetrators and their networks. The government has rejected ransom negotiations and is pursuing wider security measures.
Nigeria has announced the rescue of 308 kidnapped citizens in a coordinated operation involving the military, police, and intelligence services. Of the rescued, 163 were abducted from Woro in Kwara State and 145 from Niger State. Victims are receiving medical care and will be reunited with families as security agencies pledge to strengthen early-warning systems.
Nigeria has freed 308 people who had been held captive for months after a joint military, police and counter-terrorism operation recovered hostages from Kainji Lake national park. The group includes 163 people taken in February from Woro in Kwara state and 145 taken mainly in Niger state; survivors are receiving medical checks at an army facility.
A wave of attacks in Borgu’s Niger state has seen mosques targeted and scores abducted. Officials say fatalities and missing persons are being verified as authorities mount a security response.
Worshippers abducted in Dekera village have sparked a national security operation. President Tinubu has ordered a coordinated rescue and security services are pursuing the attackers as relatives appeal for the return of the hostages.
Security forces are conducting a coordinated rescue operation after mass abductions in Niger State. Reports indicate hundreds of victims and rising kidnap-for-ransom incidents; authorities vow to pursue those responsible.
Nusrat Osman has been rescued in a police operation in Blantyre after being abducted last week. Four suspects were killed in the clash, and a senior officer was wounded. Osman has been reunited with her family and is undergoing medical checks.
At least 37 suspected illegal miners have died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. Officials have said the deaths have been sent for medical examination while an intelligence report and survivors point to overcrowding and poor ventilation in the detention facility. Protests and a curfew have followed.
A deadly incident in Minna has intensified as a government probe explores overcrowding and ventilation as possible causes after 37 detainees died in a NSCDC cell. A panel is to determine responsibility and misconduct, while officials suspend NSCDC officers and impose a curfew amid protests.
Detainees, including 37 who probably died of suffocation, have raised questions about detention conditions in Niger state. Authorities have suspended NSCDC personnel, formed a 10-member committee, and pledged a full investigation. Survivors describe maltreatment and calls for justice as the government moves to address accountability.
Armed gangs have abducted dozens in multiple northwestern and north-central Nigerian communities, triggering mass fear as security forces intensify patrols. Police report remains and skulls recovered in Abia forests, linking to ongoing kidnapping networks. The government faces heightened scrutiny ahead of January elections.